Cello Wolf Eliminators
Welcome to Fiddlershop's curation of Wolf Eliminators (sometimes referred to as wolf modulators) for cello. Dealing with these pesky tones can be a trying project. Our goal is to get your instrument feeling consistent and sounding lovely with tried-and-true eliminators that dampen the overall sound as little as possible. If you have a gnarly note that needs some managing, Fiddlershop has the tools for you.
Wolf Tones
A wolf tone, wolf note, or simply a 'wolf,' is an undesirable sound that is notoriously common on cellos and basses. It happens when the pitch of the note being played is too close to, or the same as, the resonant frequency of the instrument's body.
It commonly presents as a stuttering or warbling 'wah-wah-wah' sound, from which the name 'wolf' originates, as it sounds similar to the howl or growl of the animal. Alternatively, it can be a thin and airy sound, a note that speaks exactly an octave higher than it should, or a shockingly loud note on the instrument. Most simply, the note is hard to control, and sounds out of place in comparison to the rest of the instrument's tone. It usually occurs between E♭ and F♯ on full-sized cellos, but can occasionally appear elsewhere, especially on fractional-sized instruments. On double basses, it generally occurs between F and B.
Wolf notes are often impossible to get rid of completely. If you slide your finger up the string slowly, it is likely that you will find a spot that doesn't speak quite the same as the rest of the instrument. However, a wolf eliminator (sometimes referred to as a wolf modulator) can help dampen the wolf tone, or move it between two in-tune notes (for example, halfway between E♭ and E), so it isn't noticeable when playing normally. Additionally, if your soundpost or bridge position isn't quite optimal, a small adjustment can affect the presence of a wolf tone as well!
The important thing is that if you hear more than one wolf tone or "weird" note, there may be a larger issue with your instrument's set up. It is important to check it over, looking for issues with the bridge, soundpost, cracks, and seams.
If your instrument has a wolf tone that is difficult for you to manage, have no fear. Believe it or not, they can actually be more common on better, more resonant instruments! Get in touch with our customer service team today to learn more about wolf eliminators, or your options for an instrument adjustment.