• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Double Bass Marvin wire tailpiece? Hocum?

krfoss

krfoss

Supporting Member
Nov 29, 2007
3,039
4,505
Orange County, CA
#1
So, I bought a Marvin wire tailpiece off a fella here on TB and there it on my bass. I get things like this can be a gimmick, but I got it anyhow because it looks so cool.

Now that it's on, my bass does sound more open, and I dare say punchier. Could I actually be hearing the effects, or am I trying to resolve my cognitive dissonance?

Note, I also lowered the bridge a bit and cut off about 8" of unneeded steel from the endpin, so a lot of changes were made.

Thoughts? Tailpiece makes a difference, or emperors new clothes, er, tailpiece?
 
#2
Personally, I think we tend to compartmentalize DB setup and parts too much, by not thinking in terms of a DB being a whole, living, breathing thing. Just like a person getting a new hip, a new knee or a heart transplant, a lot of other things on a DB change when you change -- or change the setup of -- one single part; this is true for the whole DB, but also especially true with the direct line of sound producing parts, including the nut, strings, bridge, tailpiece (including the hanger), end pin and sound post.

And this isn't unique to DB's... Just about any acoustic instrument might well be thought about as a whole when parts or setup changes happen, as well as changes to the room it is played in, and the human parts that play it.

Perhaps this is too much musical "Zen", but it's a good mindset to consider when changes happen.

... And yes, normal human hearing bias should always also be considered in this discussion. It's a part of being realistic.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: peteswanson91, Keith Rawlings, Sam Reese and 1 other person
#3
I've had the Marvin on a couple of basses at it made a noticeable difference in the bass being (somewhat) louder and (definitely) more open. It doesn't work with all basses (thickness of top can be an issue); and while I agree with dh that a bass is an organic entity, tweaking the margins (try changing the endpin next :)) can yield noticeable differences.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Don Hergert
#5
I've always wondered about these. I've always assumed that they might be good for Arco, but not be good for jazz players because the enhanced vibration would lead to feedback. Anyone with experience?
 
#8
I had one on my Romanian flatback that I have since sold. I kept the Marvin and may install it on my Krutz round back soon. I really enjoyed the reduced weight, and it did seem to help open the flatback. I didn’t notice any greater tendency to feedback. I wasn’t doing as much arco on the flatback as I am now.
 
#10
krfoss said:
Not sure yet. I now face the hassle of where to place my full circle connection. Any advice?
Click to expand...

I seem to remember that the luthier that installed the Marvin cut a hole in the felt and then zap-strapped the barrel connector of the FC to the E string side. Worked perfectly. I had previously removed the bit on the connector that clips onto the string below the bridge, just so you know.

I never had any issues with feedback when using the Marvin. Hopefully it won't change anything for you...
 
  • Like
Reactions: krfoss
#12
I have been spending a bunch of time working on my arco stuff, so I thought I’d be all clever and put the Marvin on my La Scala hybrid. Acoustically, it sounds great, but the amplified tone (full circle) totally lost its core and sounds jive AF— I’m going to have to take it back off, dang it. Has anyone else experienced this? Its only been on 24 hrs - does it need to stretch more or something?
 
#14
I'm sorry, gang - posted too soon. I should have been more patient - the tailpiece/strings/tuning have settled and the weird phasey inharmonicity thing that was eating my amplified tone has abated. I velcro'd up the afterlength wires with the full circle and krivo cords down to the endpin and that might have contributed to the new stability, who knows. I like the Marvin tailpiece, but will reserve judgement for a solid month while everything stretches.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Don Hergert and krfoss
#15
I’ve had the Marvin on for a
almost a year and have only had a problem amplifying it at high volume gigs. Sometimes I’ll take my microfiber cloth and weave it between the afterlength if I anticipate an issue. I’ve forgotten what my old tailpiece sounds/feels like, though, and am considering changing back, but wanted to resurrect this conversation first.

Is anyone else using a Marvin for amplified jazz stuff? Pros/cons/tips/modifications/solutions?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Whisper and krfoss
#17
I had the original damper on, but the problem was from the string after-length, not the tailpiece itself - hence the implementation of the rag. I’ve used Velcro on the after-length, but it felt silly after a while.
 
#18
What about a thicker piece of foam, half deep slots at the right distance for the strings above the ball end.
You might even want to cover the ball ends by pulling out some foam in the middle of each slot.
If it won‘t stick in place glue it on a thin metal sheet that could be bent to follow the curvature.
The commercially available damper might have a too wide string spacing for that part of the strings.
 
  • Like
Reactions: zootsaxes
#20
image.jpg
That foam idea is pretty brilliant. I was just installing a subfloor in our back porch today and have a bunch scrap of that 2” rigid pink foam insulation stuff, I just might rig up a hot wire and have some fun - thanks for the idea!
Here’s what I’m living with for now. Next loud gig is tomorrow night, hoping for zero issues.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back