I HAVE BEEN QUITE PLEASED with the new Big Bass but a bit disappointed in its volume of sound. Tonite I learned why, and tonite I solved the problem. Now it really speaks out. I took it to the ukulele jam at the Fairhaven Village Green. Felix, the multi talented guy who played it last week brought along his cello tonite.
We noticed that his cello strings were much tighter than my cello strings. The obvious answer. I was tuned an entire octave lower.
I cranked them up an octave and my intstrument is transformed. Much more volume, much better tone, much easier to play. I am elated !! Thanks so much Felix, I may never have figured that out had you not brought your cello tonight.
We noticed that his cello strings were much tighter than my cello strings. The obvious answer. I was tuned an entire octave lower.
I cranked them up an octave and my intstrument is transformed. Much more volume, much better tone, much easier to play. I am elated !! Thanks so much Felix, I may never have figured that out had you not brought your cello tonight.
Another part of the day's education. I took the Son of Gut Bucket to Quist Violin Shop to show mr Quist that his strings had made the instrument work. I borrowed a bow and learned several things. First, the bow brings greater sound from the instrument, even if the strings were an octave low. Secondly, I now understand why Violins, Violas, Cellos and Base Viols all have wasp waists, my fat boy is too wide to allow much bow work other than flat and straight across. Now I am eager to try again with the properly tensioned strings. I will keep my eyes open for a second hand junker bow in an antique store. Might be fun to fiddle with it.
