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Double Bass compensating tailpieces and adjustable saddle

M

Mitch911

Dec 29, 2015
24
2
32
#1
Hi whoever takes a moment to read this.

I'm just wondering what anyone would reccomend for compensating tailpieces and/or adjustable saddles.

If someone would know where to get these items too that would be great.

With my own research, I've seen the adjustable saddles from europe and I've been looking at the pecanic tailpieces but there hasnt been anything on here about those in quite some time.

Any help would be super appreciated!
 
#4
LouisF said:
I have the Marvin wireless tailpiece on two basses and think it is terrific -- not exactly "compensating"

marvin cable tailpieces
Click to expand...

Thanks for putting this in here! When you could, could you expand on the benefits you've gotten from using this tailpiece? From looking at it, seems like it would have the same effect as a compensating TP.
The design of this thing also means you don't need a separate tailgut too right?
 
#5
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.
 
#7
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.
 
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#8
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.
 
#9
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.
 
#10
bassmanbrent said:
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...
Click to expand...

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.
 
#13
DaveAceofBass said:
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.
Click to expand...

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