Double Bass Swell Problem

[clementscb]

Hey everybody I just have a quick question about a swell problem I have been having lately. Please for give me if I have posted this in the wrong place. So here recently whenever I play gigs or rehearsals that require me to use and amp I have been getting swells. the swells are only concentrated in one area on the bass, when I play any note from Bb-Db on the g string. These swells occur at any volume level whether the amp is cranked up or barley on the swells still come up. Right now im using a '37 Kay with a K&K bass max pickup, mini mark combo amp, and a fishman platinum preamp. If you guys could give me any help as to why these swells are occuring and how to stop them that would be great thanks.

Charles

 

[hensonbass]

When you say swells do you mean feedback?

If so have you tried the easy stuff:

-moving the pickup position to the other side.

-tightening or loosening the pickup in the wingslots

-try slightly raising or lowering your action (string height)

-dampening your strings after-length (below bridge)

OR the harder or expensive stuff:

-try a soundpost adjustment

-try another type of pickup

GOOD LUCK!

 

[clementscb]

I guess when I say swells I'm talking about feedback. I just usually think of feedback as high pitched sqealing haha. This is more like say when a play a B on the g string I hear a loud bassy tone coming through. Sorry its had to describe. I have tried all the easy stuff you've mentioned, and no luck there.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Your bass probably has a little bit of a wolf tone around C and your pickup/amp is amplifying the excess vibrations. If it's not a problem when you play the bass without the amp then I would suggest an equalizer that can control/reduce those frequencies when you're using any amplification.
-J