I have a late nineteenth century German double bass. Nice big sound on the GDA strings. The E has a dull sound compared to the GDA. Over the years tried several makes of string--the same problem. Do you think the problem could be the sound post in the wrong position? Have you experienced this problem? Soundpost?
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Double Bass E string 'dull' sound
- Thread starter gypsydjango
- Start date
Could also be the bridge or other external and/or internal things. Has it been examined by a DB-oriented luthier yet?
From your description it sounds like sound post location, or even possibly sound post length, might make a difference. But really that should be determined and executed by a luthier who specializes in DB work, as that kind of person will know what sound post changes make specific differences.
As far as DIY things are concerned, some folks reach E-string nirvana by literally reversing the E string ball end mounting orientation on the tailpiece so the E string is running under the end of the tailpiece on the way to the bridge. This applies more pressure on the E string as it passes over the bridge.
Also worth consideration is the age and "freshness" of the E string; it might possibly just need to be cleaned.
But from your description it sounds more like a visit to the luthier would be the best answer.
From your description it sounds like sound post location, or even possibly sound post length, might make a difference. But really that should be determined and executed by a luthier who specializes in DB work, as that kind of person will know what sound post changes make specific differences.
As far as DIY things are concerned, some folks reach E-string nirvana by literally reversing the E string ball end mounting orientation on the tailpiece so the E string is running under the end of the tailpiece on the way to the bridge. This applies more pressure on the E string as it passes over the bridge.
Also worth consideration is the age and "freshness" of the E string; it might possibly just need to be cleaned.
But from your description it sounds more like a visit to the luthier would be the best answer.
It could be many things, including the inherent sound/balance of the instrument itself. Best thing, IMHO, is to take it to the best DB luthier you have access to and get their assessment.
Bridge / soundpost adjustment could make a huge difference.
Another local hack you could try is this: next time you install strings, send the E string to the A tuning machine, and the A string to the E tuning machine.
This longer afterlength in the pegbox may (or may not) improve the sound of your E string.
But in my (limited) experience, E string is the hardest string to make sound beefy on a standard 3/4 sized body. Some 7/8s have fatter sounding E strings (and some don't).
What strings are you using?
Many players use a different E string than the rest.
Don't be too quick to adjust the soundpost yourself, diy style. A top bass specialist/luthier has noted that the soundpost length, location, installation is one of the most difficult steps to get right in bass making.
A bass specialist can improve the sound with changes that do not occur to us.
They can set it up to your style of music and playing. During the early happy days of Covid I brought both my instruments separately in for spa treatment.
Sound improvements included new soundpost & location on the classical one, the jazz one a lighter tailpiece, tailpiece wire length & width at tailpiece nut, soundpost adjustment etc. He was even able to get a E string growl out of my little 3/4 bass, which it never had in my 46 years of ownership. Amazing, worth every penny spent on both basses and not expensive.
Many players use a different E string than the rest.
Don't be too quick to adjust the soundpost yourself, diy style. A top bass specialist/luthier has noted that the soundpost length, location, installation is one of the most difficult steps to get right in bass making.
A bass specialist can improve the sound with changes that do not occur to us.
They can set it up to your style of music and playing. During the early happy days of Covid I brought both my instruments separately in for spa treatment.
Sound improvements included new soundpost & location on the classical one, the jazz one a lighter tailpiece, tailpiece wire length & width at tailpiece nut, soundpost adjustment etc. He was even able to get a E string growl out of my little 3/4 bass, which it never had in my 46 years of ownership. Amazing, worth every penny spent on both basses and not expensive.
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Have you tried a Thomastik Spirocore Mittel E-string?
It's home plate for a lot of people who seek a firm E with plenty of volume.
Many thanks everybody once again for your knowledge. Problem solved. Took it to a good luthier. He relocated a different position with a new soundpost. Found several very slight 'openings' between the ribs--top & bottom. Fixed those. Bass now sounds great. 'Fatter' sound--I am now a happy bunny.
