Slap Bass Set-up

hansC · #1 12-19-2006, 06:53 PM

I've bought a slap bass video and am trying to learn this technique. I currently have a '75 P-bass with flats on it. I'm not getting the sound that I want to hear out of it, even acoustically. Whats the best setup for slapping... strings lower or higher off the neck, rounds vs flats, etc.... or is this bass not a very good bass for slapping period...

Figjam · #2 12-19-2006, 07:16 PM

I like the strings low. There really isnt much reason to have them high. With good technique, low works best for most things, IMO. I would use a slightly higher gauge to get lower action (thicker strings have a smaller range of motion = less fret buzz at lower action). I use ernie ball hybrid slinkies because they have thicker low strings ( great for slap) and medium (slightly thinner) high strings (great for popping).

manbass · #3 12-19-2006, 07:20 PM

Rounds with the treble rolled off to just less than half, and a very very slight application of tube distortion, like a SABDDI pedal, should do it on the P.

ibz · #4 12-19-2006, 08:32 PM

Definately go for rounds if you have flats on there now.

gkbass13 · #5 12-19-2006, 08:36 PM

rounds. i love DR high beems.

scuba steve · #6 12-19-2006, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkbass13

rounds. i love DR high beems.

+1

SoulStabber · #7 12-20-2006, 01:44 AM

Rounds as well! GO for Rotosound 66's

morf · #8 12-20-2006, 05:11 AM

+1 for the roto 66's for slap. They're just awesome.

RavCat · #9 12-20-2006, 05:18 AM

A P bass with flats is a fairly anti-slap setup.

Any roundwound stainless steel strings (Hi Beams, Prosteels, Rotosounds etc) are going to give you that slap zing.

String height - go as low as you can - slap technique involves a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs and you'll find it much easier with a low action.

Finally, give yourself a bit of mid cut and boost the treble and bass on your amp - nothing too severe mind you.

Sadly, even after all this, a passive P bass isn't going to sound like a slap machine - you really need twin pickups or a MM pickup , with active preamp to get *that* sound. If you find your setup is still lacking, maybe it's time to go shopping.

hansC · #10 12-20-2006, 04:01 PM

Thanks everyone...a lot of very useful information here. I'm in the market for a second bass anyway...I'll look into finding a more slap "friendly" bass this time, although I did want a 5 string..

Don W · #11 12-20-2006, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ibz

Definately go for rounds if you have flats on there now.

+1, I personally like DR strings, either Low Riders or Fat Beams would be my choice.

bryanjnkns · #12 12-20-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RavCat

Sadly, even after all this, a passive P bass isn't going to sound like a slap machine - you really need twin pickups or a MM pickup , with active preamp to get *that* sound. If you find your setup is still lacking, maybe it's time to go shopping.

This is just my opinion...but i disagree, i think the pbass is very capable of achieving a good slap tone. I used to have a MIM and MIA pbass. Each one had a great slap tone(not a modern slap tone persay but a good tone, more vintage slap i suppose). IMO, a proper setup goes along way. Put some rounds on it, have it setup and that bass will be good to go.

el_Kabong · #13 12-20-2006, 04:25 PM

Check out the recently posted audio clips on the Lakland site. Heaps of clips of P's & J's with flats and rounds, slapped and plucked. Should give you a good idea.

soniq · #14 12-20-2006, 04:42 PM

For 5-string a MusicMan SR5 with a maple board and Warwick Black Label strings...thanks to rbrown13 for turning me on to this combo. Slap tone is incredible, and I feel the maple board has a lot to do with it.

The Penguin · #15 12-20-2006, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el_Kabong

Check out the recently posted audio clips on the Lakland site. Heaps of clips of P's & J's with flats and rounds, slapped and plucked. Should give you a good idea.

I was going to say that

Here's the link to hear the Lakland P with rounds

http://www.lakland.com/multimedia/ac_glaub.htm

BassoP · #16 12-20-2006, 11:44 PM

I think my P copy has a decent slap tone, but it does have a duncan 1/4 lb in it which is hotter than traditional. RIght now, it has groundwound d'addarios on it, and it they work fine for slapping. I run the tone wide open on the bass and the eq with a mid cut. I think a P is fine, but ditch the flats.

BassoProfondo · #17 12-20-2006, 11:58 PM

^^ Nice nick

I don't like my precision for slapping very much. I can't bring out the what I hear unplugged with brand new strings when amplified.

Marcus · #18 12-21-2006, 12:13 AM

For slapping I generally prefer either the classic humbucker sound a'la Ernie Ball/Music Man (with my Sterling), or the tried and true Jazz sound from a bass with pickups in neck and bridge position. With that out of the way, I use light-gauge strings, and very low action.