having trouble playing near bridge

Asa Samuel · #1 07-21-2007, 11:42 AM

pretty much explains it.

i'm finding that its difficult to play at my bridge pickup.

the strings seem sort of 'tight' and the sound i am getting is really harsh.

any tips?

EQ out the sound and lvie with the tightness?
new strings?

thanks for any replys.

Denial54 · #2 07-21-2007, 11:52 AM

i always play with my thumb on the neck pickup, is this bad?

Poop-Loops · #3 07-21-2007, 01:13 PM

It's definately going to be "tighter" near the bridge. Just something you have to accept. It's actually why you get that "harsh" tone, too.

Eublet · #4 07-21-2007, 01:21 PM

That's just the way it is. You can try different strings to get a different sound, but it will always be tighter and thinner sounding than the neck. Notes are rounder toward the neck, and more growly near the bridge. Find a good average place to play, and move your hand forward or backward for effect. On a jazz bass, right in between the pups is good, then mover over the front or rear pup for effect, or even farther.

Jimbob Jones · #5 07-21-2007, 01:34 PM

I don't quite understand...if you don't like the sound or feel of playing near the bridge, why do so?

JimK · #6 07-21-2007, 02:24 PM

IMO, it's best to be able to play anywhere...the 'sweet spot'(wherever that is on your particular instrument), of course, but anywhere in-between, too. This goes hand-in-hand with the thread that had helpful hints from Leland Sklar...the hands are your best option for tone. Where you pluck + the amount of force used, etc.

Although he may not like the sound/feel of playing by the brdige (at this time)-
FWIW, he may be shooting for a 'funky', Jaco-esque tone & that means playing back by the bridge. Naturally, the strings are tighter there, so, FME, a more agressive pluck may be required. Definitely a bit more energy vs. what you may expect if playing up near the neck.

...you may want to try boosting the bridge pickup a bit over the neck pickup, too.