Slap fret clang. Technique or set up?

30hrz · #1 06-23-2007, 12:35 PM

When I attempt to slap even softly I here a noticeable 'clang' where the string hit the fret(s). I had a guy adjust the bridge and rod so everything was straight, took it home (oops didn't test at the GC) and I just can't slap without hearing the string clang against the fret(s). Is it normal to hear some clang? When I see other people slap all I hear is the slap sound.

Cheers.

tanslacks · #2 06-23-2007, 12:47 PM

I am also interested in this issue.

I have changed my action several times trying to adjust the amount of "clang" Nothing seems to help. I have not tried raising the action unusually high. I am using a MIM standard jazz with D'addario rounds 105/50.

Roland777 · #3 06-23-2007, 01:00 PM

Clang? Unless I'm mistaken, that's what makes slapping. If you're referring to something else, it might be heavy-gauge strings, which have a more dull thuddy sound to the attack when they hit the frets. Do you mean that the strings rattle against the frets after the initial slap? Then get heavier strings.

30hrz · #4 06-23-2007, 01:30 PM

Yeah you may be right on that one. I think it just could be a matter of strings. I think I am hearing more of one aspect of the sound than the other. Too, my strings feel very soft/twangy, thy are the ones that came with the guitar.

JimmyM · #5 06-23-2007, 04:32 PM

First off, if it's strictly slap you're worried about clanging, don't. Slap is supposed to be noisy and have some fret rattle. That's what you call "character." But if you mean you clank the strings into the frets when you do fingerstyle and you want to get rid of it, lighten up on your touch or move closer to the bridge. It's not a string issue. It's a matter of technique.

Cristo · #6 06-23-2007, 05:49 PM

If you are playing without an amp, or even playing alone with one, you will notice much more of that.

A lot of it blends into the sound of a band at higher volumes.

Jim Carr · #7 06-23-2007, 10:26 PM

I had a similar problem in finger style. It turned out that when I "barred" 2 strings with my 3rd (ring finger), I got a clack. Only really raising the action pretty high would cure it---until I discovered it was always with a certain kind of fingering. I changed that fingering to something better.

Slow down and really examine what's going on before you make any more set-up changes. Figure out exactly WHERE the sound is coming from, when it happens, and what the common factors are.

I bet you may find it IS a technique issue. If so, don't sweat that. Once you spot it, you can easily fix it. If it is not technique, then maybe the other guys are right, it is part of the slap thang. Just be sure you have eliminated all other possibilities.

Big question: determine if you get it fingerstyle in any kind of consistent pattern of strings/fingering. That is a good clue it is left hand, not right hand....

alexofc69 · #8 06-23-2007, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30hrz

When I attempt to slap even softly I here a noticeable 'clang' where the string hit the fret(s). I had a guy adjust the bridge and rod so everything was straight, took it home (oops didn't test at the GC) and I just can't slap without hearing the string clang against the fret(s). Is it normal to hear some clang? When I see other people slap all I hear is the slap sound.

Cheers.

there is the problem. GC.
Take it to a reputable luthier.