Need help slapping On Yamaha Rbx170

Diiw · #1 01-24-2011, 07:59 PM

Hello internet folk. This is my first post on here so if it's in the wrong category excuse me.

I've recently discovered slapping and popping. The problem is that whenever i try to slap on my Yamaha Rbx170 i get a horrible metallic sound. The only way i can get a decent sound is playing really close to the bridge. But then the "D" and "G" string are to taut to pop. I think this might be caused by my really cheap amp but im not sure. Anyway i'll be picking up a new Gallien - Krueger Mb112. So do i just need to wait this out and will probally be picking up a new bass in May so I don't want to spend to much money on this one.

Any advice from anyone that knows anything or has this bass is appreciated

yaboiimizz · #2 01-24-2011, 08:08 PM

Well first you should be slapping just on the end of the neck where your last fret is. And do you get this sound when you play unplugged? if you do its not your amp.

Also are you sure your technique is right, cause if your not slapping properly you could cause this sound.

Diiw · #3 01-24-2011, 08:18 PM

Well i've slapped on a friends bass and amp. He showed me how he learned and it sounded fine. Then I looked for additional assistance on youtube. I tried slapping on the last fret but that's where the sound is worst. When unplugged it still sounds metallic but with a buzz

Skitch it! · #4 01-24-2011, 08:31 PM

Drop the pickup's down a little, try that, or, your action may be a little too low?

Well, it does sound like an action thing, check the intonation screws, any rattling when you play?

Check all the screws, anything loose?

Diiw · #5 01-24-2011, 08:37 PM

It does rattle very much when I play. Honestly I have no idea how to check any of those things so maybe I'll drop by my local music shop

Skitch it! · #6 01-24-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

It does rattle very much when I play. Honestly I have no idea how to check any of those things so maybe I'll drop by my local music shop

Get a screwdriver, check'em, but not too hard, the intonation springs are the boy's on the bridge, put your fingers on them and see if their loose. But, if all else fails, take it to another more experienced player (an older fella to try : ) or to a cheap Tech. I can't see it being a biggie

Diiw · #7 01-24-2011, 08:47 PM

Well I experimented by tightening my E string and my bass already sounds better.

So I'll finish up all of them and play for a little bit

Skitch it! · #8 01-24-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

Well I experimented by tightening my E string and my bass already sounds better.

So I'll finish up all of them and play for a little bit

Cool, but explain what you did, before you go any further?

Tightened the intonation screw from the back of the bridge? Only if they are loose to feel mind. If there is not any movement in them front to back, don't worry about those ; )

It might be an idea to take it to a proper cheap Tech, there's lot's of stuff on the net too about intonation and set-up, get reading my good man ; )

Diiw · #9 01-24-2011, 08:52 PM

Just tightening the screws is all.

jazznfusion · #10 01-24-2011, 08:55 PM

Have you ever had it setup ?

Diiw · #11 01-24-2011, 08:57 PM

Nope never had it set up just took a starter lesson by a guy that mostly played electric guitar. He looked over my bass and said it look and sounded good a few months ago.

Skitch it! · #12 01-24-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

Just tightening the screws is all.

Very, very little, a millimetre or two, but yes, leave it to a Tech, it's not too complicated, but a Tech for now, leave it as it is, you don't want any 'overenthusiastic' damage ; )

Skitch it! · #13 01-24-2011, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

Nope never had it set up just took a starter lesson by a guy that mostly played electric guitar. He looked over my bass and said it look and sounded good a few months ago.

He's a guitarist

Diiw · #14 01-24-2011, 09:01 PM

Oh boy I went Handy Manny on those screws. Definitely not gonna touch them again I can get someone to look at it.

jazznfusion · #15 01-24-2011, 09:09 PM

Be carefull. a full setup will almost always make it sound better then new. basses of the line can be quite a bit off. alot of adjustments that need to be made you will not see, but the tech will know.

Skitch it! · #16 01-24-2011, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

Oh boy I went Handy Manny on those screws. Definitely not gonna touch them again I can get someone to look at it.

Put them back the way they were for now and take it to a Tech, everything you do for set-up/whatever, must be slowly, and carefully. You'll get it, release the screws back, take the tension out, and take your axe to a Tech

Diiw · #17 01-24-2011, 09:15 PM

Alrite thanks everyone for all the help. Sorry to have bothered all of you with my Newbie self. I'm going to see a tech!!!!!!

Skitch it! · #18 01-24-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diiw

Alrite thanks everyone for all the help. Sorry to have bothered all of you with my Newbie self. I'm going to see a tech!!!!!!

No worries, the guy's want to help, but best-off with an experienced Tech, you'll learn in time, but take your time, with everything, take it easy