finger style - way too much clackity-clack

thor999 · #1 10-09-2006, 12:12 PM

well, I sure enjoy the speed that my "style" offers me, unfortunately every time I hit the string it sounds like a frettbuzzed pop. Yes, the notes may ring out, but maybe too much. I tend to hit the string from the furthest point from the body to about halfway down (looking at a clock, this would be 12:00 to 3:00, with 6:00 being the closest to the pick-up.) Please, I need the professional advice that this site has to offer! To I have any options besides complete revision of my right hand technique? Are there eq'ing options, maybe equipment that can eliminate this sound? Brawly Artemis, active pickups, problem is the same throughout all my rigs. Thx in advance guys!

BrandonBass · #2 10-09-2006, 12:14 PM

if your action is low and you dig hard the string is gonna buzz, either you play soft or you raise your action

kevcooke · #3 10-09-2006, 12:24 PM

^123

And, make sure you pluck across through the string, dont hammer it down into the fretboard

Folmeister · #4 10-09-2006, 12:26 PM

Sounds like what I am trying to address right now. For some reason, when I pick a note, I get this "CLACK" from bouncing the string off the frets/fretboard. It was really noticeable when I bought my first Sadowsky, and really irritating. When I try and isolate what part of my picking does it, I can't reproduce it. I think it is the way my fingers are shaped, but I am still not sure.

Earthday · #5 10-09-2006, 08:17 PM

First, try playing near the bridge. I get clicks when I play near the fretbaord, but not down near the bridge. If that doesn't do the trick you need to raise your action a bit and/or play softer.

Human Bass · #6 10-09-2006, 08:32 PM

I have the same problem

...How the hell the Ox could hit so hard with the strings so low and avoid the clacking?!

I guess only a fretless can save me

JimmyM · #7 10-09-2006, 09:21 PM

He couldn't. Entwistle had a lot of clickety in his playing.

Jim Carr · #8 10-09-2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folmeister

Sounds like what I am trying to address right now. For some reason, when I pick a note, I get this "CLACK" from bouncing the string off the frets/fretboard. It was really noticeable when I bought my first Sadowsky,m and really irritating. When I try and isolate what part of my picking does it, I can't reproduce it. I think it is the way my fingers are shaped, but I am still not sure.

Look carefully at your fretting hand. See if you are doing the same
thing each time you get the clack.

I used to get clacks on a certain part of the neck on most of my basses.

After adjusting my action, truss rods, bridges, and changing strings,
it dawned on me that the problem only occured when I played with a
certain kind of finger position on my left hand. I modified this a bit,
and presto, the clack was gone.

Really try to figure out when and where it happens. If it always
happens, that also means something, which I think the other posters
are addressing. Let us know what happens...good luck!

Yell03SpecV · #9 10-09-2006, 09:44 PM

It could just be a part of your own personal style. Clacking never stopped the Magic Bus, you know.

Toneonbass · #10 10-09-2006, 10:25 PM

nice...your first post in three years

thor999 · #11 10-10-2006, 12:01 PM

thanks guys! so far playing near the bridge seems to have the most effect, yet a truly diminished response is affecting my tone, would different strings (am using Dean Markley Blue Steel right now) such as thicker, or flatwound, help defeat this problem? More compression, maybe? As I am in a metal band and could easily get away with it? What basses should I be looking at that may be more "forgiving" of this crappy style I have?

BrandonBass · #12 10-10-2006, 12:39 PM

you would want strings with higher tension, and since ur playin metal i wouldnt recommend flatwounds. or u can try raising ur action or crank ur volume and play soft

SteveC · #13 10-10-2006, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

He couldn't. Entwistle had a lot of clickety in his playing.

I like some "clickety" in my playing. I think that's part of the style/sound.

bassist 4 life · #14 10-10-2006, 12:49 PM

If your mids are scooped, dont do that, decrease your treble too, , there are also strings that Rotosound makes that are almost as bright as roundwounds but have no finger noise, you should try those out.

Human Bass · #15 10-10-2006, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

He couldn't. Entwistle had a lot of clickety in his playing.

For the way he played (low action hitting hard) it didnt have a lot of clickety at all.

ptotheATsign · #16 10-10-2006, 01:33 PM

I have some clack in my playing, too -- but only when I'm playing 8th or 16th notes on my E string. (A, D and G strings are fine.)

Is this a problem of technique, or should my action be raised to accomodate the E string?

Jotaro · #17 10-10-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptotheATsign

I have some clack in my playing, too -- but only when I'm playing 8th or 16th notes on my E string. (A, D and G strings are fine.)

Is this a problem of technique, or should my action be raised to accomodate the E string?

Might want to take your bass to a luthier first and have it checked?

phxlbrmpf · #18 10-10-2006, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Human Bass

For the way he played (low action hitting hard) it didnt have a lot of clickety at all.

Thing is, he actually had a very light touch, he even said so in an interview and told the interviewer he thought it was best to have the amp do most of the work.

EricF · #19 10-10-2006, 04:28 PM

Another thing to look at is the angle that your fingers are attacking the strings. If your finger is striking the string and pulling it towards the body of the bass, it will vibrate in that direction and increase the "clickety-clacks". Adjust your hand position so your fingers are hitting the strings in a motion that is closer to parallel with the body. As previously suggested, a lighter touch (get your volume from the amp) and raising your action will also help.

Bottom Feeder · #20 10-10-2006, 05:23 PM

If you are going to play hard and dig in, you will have to have a higher action. Low action can be used only if you have a light touch. Try the lighter touch approach and increase the volume.
I play hard and have a med to high action. I actually had to lower the neck pup on my Jazz to alleviate the string actually contacting the pole piece when digging in hard. Problem is that when I play softer passages, my high action isn't as comfortable.
You can also resort to using 2 basses. One with high action for harder playing and one with low action for softer playing.
Also as mentioned, reducing higher frequencies may alleviate some of the clackity sounds.