Is it a set up problem?

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Please check the soundpost position. It should be about the same distance in from the g-side f-hole as the bass bar is from the e-side f-hole. It should be about 12-20mm down from the bridge. It should fit really well and be just a tad snug with the strings off. A larger diameter post will likely make the bass response worse, not better. If you want to boost the bottom, move the post out toward the f-hole a bit. I fear that Ken is probably right, though you state that the arco tone is deep. How high are the strings? Is the nut cut nice and low?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Please check the soundpost position. It should be about the same distance in from the g-side f-hole as the bass bar is from the e-side f-hole. It should be about 12-20mm down from the bridge. It should fit really well and be just a tad snug with the strings off. A larger diameter post will likely make the bass response worse, not better. If you want to boost the bottom, move the post out toward the f-hole a bit. I fear that Ken is probably right, though you state that the arco tone is deep. How high are the strings? Is the nut cut nice and low?

I think it's great to be feared.. lol

[Mike Mandelas]

At first let me state that i consider myself lucky to be a member in our forum, since the treasure of information i gather is invaluable. I tried the new soundpost, making a nice fitting and moving it around the ideal spot. Nothing changed and in fact the bass, as Arnold pointed, has lost some depth. I tried a soundpost with the same old diameter, but with more density in the grain. Moving it and trying it i found a place, 20 mm behind the bridge's G foot and closer towards the f hole, that seems to be the best one. The bass now gives a better piz sound and the E and A strings seem to be more resonant. Obviously, as Arnold stated in another thread, the bass bar responds better with the soundpost closer to the f hole. I think that the instrument now has reached its potential since the arco sound remains unaffected. The strings' height is 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm and 9 mm (G,D,A,E). Probably a larger instrument will deliver a more "booming" sound, so dear Ken, i take is as a fact.
Thank you all for your time.
Mike