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Sound Help

Discussion in 'Basses [DB]' started by HoodBass12, Jul 27, 2009.

  1. Jul 27, 2009 #1
    HoodBass12

    HoodBass12

    Jul 27, 2009
    I own a New Standard double bass I'm wondering if anyone can help me if there is anyway to make the sound "brighter" without changing strings?

    I've heard that adjusting the soundpost in certain ways can do this..

    Can anyone shed some light on this issue for me?

    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 27, 2009 #2
    PaulKing

    PaulKing

    Apr 17, 2004
    London, UK
    I'm not a luthier. I've read just enough to be dangerous.
    Here's the theory.

    Move sound post south, away from bridge foot, opens up and softens the sound. Move closer to bridge foot, focusses and tightens the sound.

    Move post towards centre of bass, increases bass response. Move towards edge of bass, increases treble response.

    At least that's the theory, everyone will tell you it's a black art, and every bass responds differently. I've had a go, it does seem to work, but it's subtle. Then you forget exactly how it sounded before so you move it back, and you think ... actually that sounds better now. And you're never happy.

    No-one will recommend moving your post at all, unless:
    a) you know what you're doing
    b) you're prepared to pay for a bail out when you screw it up
    c) you've appropriate tools
    d) you loosen the strings first
    e) you know what you're doing
    f) you're prepare to take the gamble
    g) you know what you're doing
    h) you couldn't really care if you do screw it up and can't resist having a fiddle.
    i) you only make tiny adjustments, keep the post upright, and don't move it so far you affect the pressure fit.
     
  3. Jul 27, 2009 #3
    Andrew Grandahl

    Andrew Grandahl

    Sep 11, 2007
    Boston
    I'd certainly consider changing strings before doing something like that.
     
  4. Jul 27, 2009 #4
    PaulKing

    PaulKing

    Apr 17, 2004
    London, UK
    Didn't put you off did i?
     
  5. Jul 27, 2009 #5
    HoodBass12

    HoodBass12

    Jul 27, 2009
    Thanks for the input guys,

    I'm just wondering cause I'm bringing my bass to David Gauge's for a setup and to buy a pickup and would like to see what they can do. I just wanted a little information before I go there and the response was helpful

    I just got new strings in May so I'm not going to change them, they're D'Dario Helicore Hybrids and I like them a lot haha..

    thanks again
     
  6. Jul 27, 2009 #6
    arnoldschnitzer

    arnoldschnitzer AES Fine Instruments

    Feb 16, 2002
    New Mexico. USA
    Actually, you have this backwards.
     
  7. Jul 27, 2009 #7
    TroyK

    TroyK Moderator Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2003
    Seattle, WA
    I think if you talk to the luthier at Gage's shop and tell him what you are hoping to accomplish sonically, they'll be able to make a recommendation on things like sound post placement. They can also check things like how your bridge feet are sitting and the fit at the nut that may also influence your bass's character.
     
  8. Jul 28, 2009 #8
    PaulKing

    PaulKing

    Apr 17, 2004
    London, UK
    There you go, told you I was dangerous.
    Thanks for the correction.