Technique or action problem?

[sevenyearsdown]

Hey guys - I'm a part time finger plucker, part time pick player. Just transitioned from more of rock outfit that I picked in - to a jazz, swing, blues trio kinda thing that I pluck in.

Here is my problem. I set all of my basses up during the rock part....and now that I'm plucking again I'm getting a lot more string noise, and popping on the frets (almost like I'm playing real hard). I use flats FYI.

I've tried adjusting my strap/wrist position/etc. to no luck.

Here is my question - is it possible that I have set my action too low? Could it be another problem?

thx in advance.

[dbcandle]

Playing style can definately affect how much "string-buzz" you get.

It would be useful for you to post:
* String-height at 12th, 17th or last fret (however you measure). A precise measurement, say 64ths/inch would be best, measuring from top of fret to bottom of string.
* Whether the string-buzz is consistent across the neck, or only occurs on certain notes.

[bassist 4 life]

work on your technique,
you're going from a harder style to a softer style, you still need to get used to it.
Technique is probably 40% of the reason why you get alot of string noise and clank.

[sevenyearsdown]

Originally Posted by dbcandle

Playing style can definately affect how much "string-buzz" you get.

It would be useful for you to post:
* String-height at 12th, 17th or last fret (however you measure). A precise measurement, say 64ths/inch would be best, measuring from top of fret to bottom of string.
* Whether the string-buzz is consistent across the neck, or only occurs on certain notes.

There is no buzz. I don't believe I used that word. It's just pops and such of the frets/board..like I'm attacking to hard. Not specific to any notes or string.

[Step]

Originally Posted by sevenyearsdown

There is no buzz. I don't believe I used that word. It's just pops and such of the frets/board..like I'm attacking to hard. Not specific to any notes or string.

voila, problem solved

[Sir Edward V]

I get a bit of string noise on my bass

No complaints

I like the sound of the frets buzzing a little when I play hard, which is fairly often. Playing hard on my bass gives me tons of attack, and I love it.

[sevenyearsdown]

Originally Posted by Sir Edward V

I get a bit of string noise on my bass

No complaints

I like the sound of the frets buzzing a little when I play hard, which is fairly often. Playing hard on my bass gives me tons of attack, and I love it.

I didn't really notice it until yesterday when I actually had the amps on at home. I never notice when I'm in the mix at practice.....but every once in a blue moon I power **** up at home....that is where I noticed it.

[dbcandle]

I find the amp can make some difference, if what you're hearing is not the unplugged sound. On my Fender Bassman 25 (10" speaker), I can really "whack" the string with my thumb over the pickup, and it sounds great.

On my Fender Bassman 200 (15" speaker), when I do that, it sounds like hitting a bass-drum with a rubber mallet.