Double Bass MPM Tail Piece

[tww001]

I'm getting ready to buy one of Mike Pecanic's tail pieces, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on which type of wood I should purchase. I play about 80-90% pizz. and am looking for something that will really open up my tone and possibly darken it a little. any suggestion?

 

[Pacman]

Ask Dr. Mike - he's the guy who knows.

 

[tww001]

I tried emailing Dr. Mike, but the email address on his website came back with a MAILER DEAMON message.

 

[Bob Branstetter]

Since you haven't been able to get in touch with Mike, I'll offer you my opinion (which Dr. Mike agreed with in our last discussion). The species of wood has absolutely nothing to do with it. It is all about the weight (actually density) of the wood or plastic, or aluminum, or what have you. Generally speaking, pizz players should try a lighter weight TP. Arco players tend to prefer heavier (usually ebony) tailpieces.

 

[tww001]

Generally speaking, don't different species have different densities? After reading through the Newbie links, I can tell from what many have said that I need a lighter TP, but which types of wood are less dense?

 

[Bob Branstetter]

Until you can confer with Mike, I suggest you do an internet search for wood density. There are lots of sites with that info available.

 

[tww001]

thanks, i'll try and get in touch with him again

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

Is your bass laminated or carved? In my experience, most plywoods like a light tailpiece, maybe because laminated tops are stiff. If you want a pretty and light wood, check out Mike's quilted maple.

 

[tww001]

my bass is laminate...that quilted maple is quite pretty and would look nice against my blonde maple top...

 

[mpm]

and if anybody would know about quilted maple, it would be Arnold. I'm now the proud possessor of offcuts from Arnold's (well, Lou's) "Quilt-o-rama" bass. Folks, you can't imagine how hard it is to work that stuff, gotta give Arnold his due for that bass!

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

Thanks, Dr. Mike...yes, perhaps there was a little sadism involved in my sending you that wood.