Double Bass Open D boing

[Ben Noblit]

Hey y'all, I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. American Standard, strung with Gamut Red Diamond G and D, Jargar Forte A, and Spiro Stark E. The D string has slowly developed a boing when played open, it sounds like I am hitting a harmonic, though it doesn't detract too badly from the rest of the note (although it is a gut D so a little muddy). The closed D on the A string does not have this, and it ain't a wolfy howl. No other string does this. It decreases slightly when being plucked further towards the bridge. Pinching strings on the afterlength doesn't change it, nor does moving the endpin in and out. The D is the highest string (11/16, compared to 5/8 on the G and 1/2 E and A).

Any thoughts? Is the string itself maybe giving out?

Much obliged!

 

[Earl]

Hey y'all, I'd appreciate any thoughts on this. American Standard, strung with Gamut Red Diamond G and D, Jargar Forte A, and Spiro Stark E. The D string has slowly developed a boing when played open, it sounds like I am hitting a harmonic, though it doesn't detract too badly from the rest of the note (although it is a gut D so a little muddy). The closed D on the A string does not have this, and it ain't a wolfy howl. No other string does this. It decreases slightly when being plucked further towards the bridge. Pinching strings on the afterlength doesn't change it, nor does moving the endpin in and out. The D is the highest string (11/16, compared to 5/8 on the G and 1/2 E and A).

Any thoughts? Is the string itself maybe giving out?

Much obliged!

This can be common with gut d strings, especially the nylon wound one you have. Check that the bridge is up straight and not pulling forward or back. You can also try putting a piece of cut rubber band under the D string right up against the nut.

 

[Ben Noblit]

Thanks!