Engelhardt vs, Shen Slap problems

[ERIC A]

I recently replaced my Engelhardt Swingmaster with a Shen 80. I was told that the thin neck of the Engelhardt was not good for my CTS. My question is, when I am slapping the Shen, the G string doesn’t sound as “tight” or defined as the Engelhardt did. I had the same luthier set up both basses (he always does a great job) , and both basses sound great when playing straight pizz. The only thing I can think of is that the Engelhardt fingerboard was flat, were as the Shen is more curved. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[kmanley_29649]

This most likely has more to do with your strings (and tension) than the particular bass. I too have a Shen SB80, and find it rather easy to slap (and will be easier when I get some Superflexible Solos).

Although, I do have a little more trouble on the G as well, so you could be onto something. But again, I think it's more the strings.

[havnjero]

if it is really a problem for you, you could use some compression or could consider switching your pickup from the E side of the bridge to the G side. many pickups sound thinner when playing the G string for reasons unbeknownst to many.

I use an underwood with only one element connected, and there is a little bit of lack to the G string, so I have to play it a little harder. I am using plain guts (lezner). when the other element is connected the sound is fuller, but I prefer the sound of the element closest to the adaptor when under the wing of the E string. sounds better.

/miles