Fretless too noisy!

[202dy]

Originally Posted by btsabq

I have the same clacking going on with my (fretted) P-bass. Probably as a result of poor technique (#2 above) - digging-in too much. The bass is tuned to D natural and has Dadarrio mediums (.105) on the 4th string.

Does string tension come into play with this situation at all? Would heavier gauge strings be tighter and therefore minimize the problem of hitting the fretboard? Any recommendations of strings to use for a “tighter” drop-D tuning in this case? (I can start another thread if needed)

Thanks,

-Brian.

Mechanics will only go so far as to remediating poor technique. If this is where the problem is the solution lies elsewhere. Those who overplay must learn to accept higher action.

There is a rule than none may contradict:

Luthiers shall not change the laws of physics.

[Painless]

I'm not sure if this will help, but I've got a fretless fender jazz bass (MIM) which I've setup with a fairly low action, I also experience this 'clacking' sometimes when I'm playing harder. This is definately, in my case, a result of the strings 'slapping' against the fingerboard along with the fact that I tend to favour 'tapping' the strings with my plucking hand as opposed to 'picking' them (i.e. a downward tap towards the pickups as opposed to a pull up towards me then releasing).

The 'clacking' sound, in my case, is only audible in the vicinity of the bass itself and isn't heard at the amplification end. I wonder if this helps narrow down the cause at all?

Russ.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Painless

The 'clacking' sound, in my case, is only audible in the vicinity of the bass itself and isn't heard at the amplification end. I wonder if this helps narrow down the cause at all?

Russ.

A solid body bass guitar is only one half of a musical instrument. It is designed to be played through an amplifier, the other half of the instrument. If one accepts this basic truth then it follows that if the bass does not clack (buzz, note out, make other objectionable sounds) through the amp, it does not clack.

[Painless]

Originally Posted by 202dy

A solid body bass guitar is only one half of a musical instrument. It is designed to be played through an amplifier, the other half of the instrument. If one accepts this basic truth then it follows that if the bass does not clack (buzz, note out, make other objectionable sounds) through the amp, it does not clack.

+1 to that fact.

My hypothosis was that if, in my case, the strings are 'slapping' against the fingerboard on attack and it's not being heard through the amp, then we can possibly eliminate this as one of the possible causes when the thread starters clacking is being heard through the amp.

[202dy]

Agreed. Earlier in the thread there were some folks talking about using EQ to eliminate the clack. Useless if the sound isn't coming through the amplifier. If the sound is coming through the amplifier the remedy must be at the guitar.

Using an EQ to eliminate an offensive noise is like using cologne to cover up an odor. The real answer is to take a bath.

[Depth_Charge]

Great thread!

Originally Posted by Joshua

Interesting indeed. I wish I understood better what you both were referring to as "clacking".

Fretless, being a different animal than fretted, has it's specific playing (and tonal) anomalies. I can imagine that a heavy playing style coupled with low action might create a lot of string smacking against the fingerboard, and wonder if that is what might be happening here.

In any case, I do believe the TF to be a very good quality instrument. We'll figure this out!

If I am playing a run of notes, I can hear a distinct "chuc, chuc, chuc, chuc" for every note, from the amp. I also hear the noise, it at the bass, and suspect the strings are hitting the end of the fingerboard.

Originally Posted by milhouse

The little bit I've messed with mine, I believe it's the end of the fingerboard that's being hit. I do have low action and play hard. Mine isn't enough to be a big problem, hence my slow speed in looking for a solution. For some reason I've always used low action and I'm sure most of mine could be eliminated by raising it.

+1, except the recording and changing settings myself

Originally Posted by Joshua

If the bass end of the fingerboard is being hit, perhaps there is a shim pushing that end higher.

If there is one there, one might try to remove it and then re-setup the bass (measuring and writing down whatever variables are changed so that the actions could be reversed).

Is there a quick and easy way to check for a shim? Sorry.

Originally Posted by 202dy

Mechanics will only go so far as to remediating poor technique. If this is where the problem is the solution lies elsewhere. Those who overplay must learn to accept higher action.

There is a rule than none may contradict:

Luthiers shall not change the laws of physics.

Earths laws? Human laws?

