Not enough snap

SixString · #1 10-04-2009, 02:29 PM

I'm not sure i know how to phrase this question right but I'm going to try. I am having a hard time getting a nice 'dig in' type snap when playing my strings on my Marcus miller fender signature. I have a MIM fender jazz and its snap is perfect when u dig in it has the sound as if your popping the strings but doing it finger style as opposed to slap.

Is this a setup issue with the marcus miller? I've tried changing the strings both heavier and lighter thinking it was that but its not. Mainly its my G string that doesnt get the nice snappy sound.

Here's an example of the kind of 'snap' i'm talking about starts around 1:25 in the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2fEvCybJpc)

Thanks in advance for any info

Roundsound · #2 10-04-2009, 02:34 PM

One thing i can say is that my MM does not produce that sound in the video, thats a typical humbucker fat snap.

But, it produces the same snap in a singel coil version. I have switched the preamp to a Sadowsky. What you need is a tone control, so you can open it up a bit more. Recommend switching out the preamp to something with a tone control, your bass will be so much better.

SixString · #3 10-04-2009, 02:37 PM

Thanks, yeah i should mentioned im not really looking for that modulus fat tone at all in fact my Marcus never leaves passive mode. I should emphasized that i get the feel and the snappy sound i want using my other fender jazz which is also just a standard passive jazz bass.

Roundsound · #4 10-04-2009, 02:38 PM

How is your tone control set on that bass?

SixString · #5 10-04-2009, 02:42 PM

The MIM fender? i usually keep tone all the way up and turn my neck pickup down a bit to get a little more of a p bass type tone.

Roundsound · #6 10-04-2009, 02:50 PM

Hm. I would think that the MM would produce more snap than the MIM. I dont quite remember how mine sounded with the original preamp, but doesnt it sound like the the tone control is wide open, if there had been one? Also the 70's pickup spacing would make it more snappier. At least inside my head.