action for slapping

Soverntear · #1 10-14-2009, 10:07 AM

So When i get my bass setup I like my tech to take it as low as possible. Is this good for slapping? maybe its my technique but i cant seem to get the right slap sound with this setup

johhn smith · #2 10-14-2009, 10:21 AM

it all depends on what you want - some guys have their actions quite high. i prefer mine low as i can go with no fret buzz, but then i prefer this for fingerstyle as well. i think in the long run you will find lower is better. it does take a long time to master the physical subtleties so don't give up.

Meatrus · #3 10-14-2009, 10:48 AM

Slapping sounds much nicer to my ears with a low action, I was not aware that anybody used a higher action for slapping as stated above. It just sounds really bad with a higher action to me, you get a thud and less note which dosnt happen with a low actioned bass. IMO and E, lower the better for slap.

You just need to work on your technique, it took me a while, and its harder than it looks.

Soverntear · #4 10-14-2009, 01:06 PM

thanks for the input guys. figured it was technique but might as well make sure low is best. saves me allot getting things resetup to slap

dave-chaulk · #5 10-14-2009, 01:15 PM

I keep my fretted basses action relatively low, but I don't slap a whole lot.
I keep the action on my P specific for slapping, though.. it is very, very low indeed.
I do tend to have the action ridiculously high on my fretless basses, though.. just preference.

gimmeagig · #6 10-16-2009, 08:37 PM

Check out Brian Bromberg's tone for low action and Marcus Miller and Will Lee for a action that is not so low.