BASS guitar frequency range

[hifijohn]

here is another instrument frequency response post

http://i.imgur.com/Mta4rRr.jpg

its a generic 5 string bass 2 pickup plugged direct into my computer, all controls on full, thick pick played around the neck pickup .range is from open B string (31hz) to the octave of the G string 196hz.Obviously very strong energy in the bass and nothing above 980hz,which would be the 5th harmonic of the G octave string.

 

[Hanleyster]

I read somewhere 40hz was the lowest a typical bass played.

How low does an upright bass play?

 

[JoeESP9]

6 String electric bass note Frequency
1 C3 130.813 Hz
2 G2 97.999 Hz
3 D2 73.416 Hz
4 A1 55 Hz
5 E1 41.204 Hz
6 B0 30.868 Hz
For 4 string bass there is no B or C string. The fundamental frequencies are the same for four string electric and upright. It's the overtones and resonances in an upright that make them sound different.

 

[JURB]

I thought middle C was 512, shouldn't that make the C string 128 ?

I am sure there is some musical reason for that of which I am unaware, but what is it ?

 

[JoeESP9]

Middle C (C4) is 261.6Hz. This is based on the even tempered scale with A=440Hz. C4 is exactly twice what C3 is. C5 is 523.3Hz

 

[toddalin]

But many play their bass through a "fuzz tone" or pick it. This can add lots of harmonics in the upper frequency ranges.

 

[JoeESP9]

But many play their bass through a "fuzz tone" or pick it. This can add lots of harmonics in the upper frequency ranges.

True, however, they have nothing to do with the actual tuning. Personally I've never liked any "gadgets" and rarely use a pick. I believe that my Ampeg Baby Bass is the best compromise between an electric and an upright. It's an electric upright!