Wolf Note Eliminator

What is a Wolf Note?

The phenomenon that is known as a wolf note occurs in a high percentage of stringed musical instruments. In general what seems to happen is that the fundamental harmonic of the note required, is not produced correctly. Instead a harsh oscillating loud-soft sound is produced that often jumps uncontrollably up to the fifth or octave and back down again. The sound has been likened to that of a howling wolf - hence its name - "Wolf Note", "Wolf Tone" or simply "Wolf".

What causes a Wolf Note?

Wolf notes or tones are produced when a note played on a stringed instrument matches the natural resonating frequency of the instrument's body. When this happens an artificial overtone is produced in sympathy and the frequencies of the original note are amplified and expanded.

What is the cause of the oscillating "beating" sound?

The oscillating beating sound is due to the uneven frequencies between the natural note and the artificial overtone.

Can you briefly remind me what a "beat" is?

Yes. In acoustics - a "beat" is an interference between two sounds of slightly different frequencies. It is perceived as periodic variations in volume and the rate at which it is perceived is the difference between the two frequencies.

Hmm - I guess that there's some serious maths and physics stuff to explain everything then?

Yes - it really in an incredibly fascinating subject but you have to be into understanding trigonomic identities, sine waves and amplitude. Maths and physics weren’t exactly my strong subjects at school - so if you don’t mind - let’s move on.

Are all instruments affected to the same degree?

No. In some instruments the wolf note can be severe and quite disconcerting for the player. In other instruments the wolf note can be simply - a minor irritation.

Where are wolf notes most frequently found on the double bass?

They occur most frequently on the A-string at about the notes G, G#, A and A# - located virtually opposite the root of the neck. Occasionally - the open A-string will have one.

It must be seriously inconvenient to find a wolf on your open A-string.

Yes - rather like a bad itch - for a musician it's incredibly frustrating.

How can I resolve the wolf note problem?

The easiest, most convenient and least expensive option is to fit what is called a Wolf Note Eliminator - sometimes referred to as a Wolf Note Suppressor.

What does a Wolf Note Eliminator look like?

Typically - it is in the form of a metal tube that is mounted onto the string with a thumb screw and lock nut. The interior has a rubber sleeve that fits around the offending string.

Where do I fit the Wolf Note Eliminator?

The eliminator should be attached to the tail-piece end of the offending string - approximately 6cm below the bridge. To alter, influence or at best eliminate the wolf - the position of the eliminator should be moved slightly along the string until an optimum placement is found.

How does the Wolf Note Eliminator work?

The device creates a nodal point which influences or eliminates the frequency at which the wolf occurs.

Can you briefly remind me what a nodal point is?

Yes. A nodal point is a point at which the harmonic value is zero.

So you could say that the device is essentially an "attenuator"?

Yes. It reduces the amplitude of vibration.

If I fit a Wolf Note Eliminator - will there be any reduction in resonance across the whole range of my instrument?

Every instrument is totally unique in the way it responds to a particular player, the type of bow being used, the string type and adjustments of all types. These "variables" even apply to the type of Wolf Note Eliminator being used, its weight and its placement on the string. In some instruments there could be a negligible reduction in the resonance across part or even the whole range of the instrument. In other instruments the fitment could result in a more open - more free - quality of sound. One thing is for sure - and that is - the Wolf Note Eliminator provides a good solution for a large majority of instruments.

I'm still a little concerned about loss of resonance. Is there anything else that I could consider doing before purchasing a Wolf Note Eliminator?

Yes. As mentioned in the paragraph above - you could start to look at every aspect of your instruments construction and set up.

Where would be the best place to start?

Particular attention to the bridge and sound post - could have an effect on reducing the wolf note. Unfortunately there are no guarantees that the problem will be resolved or even improved and in comparison to the cost of a Wolf Note Eliminator - you could end up with a fairly hefty bill.

Are there any less invasive things that I could try?

Yes. You could try or experiment with;

i) Different brands of strings or perhaps a lower tension version of your current strings.
ii) Different bows.
iii) Different brands of rosin.
iv) Using less tension in the hair of the bow.
v) Bowing more lightly on the wolf note.

How about a summary?

A Wolf Note Eliminator is the easiest, most effective, most convenient and least expensive option for resolving the wolf note problem.

OK - I've got the picture. What sort of Wolf Note Eliminator do you recommend?

The Contrabass Shoppe Ltd - has two types of Wolf Note Eliminator available. The Chrome Wolf Note Eliminator and the Brass Wolf Note Eliminator.

Chrome Wolf Note Eliminator	Brass Wolf Note Eliminator