• 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 odd a string issue

N

notabene

Sep 20, 2010
676
654
SF Bay area
#1
On my Czech round back I have been noticing that the open A string sounds weaker than the other open strings, including the open E. But...all the fingered notes on the A string sound balanced with the other strings (relatively). Any ideas why, and what the cure might be?

Steven
 
#2
Hey Steven,

what kind of strings are you using? Is your bridge adjustable? How would you describe the sound of the bass (dark sounding bass or bright sounding bass)?

I have faith that we can help you figure this out :-)

-N
 
#4
Spirocore weichs except a detuned spirocore weich solo on the E, adjustable bridge. Not heavy in the bass, not terribly dark, but not excessively bright.It gets a bit nasal above D on the G string, especially under the bow. Strangely, the whole bass sounds full recorded, and at a distance. Just the player (me) seems to be deprived of the real sound. But the open A/fingered difference is clear to me. For whatever it is worth, I rebuilt this from a wreck about 5 years ago, and never noticed this problem until recently. Thanks.

Steven
 
#8
notabene said:
Spirocore weichs except a detuned spirocore weich solo on the E, adjustable bridge. Not heavy in the bass, not terribly dark, but not excessively bright.It gets a bit nasal above D on the G string, especially under the bow. Strangely, the whole bass sounds full recorded, and at a distance. Just the player (me) seems to be deprived of the real sound. But the open A/fingered difference is clear to me. For whatever it is worth, I rebuilt this from a wreck about 5 years ago, and never noticed this problem until recently. Thanks.

Steven
Click to expand...

It sounds like there is an issue with the nut. Also it could be that the E strings lighter tension isn't putting enough pressure on the top which can choke frequencies. See if you can get your nut reshaped and try a mittel E. could it be a technical thing too? I wonder if your bow is too high on the A string and as you move up your right arm allows itself to lower, I know someone who constantly had to adjust their right arm on the open A but as soon as they were on a C their bow was in the perfect place.

Definitely get the nut checked out
 
#9
robobass said:
+1 on the nut.
Click to expand...

Nut, or bridge. If the slots are too deep (the bridge should be like "dents", not deep slots - preferably with only about 1/3 of the string thickness) and similarly the nut shouldn't be too deep; the extra depth, as some of those above have mentioned, can "choke" the string.

Also, don't rule out the possibility that you just got a "bum" string - you say you noticed this issue only recently. Was it after you got new strings?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back