BB414 - Slapping and Setup

[MuddiedKnees]

Hello Everyone! I'm glad to join all you cool fellas in TalkBass! I'm new here so forgive me if my post sounds really stupid.

I've started playing the bass again after a 20-yr guitar-only hiatus. I'm lucky my gut feel led me to buy a BB414. I actually was really impressed by the construction quality and the sound (and the price) of this fine bass from Yamaha. I'm quite happy to discover that a lot of the people here are enjoying their BBs as well.

It seems like this bass is pretty well setup off the rack, but I do have some questions.

One thing is it seems like it's quite difficult for me to slap freely. When relaxed, my hand is right on top of the neck (P) pickups and I am having a hard time popping the strings. I feel the Ps are obstructing my natural playing style. Is this a common concern? Is there anything I need to adjust in terms of technique? Should I lower the pickups? They seem to be at the recommended height (2-3 mm from the string).

Also, I heard that the factory BBs carry relatively heavy gauged strings. How do I know the gauges on mine? Any recommendations on the string gauges (I have average size hands with average strength and perhaps less dexterity that most players)?

Lastly, I used a tuner and noticed that on the 12th fret my notes are either slightly high or slightly low. Does this indicate an intonation problem that needs adjustment? The harmonics seem to math the notes at the 12 though. Sorry, I've been playing classical guitar, so I really know very little about guitar adjustments.

[MuddiedKnees]

To answer my own questions... after a few days of slapping around, I found that I could slap easily close to the neck. It's an awesome bass.

I still think that the action is a bit high, but the guy in the store said he will check it for me. I want to try out all the basic setup instructions in this forum and in the Yamaha manual, but I still don't have the tools. I think my neck can be a bit less concave. I feel my action can be lower especially in frets 3-5, but I need to take some actual measurements.

Regarding the intonation--I guess I need to read more on this. I heard I just need to compare the harmonics at the 12th with the actual fretted note at the 12th. We'll see where it goes. For now, I need to pick up some tools. =)

[stanknuckle]

How'd you go with the 414? get it setup and still playing??

[MuddiedKnees]

Hi StanKnuckle - got the regular playing going, although I think I do need some direction. Been playing some Flea riffs and practicing with some drum tracks and effects courtesy of my Zoom B2 (another good buy, btw) and a friend's Big Muff. With the busy work schedule, my drummer friend and I have never had the time to actually jam.

I haven't touched the bass setup yet. But I'm pretty much sure I prefer lighter strings and lower action. I play around with basses owned by friends and find that they are much easier to play. I don't regret the 414 even a bit though. The tone and the construction quality is awesome. I got a Neotech Super Bass Strap to take care of the weight so I can practice more, but this strap is way too short. I'm waiting to get the Neotech Mega Bass Strap.

Oh, btw, I found that with some effects actually make slapping and popping much easier by emphasizing the sounds that make these techniques distinct. With effects like autowah/envelop filter you can actually slappop faster or play slappop riffs more subtly.

[john grey]

You may find that (for some) having the Bass in a relativity higher level allows a more comfortable left hand.
Many folks love a StingRay's design BECAUSE of the large and roomy area at the end of the neck for Slap-style playing but that doesn't mean that a p-bass pup's will crowd you. Some would advise you to simply use your thumb for scales until you stay at the last fret more naturally than resting a thumb on a p-up. Hal Leonard has a trick where he rests his pinky against the body of the guitar as a "spring-rest-pivot" point to keep his hand consistent (& use both index and middle finger to pop D&G). And keeps the Rt. hand in a consistent position.