compensating tailpieces and adjustable saddle

I've never tried one myself, but Kolstein sells these...

Kolstein’s™ Ebony Bass Adjustable Tailpiece - Kolstein Music - Violin, viola, cello, bass rentals, repairs and accessories

 

I have the Marvin wireless tailpiece on two basses and think it is terrific -- not exactly "compensating"

marvin cable tailpieces

 

From my non-luthier perspective, it "opens" the bass up - because there is basically no mass or weight the top vibrates much more freely. Both instruments are carved (1810 and 1880s) and have very thin tops. Whether this would be the case with a thicker topped instrument, I don't (in fact the opposite might be true - you might need the vibrating mass of the tailpiece to move the top. I don't know.)

And yes, no separate tailgate wire is needed. While neither bass had wolf tones, other people who own these say they remove the WT.

 

Every bass is different, of course, but I think the Marvin tailpiece will generally help a bass that sounds and/or feels tight. I have one here if you make it to Vancouver at some point. I think I'd be willing to sell it, if it works for you...

 

I got a "harp" style tailpipe off Reverb and Pecanic synthetic cord off eBay as an experiment to battle a really strong wolf tone on the A, but the Gollihur website has similar items to what I got so that would be a stable source. The jury is still out on mine, not a "night and day" difference, but it does seem a little more deep and open on the low end and the wolf is not as strong.

 

Wow! The Reverb one looks pretty cool and is very cheap. The Kolstein one is tunable, but rather pricey. As to the Marvin, you just have to try it. The overall feedback is quite positive, but it isn't for everyone. I've tried none of these, but when I bought both of the basses I have now back in the mid '90s I fooled around with the afterlengths quite a bit, and it was totally worth the effort. Also, I don't like synthetic cords. I find they make a kind of airy and less focused sound. I use instead 1/16" coated 133 strand stainless cable which is as flexible as you could want, but not elastic.

 

I have a a Kolstein bass but removed the adjustable tailpiece and replaced it with a compensating “harp” tailpiece made of boxwood. The Kolstein tailpiece is in excellent condition and I’m happy to sell it if you want to try it. The compensating tailpiece I had made by a cat from India whom I met through Facebook named Sudip Roy. It’s beautiful and I would recommend him. Let me know if you want to try the Kolstein with adjustable saddles.

 

I've used the Marvin on two basses. Unfortunately, it didn't help the tight feel of one. Tonally, that bass lost its warmth with the Marvin and became brighter than I like. I felt my other bass got a "smoother" sound with it, maybe by losing or balancing the highs.

 

Interesting! That's the opposite of what many people find, from what I've read and experienced myself. Every bass is different!

 

I'm a big fan of the Marvin, but have to say that it did nothing for a 7/8th bass I had for a while... so... once again... who the heck knows.

 

I missed it.