Playing without clank = hurt fingers?

[Tupac]

Whenever I play at the bridge pup on my bass with light gauge low action strings, I can get a good "pop" out of every note and smash the crap out the strings with no issue. But when I play down at the bridge where the strings are taught, I get no clack. The strings don't "give" like they do at the bridge pup, it's like I'm smashing my fingers against a brick wall. As such, I feel a little soreness down at my big knuckles. What's the deal? Anyone else find it much easier to play with some clank?

[NYCbassist]

You can play lighter and raise the volume. Playing at the bridge will lower the output enough to make you have to "Pluck" harder IMO. That may be what is hurting your Knuckles.

So In summary a lighter touch but raise the volume knob. Worth a try, no?

[Tupac]

Originally Posted by NYCbassist

Playing at the bridge will lower the output enough to make you have to "Pluck" harder IMO. That may be what is hurting your Knuckles.

Good point! A compressor could solve the discrepancies, plus your suggestion of turning it up.

[smeet]

I always raise my bridge pickup and lower the neck pickup so I can get similar levels out of both. Also, practice playing hard, soft, and in between, try to get a strong feel no matter what.

For less clank, also try a free stroke (don't hit the string below), or make sure you pull the string parallel to the surface of the bass, instead of pushing it down into the bass.