curing fret clacking ?

[PATTY1]

i'm using strings that are guaged 40-100 and there nice and flexable but i'm gotting lots of clacking on the frets,( not sure if this would come thru a pa system or not) but i was wondering if a heavier guage (say 45-105) would help eliminate the noise while keeping the action the same ???

[metalstorm]

This is an issue of technique and not strings. Work on pulling the strings as opposed to striking them.

[SurferJoe46]

............and you'd be surprised at how much doesn't get through the mix for anyone to hear. String whiz and fret noises all get gobbled up when it's going good for the group.

Most time you are right there on time with the percussionist (a drummer, in case there's any drummers reading this) and people will think it's bad drum hits. That's OK - then the drummer gets blamed and you can just look at him in disgust too.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

[stratovani]

I had the same problem when I first started out. The solution is to pluck the string at an angle that's parallel to the pickguard,so the string will vibrate the same way. If you strike down on the string then the string will vibrate up and down, and if you strike the string hard enough it will hit the frets, causing the dreaded clacking sound. Also, a lighter touch and a slightly higher action helps.

[jaywa]

Originally Posted by stratovani

Also, a lighter touch and a slightly higher action helps.

Just what I was gonna say. Raise the action, and don't attack the strings so hard. That's why you've got an amp.

[Billnc]

Make sure the fretting hand is not hitting too hard too.

[Beginner Bass]

Playing closer to the bridge will help. Also, work on pulling more than hitting. A softer touch will reduce buzz/clack.

[MNAirHead]

turn up the amp.. get a delicate touch.

T.

[lamarjones]

agreed on the lighter touch. And your action depends on how light your touch is, if it's not all that light then you should raise it a bit and practice getting the same pressure out of an attack without the wild force, this is what will let you get real low action without string noise. I can't keep mine super low cause that is not my style, but I have to work to keep my chops inline with where my action is.

I also recommend electronics with a tone control, dialing that back a little will help also.

[ccpbass]

All the above posts are correct, its all technique. Personally I like the "clack" sound on certain basslines. It sounds like an upright player playing slap bass style i.e. rockabilly.
Flat wound strings might reduce some of this effect. Also if you have an EQ pedal you can cut some of the upper frequencies: 900hz to 2Khz range. This would reduce your initial attack.

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by PATTY1

not sure if this would come thru a pa system or not

all players face unintended mechanical noises :string squeaks clanks and rattles.
The usual advice is two fold:
1.) make sure your bass condition/setup is decent
2.) clean up your technique

Most who post on this never mention the crucial factor: DOES IT COME THROUGH YOUR AMP?
almost any unplugged bass guitar will present some mechanical,noise when you pluck it in a quiet room.

Yes, your bass should have a decent setup
yes, you technique should be clean (but there are more important reasons for that)

But if the squeaks/rattles/ clanks don't get amplified, and can't be heard in the mix... don't stress about it.

[Q man123]

Just going to say, for the music I play(mainly core genres) I like a bit of clank. Just sayin'.