Double Bass Some clarification on afterlength please?

[Salty]

Hey all,

I've searched the archives for discussions relating to "tuning" the tailpiece to the various choices for intervals (and the 1/6th rule).

But here's something I couldn't find.

When you are measuring from the bridge to the tailpiece (this is especially for the 1/6 thing), WHERE are you measuring TO?

In other words, are you measuring to where the tailpiece starts - the very top of it - or are you measuring to where the strings meet the little ridge above the string slots (essentially where the string is "stopped")

Thanks in advance!

Matt

 

[Jake deVilliers]

You're measuring the vibrating length of the string and tuning it. That's why I tune them to two octaves and a fourth - its the musical equivalent of the measurement.

 

[Bob Branstetter]

You're measuring the vibrating length of the string and tuning it. That's why I tune them to two octaves and a fourth - its the musical equivalent of the measurement.

This is a myth. It could only be an "equivalent" if the the string were the same density, diameter and all else equal in the after-length portion of the strings as it is in the speaking portion. It might be possible with a plain gut string with a knot on the end, but most strings today are tied back and covered with "silk" wrapping over a good part of the after-length portion. I've been using the 1/6 rule for many years and I can assure you that the pitch of the after-length is not a constant.

 

[Salty]

OK cool, but I'm talking about the actual, ruler measurement, NOT the interval or musical measurement. THanks

 

[Bob Branstetter]

In other words, are you measuring to where the tailpiece starts - the very top of it - or are you measuring to where the strings meet the little ridge above the string slots (essentially where the string is "stopped")

Matt

Yes, that's it. It is the distance between the bridge and the front edge of the little ridge (tailpiece nut). In other words, the part of the string behind the bridge that can freely vibrate.

 

[Salty]

Perfect, thanks much