the sound post

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

O.k so I've searched and searched again...So far I've mangaged to find nothing... zip... zilch... nada.....Am I the only string musician here?... the only Cellist or fan of the Violoncello? O.k. how about the Violin, Viola, Double Bass, or Viola de Gamba?

I would like (very much) to root out all of you string fanatics that I (and others) might pick your brains and vise-versa.

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Topics of interest to me (and others I hope!) :

Instruments- best tone for the buck, whatcha got, whatcha wish ya got

electrified-pickups, mics, transducers, amps, eq's, etc.

Tone woods- tonal aspects of

the sound post- all things pertaining to

bridge- positioning, Types of bridges

alternate tunings

Gut, synthetic or steel which strings are best for what (or just plain best)

carbon fibre

Bows- types, materials, which bow is best for which style of playing

Rossin- which for which

What are you playing now

favorite pieces etc.

The New Classical - transgenre escapism (Ie. cello metal and other strings escaping their traditional genres)
or any other possible string related topic I might have missed
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I'm sure you've noticed that these topics will likely have subjective answers based more in opinion than any provable fact. Perfect!!!

Not all musicians seek the same sound so more opinions help more musicians (hopefully) find what they seek.

One final note though items like replacing ones fallen sound post should be as accurate and safe (for the instrument and the player) as possible.

[freeztar]

I don't play a "classically acknowledged string instrument", but I play guitar....it has strings too!

My roomate plays double bass and plays it quite well. He also teaches middle school orchestra. As I type this, he's off playing a jazz gig somewhere. I can't remember the name of the guy that made the bass, but I'll ask him when he gets back.

He helped me out on this tune linked below, though he's much better than I at playing. He's used to 160BPM Jazz turnouts. I'm more mellow myself.
http://freeztar.com/music/Beleza-master-02.mp3

His buildup is almost impeccable. I didn't touch the volume or compressor for his take, no need...He also plays the plucked bass part, which admittedly needed much tweaking, but only for the bad mic choice/positioning.

As far as strings are concerned, he's been keen on the "Velvets" as of late. He's tried out many, and I happily give my listener input.

[Tormod]

I'm a guitarist (both classical and electric) but I have never managed to catch an interest in all the "hardware" aspects of the instrument. I can name them but I havenever cared much what sort of wood is in the top or neck, or what brand of pickups I have. I probably should, but I don't care. If my instrument sounds good to me, and is easy to pay, that's what I need. Usually I go by overall brand for the instrument rather than specific parts.

I will admit to a weakness for certain wood types, due mostly to their beauty than the sound quality (beauty over function)...like an ebony fretboard or a red cedar top for a classical guitar.

So I can't offer much helpful insight. But I do own an Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette guitar which is a very good guitar. I once owned an original Yamaha SG2000S which I in my stupidity sold because it was too heavy and gave me back problems (but these days it's a collectors item, of course).

I am more a gear junkie when it comes to effects and pedals. Lately I have thrown out some effects boxes and gone virtual, using a Boss ME-50 for effects and a Pod XT Live for amp/cabinet models etc. But then again I do most of my guitar playing via my Mac, so the end result is very digital.

My classical guitar is an Alhambra 7P which I've had since my student days and which I'm very happy with.

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

red cedar top for a classical guitar.

I've never heard of cedar being used....bet it sounds sweet though!

And Yes guitars count too! (Classical guitars are prefered but others just as welcome)

Anyone know what type of bow Jimmie Page used?

Got three of my own. (one acoustic, one gut string classical, one electric)

Though they are technically percusion instruments the occasional piano shall also be welcome.

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

I don't play a "classically acknowledged string instrument", but I play guitar....it has strings too!

Yes they have strings, and no your wrong... hello classical guitar!

Just pickin' on ya a little...

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Speaking of strings freeztar ....great link...I want a set...Now if they were only nice enough to specify price and where to get them! (Of course if I have to ask I probably can't afford them!)

[orbsycli]

classical indian instruments have some amazing string work.
check out Ali Akbar Khan
(you can just type his name into last.fm and hear some of his work)

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Wow...cool site..dfinitly made one for the bookmark collection.

Sitar...right? kyoto? cool schtuff!

[orbsycli]

Ali actually plays a sarode, a bit different than sitar.

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Oh...
really cool sound...probably sound even cooler bowed...
I can make my strat sound pretty close...figured out how to do it while trying to play the intro to "paint it black" (the rolling stones). It requires at one preamp, 2 stereo(4 mono)
EQ's(wired L/o1>R/i1-R/o1>L/i2-L/o2>R/i2-R/o2-to amp) , a slide, a half decent amp, and a lot of fiddling with settings and tuning.