Finger noise

Musicbiz60 · #1 07-06-2009, 08:25 AM

I'm an experienced guitar player now taking up the bass. I'm getting more finger noise on the strings moving from one position to another than I'd like. I'm not intentionally sliding, so there must be some type of damping technique I'm not getting. Can anyone help?

Brick Top · #2 07-06-2009, 08:41 AM

I'm a beginner...and I found putting on a set of Labella flats cured the finger noise for me.

Cheers,
BT

Haruni · #3 07-06-2009, 08:55 AM

I would practice everything slower, if the noise's still there, well change to the flat strings and.... practice everything slower.

HogieWan · #4 07-06-2009, 09:06 AM

tone knob

Musicbiz60 · #5 07-06-2009, 01:06 PM

HogieWan -
Not sure what you mean. Are you suggesting to cut the treble perhaps? Thanks.
Jerry

LilRay · #6 07-06-2009, 01:25 PM

Jerry,
I believe HogieWan is infact suggesting cutting treble. What type of bass do you have? Has it been setup lately? What are the strings you use? If cutting treble doesn't get you what you want you can try higher action, different strings, etc. If you can give more info somebody might be able to pinpoint the source of the noise.

Thanks,
God Bless, Ray

HogieWan · #7 07-06-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicbiz60

HogieWan -
Not sure what you mean. Are you suggesting to cut the treble perhaps? Thanks.
Jerry

yep - string noise is treble. Lots of guys do prefer the tone of a bass "wide open" (tone knob all the way up), but there are plenty who prefer a slight treble cut (myself included). It does depend on what style you are playing, but the tone rolled off with some overdrive can give you a trebley sound without the string noise. After you are more comfortable with the instrument, the noise will naturally fade a bit.

becker4567 · #8 07-06-2009, 05:41 PM

LaBella 'Deep talkin' flats......satisfaction guaranteed!

HogieWan · #9 07-06-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becker4567

LaBella 'Deep talkin' flats......satisfaction guaranteed!

I tried a set of these thinking they would be thumpy and deep, but they were very bright. Turns out they are rounds with a flat nylon tape over them. The sound great and feel wonderful with no finger noise. I'd use them, but I'm only using Variax basses right now that only have a bridge pup and the tapes dampen the tone over the bridge.

basmartin · #10 07-06-2009, 06:54 PM

Don´t worry about the noise, it´s a part of bassplaying. But you might try to reduce the amount of pressure you use to fret a note. If you press hard and move your hand to the next position, it´s going to be a lot of finger noise.

J. Crawford · #11 07-06-2009, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basmartin

Don´t worry about the noise, it´s a part of bassplaying. But you might try to reduce the amount of pressure you use to fret a note. If you press hard and move your hand to the next position, it´s going to be a lot of finger noise.

This.

We all experience noise from our technique, esp. when first beginning. It will go away. You have more important things to worry about as a beginner.

Musicbiz60 · #12 07-06-2009, 07:27 PM

Thanks to all who wrote. I'll try your suggestions and will get flats to see if that helps.

By the way, Jordasch, do you like your Avatar 210 - I'm thinking of ordering them.

KPAX · #13 07-11-2009, 09:24 PM

The best cure I know for this problem is to play bass in a band.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicbiz60

I'm an experienced guitar player now taking up the bass. I'm getting more finger noise on the strings moving from one position to another than I'd like. I'm not intentionally sliding, so there must be some type of damping technique I'm not getting. Can anyone help?

Kevinmach · #14 07-12-2009, 08:56 AM

Muting with the right hand is the best way. But with new strings when the noise is more prominent, I turn down the treble too for this reason- cuts down on the clanking noise and finger noise. And flats will help, but you might not like the sound as much. Roundwounds have crevices or small spaces between the windings that catch your finger, resulting in excess noise. With flats, the windings are close together and result in a smoother surface, so they are naturally less inclined to create noise from your finger sliding across them.

Also, I agree with the two comments that said it's kind of part bass playing- and if you're a beginner, I would just focus on playing for now and you will eventually gain more control over the sound as you progress. Don't sweat it too much.