Double Bass Dead string

[buddylewis]

I recently set up my new Engelhardt bass and bought new strings for it. Now I find that the A string sounds kind of dead to me. The E, D and G strings have a clear tone, but the A string just sounds kinda thumpy, especially when I use the fretboard. Adjusting the string height seems to have no effect on the sound. The nut and the bridge notches seem ok. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Start by getting a replacement A string. Helicore, by any chance?

 

[SplitNick]

I don't if this will help, but I have found that simply removing and restringing sometimes gives you a tad more life. I had this happen with a Spiro mittel G the other day. I needed to remove only that string to attach a Rev Solo Jack. When I installed it again the string was as bright as when I first put it on. The set is unbalanced now, but it will just take a bit of playing.

One other thing...are you sure the set up did not create a problem for the A string?

 

[drurb]

Maybe move this to the Strings forum?...

I asked to have it moved from the Basses forum to here. Seemed like a setup issue to me. I think SplitNick's question is important. Seems the setup and the strings were changed at the same time. Starting by replacing the string would be wise. If that doesn't help, then I'd sure suspect the setup.

 

[gabezylo]

possibly, just possibly you switched up the A and the D, **** happens and especially if its a custom gauge sometimes stuff gets mixed up. If not you never know, people/machines arn't perfect and they couldve messed up with the coiling, etc.

 

[buddylewis]

Well I've ordered a new A string from Bob. I'll try that. I really can't see any other problem. I get the thump with the A string open and all up and down the neck. Probably just changing the A string is my best first bet. I'm new to upright bass (after 35 years of electric bass) and did the setup myself. I've bought many a bass string and have never gotten any dead ones. These strings are La Bella tape wound strings ($140.00 a set) so a dead one is probably a long shot, but like I say, I guess it's my best first try to get rid of the dead sound.

 

[mfh]

If the new string does not work, your sound post may need to be adjusted or it could be a little tight.