Double Bass Dull A string

[thomphoto]

I started upright bass only a few months ago with a Shen sb88 with helicore hybrids on it. I'm not sure how to describe it but the A string has always had a duller sound, more like a drum than the other strings. Last week I put on a set of Obligatos and still have the same problem. The action was pretty low and I tried raising it but made no difference. I play bluegrass and old timey music. I also tried the velcro strip across the strings below the bridge with no change. I bought the bass from Bass Violin Shop and they supposidly set it up for bluegrass play. Anyone have a suggestion as to the problem? Please.

 

[Jay Corwin]

Possibly a sound post adjustment? Let a luthier give it a shot.

Also no knock here on Shen because I started on one, but sometimes a beginner level ply has inherent deficiencies that can't be fixed.

 

[Steven Ayres]

In his setup book, Chuck Traeger describes a dull or weak A string as a classic symptom of a too-tight sound post.

 

[thomphoto]

Thanks much for helping this beginner, I will get the sound post checked.

 

[Steven Ayres]

Please let us know the results, more confirmation of the theory would be helpful.

 

[thomphoto]

Will do. I am not close to a shop with a luthier, and I will be out of town on vacation for a few weeks, but I will post when I am able to find a luthier or maybe get to talk to a local bassist.
Thanks much.