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Why not the piano as a reference for bass

I see a lot of commentary/reviews on a systems bass response that all seem to hinge on the 41 hz double bass and such range.  At 27.5 the A0 note on a piano seems a better point to judge.  Lots of piano in normal music vs say an organ note.  I know when I feel that deep chord played it is one of things I enjoy about listening the most!  Was listening to Wish you were here live and the piano was sublime.

So is it more of how much musical energy is perceived in the 40 hz range or what that makes this more of a reproduction benchmark?

I welcome your input!

New Joe Bonamassa out BTW!

guscreek

Showing 2 responses by m-db

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,034 posts
 

@guscreek  Interesting question.

Hence, in my opinion the double bass is a more reliable reference of the bass than piano considering the how often one can hear these lower notes. One can clearly hear the purring of the double bass in jazz ensembles most of the time right in the middle of the sound stage. It would be interesting to hear from those who know how often one hear the lowest note of the modern piano (27.5 Hz) in classical and jazz music. 

@toddalin  Terrific answer. Do you play?

m-db's avatar
m-db
1,034 posts
 

After seeing Dick Contino I took up the Accordion. By the fifth grade the Clarinet was the only instrument open. I simply didn't practice enough and got the boot. Devastating at that age. Meh...

When I got to High school Paul Jackson soon to be Herbie's Bassist on Head Hunters was playing upright in the school combo. Why he took the time to introduce a freshman / surfer to the Bass took me a while to understand. He later mentioned quarter notes were the first notes I played without any coaching. Sweet man.

B3? My aching back. 

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