Double Bass Can't hear myself in large jams

[Shreba]

Here's the things I've learned: if there is a wall nearby or a car try to get the jam to be there and stand where the sound coming off the back of your bass reflects to your ear. The more relaxed you are the louder you can be and better tone. Learn to really pop your strings with the side of your finger. Generally speaking notes on the bigger strings half way up the neck like the "a" note at the 7th fret on the d string will be louder than the a note on the g string so when the banjo is soloing go there. And last but not least find and buy an old and loud bass.
Happy picking!

 

[bobsax]

Here's the things I've learned: if there is a wall nearby or a car try to get the jam to be there and stand where the sound coming off the back of your bass reflects to your ear. The more relaxed you are the louder you can be and better tone. Learn to really pop your strings with the side of your finger. Generally speaking notes on the bigger strings half way up the neck like the "a" note at the 7th fret on the d string will be louder than the a note on the g string so when the banjo is soloing go there. And last but not least find and buy an old and loud bass.
Happy picking!

Interesting Shreba
My G string A is louder but has so many overtones that it can be hard to tell the pitch. (This is sometimes called a wolf-tone , I think?)
Since the A on the G string has more string to vibrate it picks up the vibrations of the other instruments (a theory?)
I agree though that the A on the D string is easier to hear.

One of the top bluegrass players in the bay area told me he doesn't ever use open strings.
He feels the sound of the notes farther up the neck in closed position give a more defined thumper sound.

 

[GretschWretch]

You don't have to get your ear right up next to the bass. Just press your forehead briefly against the neck; the vibrations are amplified by your cranial cavity enough to give you a pitch reference.

 

[Feral Feline]

**********

Sometimes I lean the bass back and stick my head as far forward as possible and get some of what's projecting off the top of the bass.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I always wondered if a piece of wood/Perspex/etc positioned in front of me and angled a certain way might reflect my sound back towards my ears. Kinda like a drum shield, or a portable 'wall'.

Hmmm, anyone tried that yet?

 

[ragtimelil]

Great ideas here, especially for us seniors who are losing hearing. The lower tones are the first to go. I don't know why I can still play.

 

[bobsax]

What about using a doctors stethoscope ?
You could wear a white lab coat and call yourself "Dr Bass"

I always wondered if a piece of wood/Perspex/etc positioned in front of me and angled a certain way might reflect my sound back towards my ears. Kinda like a drum shield, or a portable 'wall'.

Hmmm, anyone tried that yet?

Great ideas here, especially for us seniors who are losing hearing. The lower tones are the first to go. I don't know why I can still play.

 

[bobsax]

Anybody ever play this way on a regular chair
? I did this at a jam when everyone got tired and wanted to sit. I could hear myself great .