NON-STANDARD AMPLIFICATION
The sound of the double bass is a combination of various elements. The predominant sound perceived by the ear is produced by the vibrating string but there are other resonances which are not immediately audible which nevertheless for an important part of the resultant aural picture. Methods for amplifying these areas are discussed below.
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Bitone Length Amplification
When the normal playing length of the string is activated and fingered by the left hand, the Bitone length vibrates in sympathy. Several composers and improvisers have exploited amplification in order to bring such areas to the foreground by suspending microphones from the scroll, or by modifying an instrument and building pickups in to the fingerboard itself. Such modification allow for a greater intensity when techniques such as multiphonics are used as it allows one to acoustically balance both halves of the string which can create polyphonic effects from a single string. This area can be amplified by suspending a microphone from the scroll. (see image) |
Microphone suspended from scroll and attached with a lead-tie.
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Other Methods
My own solo instrument is modified with a pickup embedded in the nut to exploit bitone length amplification. Other bassists such as Mark Dresser have modified the instrument by embedding pickups into the fingerboard itself. These are non-standard modifications and, unlike the above method, are constantly in situ.
My own solo instrument is modified with a pickup embedded in the nut to exploit bitone length amplification. Other bassists such as Mark Dresser have modified the instrument by embedding pickups into the fingerboard itself. These are non-standard modifications and, unlike the above method, are constantly in situ.
Nut pickup system
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Nut pickup detail
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Body Sounds, Plate Frequencies and Wood Resonances
By using contact pickups, the various body sounds can be amplified.
Contact pickups also enable the amplification of plate frequencies and wood resonances of the instrument itself. The pitch of these frequencies will vary from instrument to instrument. A detailed explanation of these frequencies and their acoustical properties can be found here: Plate Frequencies
By using contact pickups, the various body sounds can be amplified.
Contact pickups also enable the amplification of plate frequencies and wood resonances of the instrument itself. The pitch of these frequencies will vary from instrument to instrument. A detailed explanation of these frequencies and their acoustical properties can be found here: Plate Frequencies
