Perhaps a Stupid Question, but...

[tekdiver500ft]

I've never owned a fretted bass before, so am unfamiliar with them. I have always had flatwounds, though, so am somewhat familiar with them. So, the issue is, when I fret a note (prior to plucking) on the A or D string, fairly often there is this horrid clank. It sounds almost like the winding is broken and banging around inside the string. The question, then: is this normal with LaBella Deep Talkin (760FL) on a fretted bass (Squier CV P Bass)? Is this normal on a fretted bass with any string? Is there an issue with the bass or the strings, is it technique? If it is technique, then pointers would be greatly appreciated; if it is normal, I will have to learn to live with it. Thanks for your help.

[berwick63]

Is the clank through the amp or just acoustically? If its loud enough to be coming through the amp, a set up could be a good solution. Just sounds like the string is clanging the frets some. Some people actually like that sound.

[tekdiver500ft]

It does come through the amp fairly often, although not every time that I hear it acoustically. If we're talking about the same sound, I'm amazed that anyone likes that.

[superiorpine]

It is a combination of set-up and technique. I play flats on a fretted bass. Assuming a good set up, the clank is touch sensitive, i.e., only should happen when digging in or playing really hard. If it is only happening on two strings for you, I'm guessing a set up (raising those strings a bit, or changing relief in the neck, or both) will solve the problem.

[berwick63]

Originally Posted by superiorpine

It is a combination of set-up and technique. I play flats on a fretted bass. Assuming a good set up, the clank is touch sensitive, i.e., only should happen when digging in or playing really hard. If it is only happening on two strings for you, I'm guessing a set up (raising those strings a bit, or changing relief in the neck, or both) will solve the problem.

+1 to that

If you're clanking, when the string tries to vibrate, it bottoms out on the frets from where your finger is to the bridge, relief could help that, but first try checking out the saddles and maybe lifting them a little. That can definitely remove some fret buzz

[tekdiver500ft]

I must not be explaining myself well. It isn't when I pluck the note. It isn't necessarily even when changing notes on the same string. It happens when preparing to pluck a note on a non-vibrating string. So, for example, I just played A on the E string, and plan to arpeggiate the chord, when I plant my finger on the C#, clang! But when I then pluck the note, it generally rings clear. Now, if I hear it is out of tune slightly, and I try to adjust (remember, I'm used to fretless, so I correct individual notes on the fly), I generally get fret buzz as well, but that isn't what I'm talking about. It's the clank when I press the string down, preparing to pluck it.

[Razman]

+2 on setup. Had an Aria that was waay bright and I set the action too low and it behaved in a similar manner, as have some of my previous basses.

I had to humble myself recently and allowed a local shop to setup my current bass (he was filing the nut also). I was very impressed by the result.

Have a pro setup done and then try it - you may be surprised.

[tekdiver500ft]

Thanks, R, I think I will.

[ggunn]

One thing that may help with this is to fret the string right on top of the fret rather than behind it.

[aus_bass]

Definitely sounds like setup and/or technique, as others have mentioned. I have flats on both my basses and have zero clank or fret buzz.

[tekdiver500ft]

I'll run it in to Elderly tomorrow, have it checked out. If it isn't setup, then it's my technique, but either way, it sounds like the strings are okay. Thanks.

[WilliamSandoval]

Flats do that...

[tekdiver500ft]

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

Flats do that...

I think you mean frets do that, or maybe flats do that on frets, don't you? I've always had flats, just never had frets before.

I get your point, really, just giving you a little grief - no ill intent, I promise.

[WilliamSandoval]

Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft

I think you mean frets do that, or maybe flats do that on frets, don't you? I've always had flats, just never had frets before.

I get your point, really, just giving you a little grief - no ill intent, I promise.

I mean Flats make that sound when they hit against the frets. I've had flats ever since I started playing the bass. I switched to rounds a couple days ago, and no more clanking. I've made a thread about this once before. For some reason, every Flatwound string I have ever used has had more of a clank than any roundwound I've tried.

Clank Clank Clank

[tekdiver500ft]

Good to know.

[JimmyM]

Rounds will do it, too. Learn to tune it out. You'd never hear it in a live context, and it's only normal for metal touching metal to make a little clank.

[BassmanSBK]

Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft

I must not be explaining myself well. It isn't when I pluck the note. It isn't necessarily even when changing notes on the same string. It happens when preparing to pluck a note on a non-vibrating string. So, for example, I just played A on the E string, and plan to arpeggiate the chord, when I plant my finger on the C#, clang! But when I then pluck the note, it generally rings clear. Now, if I hear it is out of tune slightly, and I try to adjust (remember, I'm used to fretless, so I correct individual notes on the fly), I generally get fret buzz as well, but that isn't what I'm talking about. It's the clank when I press the string down, preparing to pluck it.

It's a technique issue. With frets, you need to develop a touch in the finger that decelerates your finger as the string bottoms out, and again when releasing just before your lift off the strung. The former softens the contact with the fret so that you don't get what is, effectively, and unwanted hammer-on, and the latter mutes the released string to eliminate fret buzz. The technique is similar on fretless, but the feel is different. Going down (fretting the note), you need to decelerate sooner on a fretted than a fretless (for the obvious reason). Same thing going up (muting), since it takes less string vibration to generate buzz.

The bottom line is--you already know how to do what you need to do. The feel and timing is a little different on a fretted neck, and it will take time and practice before your finger learn how to deal with it.

[BassmanSBK]

Originally Posted by BassmanSBK

It's a technique issue. With frets, you need to develop a touch in the finger that decelerates your finger as the string bottoms out, and again when releasing just before your lift off the strung. The former softens the contact with the fret so that you don't get what is, effectively, and unwanted hammer-on, and the latter mutes the released string to eliminate fret buzz. The technique is similar on fretless, but the feel is different. Going down (fretting the note), you need to decelerate sooner on a fretted than a fretless (for the obvious reason). Same thing going up (muting), since it takes less string vibration to generate buzz.

The bottom line is--you already know how to do what you need to do. The feel and timing is a little different on a fretted neck, and it will take time and practice before your finger learn how to deal with it.

And I forgot to add--it may get better, but it never goes away completely. But the pickups do not amplify it. Once your amp is turned up, you won't notice.

[tekdiver500ft]

Thanks, Bassman. That explanation is something I can work with. I'll give that a shot.