Rattles and adjustments

[stan haskins]

Yeah, that's cool, but I found out soon afterward that I was losing ALOT of volume. I mean, ALOT. When palying in a small room, recording with a handy-cam, I didn't notice how much power adn volume i lost with that simple fix. Later, I went to play in a black box theater (big dead room - solo, for fun) and found out I was basically inaudible with the tailpiece mute. Same setting next night, took out the washcloth, and I could fill the room again. I can live with the rattle - I'm too proud of loud and aggressive sound. But it's certainly a good trick to remember for small rooms, or with amplification . . .

From what I understand, Edgar always plays closely mic'd and heavily amplified. His recorded tone is incredible, I've yet to see him live. But that might explain how he gets away with that muted tailpiece.

I've seen lots of bassists and cellists with a rag stuffed in their tailpiece lately - I think their instruments might be louder than mine though.

[Bob Branstetter]

Originally Posted by stan haskins

I've seen lots of bassists and cellists with a rag stuffed in their tailpiece lately - I think their instruments might be louder than mine though.

I know several players who sweat a lot who keep a cloth there for wiping the sweat off the neck and maybe off themselves. I agree with Stan about the volume loss. I've yet to see a rattle that couldn't be cured without stuffing rags or other objects between the tailpiece and the top.

[stan haskins]

Well, after the change of seasons (the end of the bass's first winter), all the above-mentioned problems have gone away! There is height between the strings and FB (I could finally lower teh bridge adjusters this week), plenty of tension across all the strings, and a big sound under the bow again. The rattle is gone, too. This bass is like a totally different instrument between the summer and winter.

I suppose I should really take it to a luthier in the winter this year to get it winterized. I suppose It'll need a winter post to make it playable year-round.