• 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 Needing more punch/less overtones

M

mattwallace

Nov 20, 2007
90
0
Disclosures
Endorsing Artist: Genz Benz, NS Design, D'addario, Peterson Tuners
#1
I just received a fresh New Standard La Scala Hybrid. AMAZING bass! very even and plenty on volume. I primarily play bluegrass and country music. My primary bass for the last 8 years has been a King Moretone. It doesnt have a lot of volume (which isnt necessary since i use it to record and use a pickup when playing live). It is very responsive and deadens very quickly....perfect for what i do. The New Standard however the opposite. The issue i am wanting to resolve with the New Standard is that when i cut off a note it still produces an overtone. It is strung with Spirocores. Dont know if it is just needs to be played and broken in or if there are some small changes i can make to produce the sound I am looking for. This bass is beautiful and plays woderfully...I just need it to be more punchy and kill the overtones.
 
#4
http://www.aesbass.com/bassgear6.htm
Even a strip of foam woven between the string afterlengths can help (and might be better than a metal mute). I sometimes stuff my winter hat in there. What strings are on your King? Spiros might not be the best for what you're doing...Evah Pirazzi Weichs are what I used for several years on my gigging bass (playing bluegrass, old-school country, rootsy jazz) before I got another bass and strung it with guts. The EPs are great for those styles, IME.
 
#10
i.e. on an up tempo song, I do not let one note ringing until the next so I "cut off" or "mute" the note. i do not feel the bass is responding to the mute quick enough....still ringing a bit
 
#12
mattwallace said:
I have a set of the Zyex at home that they sent me to try. This may be a fine opportunity to put them to use.
Click to expand...

You'll get a lot closer to the sound you're looking for with these strings. Weaving some cloth/yarn/suede/wooly hat through the after-lengths might help too.
 
#15
hdiddy said:
That's interesting and good idea. This could be a case where an aluminum hanger is more desirable than a tailgut or wire.
Click to expand...


I wouldn't go that far. :eyebrow:

Although Arnold isn't doing the New Standard basses anymore, IIRC he may have been using those light tailpieces. So, I automatically associated the two.

Regardless, I know when I had a light tailpiece on my bass, it was very resonant and really sang, but lacked something down low. Spirocores were way too bright. I put a normal tailpiece on it and Spirocores are now perfect for it. The bass darkened up and sounds more controlled.

Each bass is different, of course but that's my experience.
 
#16
So, Greg, in my case I have a "dark" sounding bass that I would like more highs; but I also am currently using Bel Canto strings for the ease of bowing; and my arco technique is - how shall we say - "undeveloped"? So I am leery of going to Spirocores. Is it your opinion that I might get a brighter sound with a lightweight tailpiece?

Thanks
 
#18
Try used Spirocores. They get much better over time with the bow (but also a bit darker).

If you have more time for practicing with the bow than playing with it, I would try the Spirocore route and get used to them. After a year (even wth new strings, less with used ones) you will be able to bow a lot better.

If you need to play bowed with a nice tone rather often, then get something else.
I haven't used them yet, but Pirastro Flat-Chomesteel might be bright enough for you (and maybe keep the Spiro E for them).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back