distorted sound when playing with a pick

skoti89 · #1 05-01-2006, 11:09 PM

I play punk with a pick, I just set up my bass, a little to low for me, alot of buzz, but I ill change it. my problem is, i set the bass back to the properfactory string height, but no matter how low i set my pickups( as low as they go), i get a distorted sound from my neck pickup(never even from the bridge pup, unless the string is basically resting on the pup)

so, when i pick fast, all i get is a crappy sound. when i slap, all i get is an annoying pop.

i just raised m action, but it stil does it
help!!

charic · #2 05-02-2006, 04:42 AM

Check the most basic thing first.. the wire!! lol overlooked way to often

bassist 4 life · #3 05-02-2006, 01:13 PM

Prolly a problem with the cable or the amp.

SubGuitar · #4 05-03-2006, 05:03 AM

Isn't that the "jazz bass growl" that I hear people raving about?

kitcar765 · #5 05-04-2006, 01:09 PM

try turning down your tone and volume pots. it sound like the grounding wire is loose to me, have a look under your bridge and the pots, that might be it.

lemur821 · #6 05-04-2006, 09:30 PM

Check your battery if you've got an active bass. They'll start to clip when the battery get low, and it's possible that your pick is just that much louder than your fingers.

chaosMK · #7 05-05-2006, 09:14 AM

Could be the battery.

Maybe your amp is clipping. You shouldnt be getting distortion.

Masher88 · #8 05-07-2006, 03:35 PM

I'm thinking it's your amp. Turn the amp way down and try picking again. Is it still distorting? Are you seeing clips lights (usually red light flashing on the control panel when you play hard)? If this is the case...Try putting a compressor inline before the amp. This will dampen the attack of the pick so your amp doesn't overload.