String change on Classico

[jazzyvee]

For a while now the first two fingered notes on my A,D,G strings on my classico especially the A on the G-string have an unpleasant and uncomfortable buzz under my fingers when playing that note. I don't get it anywhere else except those strings and it does not seem to appear on the output that I can hear in my amp. But I  decided to re-string the bass with some D'addario Low Tension strings ( no idea what the model name is), that were previously on my old acoustic double bass when I had it set up. I removed them when I sold it as they were expensive and hardly used.
Anyway these strings are much more flexible, less tension and more comfortable under my fingers but. now my notes are not where they were previously like the intonation has gone off. Should I angle the bridge to adjust the speaking length of the string in order to get the notes to work or should I just be re-learing the intonation and keep the bridge parallel to the floor?


At the moment I am tempted to put the previous strings back on and live with the buzz.
Any advice will be gratefuily received.

[gtrguy]

I have had to shim the bridge up a hair on my David Minnieweather electric upright to get rid of some string buzz. I would use a strobe tuner to angle the bridge to get the best overall intonation.

[edwardofhuncote]

Wish you were closer Jazzy. I could probably straighten that thing out in one afternoon. It sounds like you just need a new set of strings and a good setup. Those take-off strings probably have a little kink in them at the 'witness points' from the nut and bridge of your old bass. This could easily cause an intonation problem. And believe it or not, they can twist when re-installing old strings, causing them to not be round anymore, thus buzzing in places. Raising the action just a tiny bit at the bridge can be all the difference too. Too much and it becomes difficult to play. I seem to remember you got some bridge feet shims with your Classico... as if someone were adjusting before.   

[edwardofhuncote]

Actually, now I'm curious what the scale length of a Classico might be? I was just guessing it approximated that of a double-bass and something around 41-42 inches.

[jazzyvee]

Good memory Ed, there were a set of quite thick shims that came with the bass but they raise string height too much so my novice thoughts were that they are most likely for someone using a bow rather than plucking, or Chuck Norris.
It feels like an adjustable nut like the basses and guitars have would solve the buzz in the low positions but maybe reduce the coupling and affect the acoustic sound. But for the few classico owners out there and the one person with a buzz, it’s not a cost effective thing for alembic to look into or for me to commission.  (For those not familiar with the accent of my home city of Birmingham England, “buzz”, is how we are reputed to say “bus” as used for public transport).

[edwardofhuncote]

"Brummie" for public transportation?  Good information if/when I ever make it over to visit the ancestral hometown. 

If those shims are wood, you might have your mate with the woodshop thin them to 2-3 mm. (1/8" or so) Like I say, a little does a lot, just like adjusting our bass guitar bridges. 

[gtrguy]

A cut up business card might do it, or at least you could try it to see if you like it.