My E string sounds very muddy. While playing on the all other strings, I have nice picking sound, but I dont have it on E string. Any ideas what is it about?
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Double Bass E string, muddy sound
- Thread starter Milivojepicuric
- Start date
Hard to tell whether OP is in the correct forum--new TBer; no profile information; "I have a nice picking sound".
Milivojepicuric: Are you talking bass guitar or double bass? Please fill out your profile, so we know something about your equipment.
Milivojepicuric: Are you talking bass guitar or double bass? Please fill out your profile, so we know something about your equipment.
Matthew Tucker
Commercial User
- Aug 21, 2002
- 2,686
- 387
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- Owner: Bresque Basses, Sydney Basses and Cellos
I'm reading into your post that perhaps the bass is new to you? Or has the muddiness started suddenly?
I would say it is likely due to the choice of string used.
If the bass was previously used by an arco player, it may have something like Flexocores or Belcantos ... and the E string is often very muddy played pizz compared with the other strings. Arco strings are designed to reduce scratchiness, high frequencies, ringing and other unpleasantness that occurs when you use a bow on a bright string. You don't need a sustaining string with a bow - you want one that obeys what the bow is telling it to do. Using a bow on a dark ("muddy?") sounding string, particularly the E string, results in a much purer low-end fundamental tone, more wood and string, less bow scratch. For pizz players, often the opposite is often desirable - you usually want the string to sound as long as possible after you pluck it, and your fingers control when it will stop. So pizz/jazz strings are designed to minimise damping and push out a strong top end.
I would say it is likely due to the choice of string used.
If the bass was previously used by an arco player, it may have something like Flexocores or Belcantos ... and the E string is often very muddy played pizz compared with the other strings. Arco strings are designed to reduce scratchiness, high frequencies, ringing and other unpleasantness that occurs when you use a bow on a bright string. You don't need a sustaining string with a bow - you want one that obeys what the bow is telling it to do. Using a bow on a dark ("muddy?") sounding string, particularly the E string, results in a much purer low-end fundamental tone, more wood and string, less bow scratch. For pizz players, often the opposite is often desirable - you usually want the string to sound as long as possible after you pluck it, and your fingers control when it will stop. So pizz/jazz strings are designed to minimise damping and push out a strong top end.
Double bass player I am. I dont know exact word when I say "picking sound." But I think you should know what I mean. This is my first double bass, I played bass guitar before, Im composer and pianist for years actualy. And its not very good bass, about 900 euros, but it sounds nice, czechoslovakian...
So about, my E string issue... What I want is storng sound, marcato sound, pizzicato sound, and I have it on the all other strings, but E string sounds very dark, when I pluck it there is no "ping" ''boom''
, just low non marcato frecuency....
So about, my E string issue... What I want is storng sound, marcato sound, pizzicato sound, and I have it on the all other strings, but E string sounds very dark, when I pluck it there is no "ping" ''boom''
, just low non marcato frecuency....Double bass player I am. I dont know exact word when I say "picking sound." But I think you should know what I mean. This is my first double bass, I played bass guitar before, Im composer and pianist for years actualy. And its not very good bass, about 900 euros, but it sounds nice, czechoslovakian...
So about, my E string issue... What I want is storng sound, marcato sound, pizzicato sound, and I have it on the all other strings, but E string sounds very dark, when I pluck it there is no "ping" ''boom''
You can always take the E off and just play A-D-G like me
Before I started throwing big $'s at it via trying different strings, i'd, kindly, suggest having a sound post check by your luthier. A small adjustment wouldn't break your bank and may be a freebee.
Yep. Small adjustment, Spirocore Mittel. (maybe while at the luthier's shop)
If that doesn't do it, it could be technique. You have less leverage with your right hand on that string and without a lower string to stop it, it's easy to subconciously hold back. Left hand technique is I think even more important to get it to speak clearly too, than with the other strings.
Just a thought.
If that doesn't do it, it could be technique. You have less leverage with your right hand on that string and without a lower string to stop it, it's easy to subconciously hold back. Left hand technique is I think even more important to get it to speak clearly too, than with the other strings.
Just a thought.
