Low action, slapping & fingerpicking

[Chrisk-K]

Because I have a light touch, my basses are set up with very low action (less than 1/16" on the 12th fret).

Now that I'm into slapping, such low action results in massive fret buzz if I slap and hold a note, especially on the A & E strings. Well, I don't need to hold many notes when slapping but the fret buzz bothers me.

If you slap and fingerpick the same bass, let me know how you deal with fret buzz.

[zaubertuba]

My bass is set up for tapping--really low action like yours. I can fingerpick and slap as well, but I really have to ramp back how hard I pluck and hit the strings with my right hand--it doesn't take much.

If you're still getting fretbuzz, make sure your truss rod is well-adjusted. My fingerboard is nearly dead flat. Beyond that, you may need to have your frets dressed by a reputable luthier. Of course, with action that low, you've probably already done that.

[Chrisk-K]

Frets are fine and I also like straight necks. I guess I just need to learn to slap lightly.

[tjmdetroit]

Originally Posted by Chrisk-K

Frets are fine and I also like straight necks. I guess I just need to learn to slap lightly.

I'm set up flat and low too and the only problem I have is my B string.... sometimes it will rattle if I don't hit it just right. I'm going to try a heavier B with my next set of MTD strings. IIRC they have a .135. anyway check out Caron. He seems to have low action too. I'm trying to incorporate as much of his techniques into my style.... The sound of his bass is great... and he sure makes it look easy....I noticed he has a midi pup mounted.... I wounder if he uses that to embellish his slappin.... I have a Roland GR20 with a Bass midi pu that I had on my bass, but I took off and am using my guitar with the GR20.... I might put it on again and see what kind of noise I can make now!!!!
He gets into a nice little funk around 2:00.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkOYG...os=29l3k0rq054
Peace
Tim