Annoying noise created by fingers sliding on string

[EclecticElectrk]

Im wondering if there is any effective way to reduce the noise made by fingers when they slide across the bass string.

Im trying to record something and when i listen back, it sounds good - except for the horribly noticeable string noise.
im playing a 3 note chord and then sliding that same position down to a different fret, which creates the squeak noise.

do any of you know any method to reduce this noise? i was thinking maybe lightly wetting my finger tips, but im not sure.

[bassist4dalord]

Flatwounds. But since you're playing chords, I'd say some brand new D'Addario Chromes. For the first few days to week of use they're as bright as some Nickels I've tried. Good luck!

[NickInMesa]

It's also something you can get rid of with technique and also with different settings on your amp, noise reduction and, mostly in a P/J combination, put a bit more sound on the neck pickup, which has a mellow sound.

But overall it's something that I see occurs more with new strings. My theory is that, after a few hours of playing, the grease from your fingers will coat the strings and it will work a bit like when a road had been driven quite a bit, the thin layer of rubber on top will dampen the sound.

Flat wounds have a very specific sound that you may not like, but as usual, it's something to try. I know I hate flat wounds.

[2x4strgkramers]

FastFret helps.

[Jeff Martinez]

"It puts the lotion on It's skin."

















Seriously, If your fingers are moisturized, they will create less noise against the strings.

[NickInMesa]

Jeff, do you think KY Lube and others work too?

[6Steve6Harris6]

Flats, bro.

[dannster]

SIT Silencers are a nice option too if you don't want to go with flats. they are basically ground wounds. still a little ridged but basically flat. Probably brighter than flats if that is the sound you need.

2nd on fast fret and or lotion too if you can't change strings.

Also slide with the side of your fingers instead of the tips. sometimes reduces that sound.

[NickInMesa]

Again, I put it all on the bridge pickup, 10 on the tone, and 10 on the sharp knob on the amp, which makes them even more obvious, which in turn forces me to improve my sliding technique.

It helps me learn to reduce the buzz as well.

[excane]

You are going to need to build an extremely complex and expensive pedalboard (minimum over 2K) to eliminate this noise, that is your only option.

[Jeff Martinez]

Originally Posted by NickInMesa

Jeff, do you think KY Lube and others work too?

It depends on the s*** hole gig you're playing.

[kdiggity]

There are a couple solutions you could try (these are in no particular order, maybe)...

1. As mentioned, try flats or semi-flats (sometimes called half-rounds). Flatwound strings have a completely different sound than roundwound strings. In a nutshell, they're not nearly as bright; they're much warmer. Of course, if this is the sound that you're after, problem solved. They won't pick up the finger slides nearly as much as a rounds will, especially when recording (they're also much kinder on the fingers). It's worth mentioning that with the right EQ (whether on-board the bass or through a pedal, soundboard, whatever), flats can be made to sound much brighter than they are "out of the box". Flats are probably you're best option.

2. Lube it, baby!! That means keeping your fingers as well as the strings nice and lubed. It surprises me how many players never do this (both on bass and guitar). Run down to your local place (or order online) and pick-up some GHS FastFret (for example). It's the bomb for keeping strings silky smooth. Use a good quality lotion like GoldBond (non-greasy) for your hands. This has the extra bonus of making the ladies (and men) happy.

3. Technique. Although I will assume that if you're recording you've got that down already. If not, work on that. :-p When I was starting out, I used to make a lot more fret/string noise in general than I do now. I haven't even thought about it until I read your post. Guess it's just one of those things that works itself out the more you practice and develop.

Hope that helps.

- kdiggity -

[xgator4u]

YUP flats . also try turning down the tone @ your bass.

[MattAT]

Hey, what program are you using to record? If it is something like Pro Tools, you can use the "Gate" effect. It is a noise reduction tool. It is VERY resourceful. Good luck!

[capnsandwich]

Also, if your bass is active you can cut the treble back, or if your bass is passive and you have a tone knob try to turn the tone down a bit. This will make your tone less bright and will help with the finger slide noise. I had a similar problem when I played acoustic guitars with brand new phosphor bronze strings and both of these tricks worked to some degree. Another thing that may work is to use a coated string like Elixirs. They're nickel, which is less bright, and coated so that your finger tips won't get in between the winds of the strings as deep.

[Lesfunk]

Practice works but Flats will let one be as sloppy as they want