Fingernail "clank"

[Cristo]

I play fingerstyle, and I have always used a bit of fingernail. I find that I like the "pick-like" clean attack I can get with a nail. I'm not going to use a pick, so don't even go there! No "principle" or anything, just don't like the feel of it.

I've tried cutting off my nails, but the resulting huge change in tone (loss of top end) coupled with the "mushy" attack I got was just not pleasing. Maybe with the right EQing I could get the tone back that I want, but I have had no luck there.

At any rate, I want to stick with my usual method of playing, but the one drawback is that I often get too much "clank" in the tone from my nails. Hard to describe tone in words as we all know, but clank is the best term I can think of, and it is definitely fingernail related. When I cut my nails I lost the clank, but also the tone and attack that I want.

So it is a catch-22. I am considering using a parametric EQ to try and locate and notch out the specific "clank" frequency that annoys me and thus be able to preserve the sharp attack and brightness that I like.

I realize most fingerstylers cut off their nails - but is there anyone out there with experience with what I'm talking about?

[bigblondeafro87]

I know that my bass teacher keeps his fingernails long like you and obtains a pretty clear and picklike sound. The only reason I don't use my fingernails is that it just feels wierd.

[perfektspace6]

While not as pronounced as a fingernail, the callouses (sp) on my 3 fingers are hard enough that they produce a nice attack. Maybe because of your current style your fingers haven't become sufficiently torn up to develop those nice callouses.

[Cristo]

That may be the case. They are less well developed than the ones on the fretting fingers.

[PrimusNut]

I know you said you wont try a pick because it feels weird.... but, i hated picking when i first started playing bass (felt queer, and i was anti-pick) but now i find myself using a pick more than i know. i really like it, still feels weird, but it gives great tone that even fingernails cant produce, depending on pick thickness.

[Thor]

I used a pick for years, but haven't since 2002.

I keep them a little longer, like classical guitarists
do. I like the potential attack available when I want
it without resorting back to the pick.

That being said, bass is all about individual style, so
if the longer nail works, use it.

Mine typically break or wear off, unless I am not playing
enough.