Low action with a pick??

[jdbutz]

I've got an Ibanez ICB200 Iceman that I tune down a 1/2 step and play with a pick. I've got fairly low action right now which is great if I were to play it fingerstyle. The problem is that I want to use a pick with this bass. When I do, I get buzzing on the first couple of frets on every string. From what I've searched on here, it sounds like I might need a truss rod adjustment. I was wondering if it is able to have low action with no buzzing when using a pick. I'm going to probably take it in to my local guitar store for a set up. Thanks!

[ducknturtle]

I generally find the opposite, namely that I can have both the action and the string tension lower when I play with a pick than when I play fingerstyle. If pick playing is new to you, try playing with a lighter touch. Also, if you move your picking hand closer to the bridge it should help

[ishouldbeking]

Yeah, I know that feeling. I'm a full-time pick player and I've found that a medium-low action works best. It really depends on the player though. If you lighten up the attack a little bit you might be fine with low action, or if you play down by the bridge (when play there the strings are less apt to hit the frets, it seems, compared to playing up by the neck).

Another thing I've come to accept... if you're playing rock with a pick, there's an inherent amount of noise generated by the pick on its own. Oftentimes it's more than enough to cover up a mild fret buzz. I once was playing a bass that desperately needed a setup, but I just went for it and started wailing away... it was buzzing and rattling like all heck, but very little if any of that came through the amp. just sounded like good ol' rock and roll. I think Entwhistle used to play with his action ridiculously low, to the point where it was constantly buzzing, but most of it didn't come through the speaker. I dunno, all of the above is IMHO.

[202dy]

If you can play it fingerstyle with no buzzing then there is nothing wrong with the guitar. This is a technique issue. Try lightening up on the pick.

[jdbutz]

Thanks for the replies. I don't really dig in that hard with a pick and the buzzing is coming through the amp. I do play between the pickups. If the action is a little higher, could that help eliminate some of the buzz?

[ishouldbeking]

Originally Posted by jdbutz

Thanks for the replies. I don't really dig in that hard with a pick and the buzzing is coming through the amp. I do play between the pickups. If the action is a little higher, could that help eliminate some of the buzz?

Yes. it could be as simple as an adjustment of the truss rod, or the saddles might need to be raised a little bit. Another possiblity is that it's the fretwork, but i'd start by adjusting the truss rod and see if that makes a difference.

[ishouldbeking]

btw, I love those iceman basses. definitely one of my favorite body designs.

[jdbutz]

Just got back from my local guitar shop. Had a truss rod adjustment and raised the saddles a little bit. No buzz! All is now right with the world, at least my little corner of it.

[ishouldbeking]

Congrats! Another victory over the bass gremlins.