Squeals when changing chords - SS string issue?

AlexFinger919 · #1 12-23-2011, 08:49 AM

Hey,
I'm quite new to playing bass, as it is less than two months since I decided to change over from guitar and this is my first post here

At the moment I'm learning to play some chords, but what keeps annoying me ist the quite loud squealing noise when sliding on the strings.

My question:
I'm using Rotosound RS66's which are very rought, which emphasizes this. Would it be a solution to switch to another brand/type of strings? Or is it entirely a technique issue with my playing?

Thanks for your help

Best regards,
Alex

AlexFinger919 · #2 12-23-2011, 08:58 AM

Oh and sorry if I posted this in the wrong forum, but I thought as it's a string related question...

AmadeusXeno · #3 12-23-2011, 09:21 AM

Changing to different strings can help get rid of this problem, but to totally be rid of it you will have to adjust your technique. When moving your hand to a different position don't let your fingers drag along the strings. Hope this helps.

FunkMetalBass · #4 12-23-2011, 09:26 AM

Steel rounds are certainly going to be less forgiving than their nickel-wound counterparts in terms of finger noise, but if you enjoy the tone, there are things you can do to minimize it. Technique is a big one. It may require that you take your fretting hand completely off the strings and use your plucking hand to mute the strings.

Another thing you can try is something like the Fast Fret spray. It's basically a lube for your strings, which would minimize that friction for your fretting hand.

EQing the noise out is an option too. Try adjusting your upper mids and treble a bit to make it quieter without jeopardizing your tone.

FWIW, now that you're aware of the noise, you'll start noticing that even the pros do it. Just listen to the guitar in the beginning of TLC's "Unpretty" for an example.

SLaPiNFuNK · #5 12-23-2011, 12:37 PM

If you still want a "Round Wound" type brightness, look at Nickel Plated Steel strings as mentioned above. Rotosound does make a Nickel Plated version of your strings.

There are strings called Pressure Wounds that will reduce a ton of finger noise, but you will also lose some high end brilliance.

There are other products like Planet Waves XLR8 / Fast Fret / and some other lubricants that will help reduce finger noise.

alec · #6 12-23-2011, 01:32 PM

Flatwound strings will avoid string noise completely but they lose their brightness quickly (which is the reason people use them)
What sort of music are you playing and are you going for a particular sound?

AlexFinger919 · #7 12-24-2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alec

Flatwound strings will avoid string noise completely but they lose their brightness quickly (which is the reason people use them)
What sort of music are you playing and are you going for a particular sound?

As I just started playing, I haven't realy decided where to go yet

At the moment I'm just using a friend's Epi Thunderbird, which has a damaged trussrod. No way to get the neck straight (not even close

), so the action is really high....

After christmas a MIM Precision should be one it's way, once it arrived I'll try all of your ideas - Fast Fret, Pressure Wounds, Nickel Wounds.

But first (and most importantly) I'll work on my technique

So thanks to all of you for your help and have a nice christmas!

Best regards,
Alex

alec · #8 12-24-2011, 03:27 AM

A high action will exacerbate your problem because you have to lift your fingers much higher to get them off the strings.
If you can get your technique happening on that bass, you'll be ready for anything!

mmbongo · #9 12-24-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFinger919

At the moment I'm just using a friend's Epi Thunderbird, which has a damaged trussrod. No way to get the neck straight (not even close

), so the action is really high....

Alex

Stay far, far, far away from Flats or Chromes then. They will just compound that problem because they are extremely high tension.

Try a low tension string like DR Sunbeams, and a light gauge on top of that. So...DR Sunbeams 40-100 may relax your neck a little.

staurosjohn · #10 12-24-2011, 06:13 PM

I have been using D'Addario half-rounds on my short scales... have "rectified" all 'sloppy string' issues!!

AlexFinger919 · #11 12-30-2011, 03:33 AM

So, as some days have passed since christmas it is "goodbye t-bird, hello p-bass!"

I'm very happy, especially as I now have a MUCH more comfortable action. Strings of choice are again Rotosound RS66. Before playing I always apply Fast Fret on the strings which seems to help.

The occasional squeaking noises when releasing notes still keep annoying me a bit, but I see it as a good chance to improve my technique (and waiting some days until the strings settle in may help too...)

Thanks for all your help, much appreciated!
Alex