Incosistent sound

[pohnjodz]

When I play on the E string the notes come out strong and clear; but when i play on the others there seems to be some extra noises and the notes sound squishy. I've tried a lot of different things with my right hand and it seems like i'm hitting all the strings the same way, but i'm not sure. Is it my technique that's wrong or is something wrong with my bass?

[scottbass]

Originally Posted by pohnjodz

Is it my technique that's wrong or is something wrong with my bass?

It's pretty easy to answer that question: switch basses with another bassist. If he or she has the same problem as you on your bass, it's the bass. Otherwise it's your technique. If the problem DOESN'T follow the bass, but goes away somewhat when you play a different bass, measure the neck relief and action heights on the loaner bass and do a setup on your bass to mimic it. Then go work on your technique!

[Mushroo]

The best solution to this problem is an experienced teacher who can listen to your playing and watch your hands to critique what you are doing right/wrong. Do you have a teacher?

I also think it's a good idea to take your bass to a tech and have it professionally set up. This will rule out any mechanical problems with the instrument.

If neither of those are options for you then it's always a good idea to record your practices for detailed listening and also to practice in front of a mirror. Watch yourself while you're playing and focus on being very consistent and economical with your movements.

If I had to GUESS what's the problem with your sound... Are you muting the strings you're not playing? You need to have some part of your right and/or left hand gently touching the other strings to stop them from ringing out. Otherwise, the un-muted strings will ring out "sympathetically" with the note you're playing and sound terrible. Use the Search feature for "floating thumb technique" for one possible solution to this problem.

[Russell L]

Get set up first by a quality tech to eliminate all that.