Hard to tap high up...

Mitchhelpmeplez · #1 10-20-2007, 01:01 PM

When i tap high up on my fret board, high up being the 21st fret, it is really hard to produce a crisp loud enough sound. When i look at my strings in comparison to the board there pretty high off the board (like maybe 1/4 of an inch off. Is this because its a cheap bass or is it becuase i need to practice more.

Much appreciated...Mitch

christianthump · #2 10-20-2007, 02:20 PM

There could be some other factors to consider. Your EQ may need some adjusting (possibly a bit more mids and highs just to get the ball rolling). Pick up selection could also be a factor, for some people an extreme shift to the bridge pickup may do it. While for others a shift to the neck pick up gets the job done. Adequate technique is half the battle so practice, practice, practice. For the most part the cleaner melody and harmonic lines tend to be done under the 12th fret, anything above that is usually but not always designated to tapping the bassline.

pkr2 · #3 10-21-2007, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchhelpmeplez

When i tap high up on my fret board, high up being the 21st fret, it is really hard to produce a crisp loud enough sound. When i look at my strings in comparison to the board there pretty high off the board (like maybe 1/4 of an inch off. Is this because its a cheap bass or is it becuase i need to practice more.

Much appreciated...Mitch

1/4" off the frets is extremely high action.

Your best bet may be to get the action down to a reasonable height and see how it works.

Mitchhelpmeplez · #4 10-21-2007, 11:36 AM

How do u get the action down?

tomas_almeida · #5 10-21-2007, 01:24 PM

The bridge saddles have a screw there for that.

fullrangebass · #6 10-21-2007, 01:30 PM

I'd suggest to take the bass to a luthier for a proper set up, explaining to him what is your playing style and you try to achieve. This proper set up will give you the best bass you have (more than half the appeal of ANY bass is the set up IMHO).

tomas_almeida · #7 10-21-2007, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fullrangebass

I'd suggest to take the bass to a luthier for a proper set up, explaining to him what is your playing style and you try to achieve. This proper set up will give you the best bass you have (more than half the appeal of ANY bass is the set up IMHO).

He also's got a point on that!

RavynWolf · #8 11-10-2007, 10:41 PM

Your bass should have come with a set of A-keys. The bridge saddles have little holes, rotate them until the strings are close to the fretboard, but not touching the frets, lower action=easier playing.