Double Bass C# is D.O.A. on the A string

[skychief]

I've tried different strings (even gut!), but when i play a C# on the A string, its just DEAD. No volume, no tone, ...

Also, playing a D on that string is kinda dead, but not as bad as the C#. Th rest of the notes on the A string sound fine.

I know its an issue with the bass, as I've tried many different strings... same results.

Ive checked for cracks and other structural anomalies.. cant find any. Sound post is in place.

Whats going on?

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Wolf note. Try adding some weight to the tailpiece or stuffing some damping material between the strings on the tailpiece side. If that works, there are tidier ways to solve it; little metal weights you can attach to the after length of the problem string, for example.

 

[skychief]

Try adding some weight to the tailpiece or stuffing some damping material between the strings on the tailpiece side.

Ok, Ill first put some C clamps on the tailpiece. and stuff some dense foam between the strings.

Ill report back with the results...

 

[reedo35]

Sound post placement is not an Exact science. You say that the sound post is in place, but it may not be the right place for this time of year. You could experiment with that, or take it to a luthier for a quick adjustment.

 

[skychief]

Putting a C clamp on the tailpiece REALLY made a huge difference! The volume and tone increased dramatically....Id say within 75% - 80% balance to the rest of the notes on that (A) string.

Oddly, the foam inserts had little or no effect.

So, clearly i need to add mass to the tailpiece.

I added an additional C clamp to the bridge for sh!ts & giggles...no change.

I will have my luthier evaluate positioning of the soundpost --- thats a bit out my realm of expertise....

Thanks to Andrew and reedo35 for your insights! Im gonna tackle this bad boy.

 

[1st Bass]

While you are at the luthier, ask him/her about a wolf-eliminator. They are cheap, and surprisingly effective, when placed correctly. I think mine cost about $17 including placement, but you could have a look at some, and try making one yourself for next to nothing, if you feel like it.

 

[skychief]

This is the worst time of the year to have a luthier guy chase down this wolf-tone issue. He wants $100 just to look at it. yikes.

Im gonna try to fabricate my own wolf-tone eliminator.

If that fails, Ill just buy the off-the-shelf eliminator.

 

[RSBBass]

Yikes, try and find someone more reasonable.

 

[skychief]

Made my own wolf-tone eliminator out of a shank from a 5/8" hex bolt. Weighs around 21 grams.... a bit lighter than the store-brand eliminators (30 gram).

Had the wife change its position on the string while i played the C#, and this is the optimal spot. Works very well on these Corelli ultra-lights.

Thanks you guys for pointing me in the right direction.

 

[longfinger]

Made my own wolf-tone eliminator out of a shank from a 5/8" hex bolt. Weighs around 21 grams.... a bit lighter than the store-brand eliminators (30 gram).

Had the wife change its position on the string while i played the C#, and this is the optimal spot. Works very well on these Corelli ultra-lights.

Thanks you guys for pointing me in the right direction.

Cool. You fixed it.

BTW, in the pic, what is that thing covering the bass side F hole?

 

[skychief]

Thats the mic half of an old Polytone hybrid pup. The piezo part is wedged in the bridge...a little out-of-focus. The red button is a cut-out switch for the mic in case you just want piezo only.

 

[Andrew McGregor]

Excellent! It's good when it's a simple thing...