Double Bass Tuning the Double Bass

[bucephylus]

This is, perhaps, a terribly stupid question; but, I'll ask anyhow.

Tuning my upright with the meter, it is pretty easy to see (and hear) pitch variations of +/- a few centi-Hz, depending on how hard the bow is driving the string. Since these differences are audible, I have often wondered what constitutes correct tuning.

Thoughts?

 

[PaulCannon]

This is, perhaps, a terribly stupid question; but, I'll ask anyhow.

Tuning my upright with the meter, it is pretty easy to see (and hear) pitch variations of +/- a few centi-Hz, depending on how hard the bow is driving the string. Since these differences are audible, I have often wondered what constitutes correct tuning.

Thoughts?

It's very easy to bend the pitch sharp either with too much pressure or speed. It's much harder to bend flat. Just use a steady speed and not much more weight than the stick itself.

 

[flyingpanda96]

Isnt a stand up bass tuned like a standard electric?

 

[Stick_Player]

Isnt a stand up bass tuned like a standard electric?

It's the other way 'round.

 

[bucephylus]

It's very easy to bend the pitch sharp either with too much pressure or speed. It's much harder to bend flat. Just use a steady speed and not much more weight than the stick itself.

OK. But, when you are playing you are driving the string with similar variations in pressure depending on dynamics. I'm just asking for insight on where to adjust string tension as a function of bow pressure. Setting close to zero bow pressure isn't characteristic of how the instrument is played and would seem to result in the instrument being a few cents sharp while playing.

Again, maybe I am missing something, because no one, including past teachers ever discussed the point. However, since I can hear it and see it I thought it might be interesting to ask.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Wait, you can TUNE them?

 

[bucephylus]

Wait, you can TUNE them?

Maybe I should have asked for pointers on acting like its in tune.

 

[GrowlerBox]

OK. But, when you are playing you are driving the string with similar variations in pressure depending on dynamics. I'm just asking for insight on where to adjust string tension as a function of bow pressure. Setting close to zero bow pressure isn't characteristic of how the instrument is played and would seem to result in the instrument being a few cents sharp while playing.

Again, maybe I am missing something, because no one, including past teachers ever discussed the point. However, since I can hear it and see it I thought it might be interesting to ask.

It's also not characteristic to play only on open strings, so any other note can be adjusted to compensate for bow speed/pressure, right? Tune the open strings to mf pressure/speed as a sort of middle ground and go from there, I guess.

 

[klem.gote]

Wait, you can TUNE them?

Those twisty things at the top. Turn them, stuff happens.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Those twisty things at the top. Turn them, stuff happens.

Does it matter which way?

 

[jazzbill]

Wasn't it already in tune when you bought it?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Pff. The bass has no frets for a REASON, people.

 

[Fran Diaz]

Pff. The bass has no frets for a REASON, people.

Exactly, you need to use your ears to fine tune each note depending on the dynamics.

No string instrument comes with guaranteed perfect tuning (even pianos go out of tune ). You play guitar or fretted bass and depending on how hard you press the string with your fretting hand and how hard you pluck the tuning can vary a lot.

That's the way it is. We try our best but it never gets perfect.

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Wasn't it already in tune when you bought it?

Yes, but some kid turned one of the twisty things and he won't tell me which one!



Thanks for the set up, by the way.

 

[bucephylus]

Sheesh; you guys are tough. I guess the answer to my question is a big secret. Thanks

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

OK, fine. It is Christmas after all...my cheapo Snark tuner bounces around like crazy during the attack phase of the note. It tends to even out if I allow the note to ring without touching it with the bow, or, better still, tune to harmonics.

 

[LowG]

That's why it's best not to play open strings

 

[gerry grable]

Yes, but some kid turned one of the twisty things and he won't tell me which one!



Thanks for the set up, by the way.

And you beat me to it.
Ha, ha. . .the old club date bass player and the kid joke

 

[bucephylus]

OK, fine. It is Christmas after all...my cheapo Snark tuner bounces around like crazy during the attack phase of the note. It tends to even out if I allow the note to ring without touching it with the bow, or, better still, tune to harmonics.

Thanks Santa!

Agreed Harmonics are more representative of the un-driven string. But, you can also get that by tuning pizz. I just had noticed that the driven string is sufficiently sharp as to be noticeable, and didn't find any comments by searching. So, thought to ask. Maybe a mistake.

 

[jake3]

I generally tune using pizzicato as I mostly play that way. The tuner definitely jumps around. I try to disregard the initial attack and see where it settles, then I often use the harmonics to "fine-tune."