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Author: dave
Date: 2002-09-04 17:06
hi,
Low g on my low c bass squeeks esp when leaping from above. The other notes around it are decent, but g is very testy. I have a good mp and play very well, so these are not problems. also I dont think any of the pads are blowing open and am fairly sure there are no leaks. any suggestions?
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Author: Ken Shaw
Date: 2002-09-04 18:01
Dave -
The hole for low G on Buffets basses is quite large and is interlocked with the register key mechanism. Play low A softly and press your right ring finger down gently. If the G doesn't pop out cleanly, you need to check the seating all the way around and make sure the other keywork isn't preventing the pad from closing tight.
If you're sure the instrument is perfect, suspect the reed. With a larger surface on the bottom and more bark on the top, bass reeds tend to warp down the center. Put the reed on a flat file or 600 grit sandpaper over glass and polish it until it's perfectly flat. I've found this always makes a big improvement.
Also, with a longer facing to bend along, the reed needs to be positioned a bit higher than the tip of the mouthpiece -- about 1/2 millimeter -- so it will be exactly even with the tip when the reed is closed along the lay. Even a tiny leak, particularaly at the corners, can cause squeaking.
See how these ideas work and come back for more.
Best regards.
Ken Shaw
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