Double Bass Intonation Pizz vs Arco (Beginner question..)

[Marco123]

Hello,

I just startet in March this year with an NS NXT EUB. Last week I bought a Thomann 22 Upright and also a little Cliptuner.

I found the following problem (with EUB and DB) : If I pizz for example the note "E" on the A-string and check it with the clip tuner I can find the right position.
If I let my left hand in the exact same position and take the bow, the note is lower.
I have to shift app 1cm up to reach the same pitch. (not 1mm.... really 1cm)

With the open strings, I dont have this problem. With open strings I have yet a full sound, but not with the other notes.

Where should I start to locate the error? Technique? Strings?
My teacher couldn't help me. He told me only, to go more by ears than by eyes.
But I dont like this answer, because I still think, that I'm doing something basicaly wrong.

regards
Marco

 

[neilG]

Typically, a pizz note will sound a little sharper than when bowed, but only by a few cents, especially when played really loud. You can see why: you're pulling the string tighter to pluck it, so on release it's sharp. My guess, based on your description of how far you have to move to make the intonation correct ( 1 cm ?) and the lack of full sound on fingered notes, is that you are simply not pressing the strings hard enough onto the fingerboard. Does your teacher have the same problem on YOUR bass?

 

[Marco123]

I checked it again on my DB. The bowed A on the D-String is 20-30cents lower than the plucked.
I also tried to press harder. It doesn't make a difference. Only, when I release the pressure from my normal pressure to lower pressure, I can recognize the shift.

Last lesson, we didn't spend much time on that. But I will check it again with the teacher this week

 

[neilG]

It's already been established that pizz notes will sound sharper. Learn to play in tune with the bow, and adjust when playing pizz. 20 or 30 cents, which seems extreme, shouldn't necessitate 1 cm of correction. My tuner shows no more than 10 cents deviation. It may be a difference in string type. Vibrato is typically wider than the difference between arco and pizz intonaton, IME.

 

[David Potts]

An interesting problem. Does this happen on all fingered notes? Some more things to try. First, find and bow a closed D on the A string (5th fret) with your pinkie (all fingers down) then with your second finger (2 fingers down) and one finger (index). Can you hear a difference in clarity and do you have to adjust your finger position for each try? Next, play the clearest stopped D, starting very softly with slow light bow movement and gradually speeding up while adding more weight to keep control of the string vibrations. Does your clip tuner show the pitch rising as the sound gets louder and falling as it gets softer?

What sort of strings are you using and do you have a very low action (string heights)?

Cheers, DP

 

[Les Fret]

It's already been established that pizz notes will sound sharper. Learn to play in tune with the bow, and adjust when playing pizz. 20 or 30 cents, which seems extreme, shouldn't necessitate 1 cm of correction. My tuner shows no more than 10 cents deviation. It may be a difference in string type. Vibrato is typically wider than the difference between arco and pizz intonaton, IME.

This! The fact that a pizz note is slightly higher shouldn't be a problem. You won't be able to really see that slight (10 cent) difference on the fingerboard. You will adjust automatically by ear. I never think about it.

If it is really 1cm difference than there is something strange happening that I can not explain.

 

[Marco123]

Hello,

i happened with all fingers...
But now - I don't know what i do different - it is much better.
I get the same pitch and it feels better. But I really can't say if it was the speed, the pressure, angle or what

The sound is not yet what it should be. But now the pitch is correct. As a beginner, I have some time left to work on the tone.

Thank you for your replies!

cheers
Marco