Originally Posted by 202dy

Agreed. Earlier in the thread there were some folks talking about using EQ to eliminate the clack. Useless if the sound isn't coming through the amplifier. If the sound is coming through the amplifier the remedy must be at the guitar.

Using an EQ to eliminate an offensive noise is like using cologne to cover up an odor. The real answer is to take a bath.

Haha! Vera Wang for Men! The very best in odour management IMO

My EQ change came about as a result of my guitarist complaining I drop out on higher notes. In response, I rolled off some bass, increased mids and treble and that was OK, then someone else suggested I roll the treble back to help resolve this issue.

I have no doubt that my hard playing has some effect when I forget, however I have also consciously lightened my playing in the environment it happens in (rehearsal studio) and am having a hard time believing that it is related to technique alone as I was so light, I could hardly hear myself, yet the "chuc, chuc, chuc" was always present.

End of the day, my band tells me it's a non-issue for them as such annoyances will just be clipped by the soundguy at the soundboard anyway, and I play to be in a band not to be a perfect musician.

(That said I'm finally starting lessons in 2 weeks with a teacher to address my bass playing habits, lack of theory, fretboard tapping and EQing etc)

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

Great thread!



Earths laws? Human laws?

It is the Eleventh Commandment.

Unfortunately made by players, it is an all too common request.

[PilbaraBass]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Agreed. Earlier in the thread there were some folks talking about using EQ to eliminate the clack. Useless if the sound isn't coming through the amplifier. If the sound is coming through the amplifier the remedy must be at the guitar.

Using an EQ to eliminate an offensive noise is like using cologne to cover up an odor. The real answer is to take a bath.

agreed...EQ, when used properly, may not "eliminate" an offensive noise...but often, it will make an offensive noise, non-offensive...

for instance...If I play my carvin AC40 with the tone controls flat, the sound of the nylon-wrap strings on the frets is a bit harsh...but dialing back the treble a little, yields a very nice sounding percussive sound that fits most acoustic music wonderfully...

so sometimes, a smell may be a bit, too much...but when tempered with another smell, may be nice...like garlic in a nice ragu...

[Depth_Charge]

Resurrecting this thread haha.

I haven't checked for that shim yet But I did watch some videos last night (recommended on here) regarding the mechanics of playing bass.

And today I applied them to my fretless, which I must admit I have not played for quite some time!

I've found by lightening my attack and increasing the headroom on the amp, I have eliminated a lot of the "clacking" going on. The E string is still pretty bad when I forget and dig in, but with vigilance I can eliminate it.

I've considered raising the action a little, but I really like the low action on this bass. So at this stage I am working on improving a consistent light attack.

Only really started doing it today and I've had results, so I'm hoping this will be a non-issue soon and I can enjoy the fretless again.

Thanks for everyones' help!

[milhouse]

I tried the light touch for awhile. It just wasn't working for me. I raised the action a little last week and that seems to help. I don't play AS hard, but still moderately heavy. I'm using TI Flats and the raised action seems to help with them as well. The tension on those seems so low that the increased action lets them vibrate more freely.

[DavidRavenMoon]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

My fretted's aren't doing it, but none have actions as low as my fretless.

I'm not sure if the clacking is a symptom of an action that is too low, but thats my intial thought.

How is your neck? You want it very straight, with a small amount of relief, but no back bow, or you will get buzzing around the 10th fret.

TI flats are low tension, so you might need more relief or higher action.

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

....

....Also, I can't work out how to tune the hipshot between E and D I've read the FAQ's on some site and tried it but still get the same problem (only less but still consistenly ) so I will probably take it to a shop to learn how to tune that I'm just ranting that one out really

There are videos on Hipshot's website of Dave B demonstrating how to do this. Shows how easy and simple it really is when it's done right.

[Depth_Charge]

Originally Posted by Dave M

There are videos on Hipshot's website of Dave B demonstrating how to do this. Shows how easy and simple it really is when it's done right.

Got a link by any chance?

[milhouse]

http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....oduct_list&c=6

Just pick the model you have, then there's a video link at the bottom of the page.

[Dave M]

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

Got a link by any chance?

What milhouse said.

I'm pretty sure the TF has the BT-2 Hipshot. Here's the link for that specific page:

http://www.hipshotproducts.com/cart....ct_detail&p=57

Go to the bottom and click on "View Associated Video". See what'cha think!