Double Bass strange bass tone phenomena

[megafiddle]

Greetings all. New member.

I have an Engelhardt ES-1 which I set up with light D'addario
strings. The tone on the G string is quite nice, it has a good
solid bass tone. The E, A and D, are lacking this bass tone,
though. They are not thin sounding, but they are distinctly
lacking in volume and deep bass compared to the G.

But here is the strange part. If I lay the bass down on it's side,
G side down, the bass becomes very strong on the E, A, D
strings.

Is this caused by the bass being close to a large surface
(the floor) as in the way stereo speakers have increased bass
response when placed near corners or walls?

Or does it have something to do with the response of the bass
body due to it's side being restricted in it's movement?

Has anyone noticed this phenomena?

 

[Ben Mitchell]

Hmm. I'm not sure, but try sitting down. I've noticed HUGE projection changes when sitting compared to standing.

It could be the fact that the sound is reflecting off the floor or body somehow. I'm no luthier, but I'm wondering if it could be a sound post issue too.

Just my .02

Ben

 

[bigolbassguy]

I think the floor is probably acting as a soundboard. Press the scroll up against a wall while you are playing. You'll notice the same effect.

 

[PaulCannon]

It's probably nothing, but it might be worth taking the bass to a luthier to see if you can improve the tone. There are a thousand small tricks luthiers can use to alter and improve the sound of a bass.

It's also possible you have an open seam.

 

[megafiddle]

Actually it's an EC-1. Sorry about that.

Did a little more experimenting, and part of it at least does appear to be
due to the difference in my listening position in relation to the bass. I was
closer to the bottom of the bass when it was lying down. And listening from
a lower position while it is upright also gives me a deeper sound. I can't
play too well sitting down, though it does sound better.

The floor is carpet and padding over concrete, so probably not a soundboard effect.
I guess a reflection is possible. The deep bass tone is still a bit stronger when it's
lying close to floor, even listeneng near the scroll.

I have a different set of strings that I want to try first, but eventually I will have it
looked at.

Thanks