Touch Style/Tapping

Festus · #1 06-18-2009, 07:09 AM

Hi All,

I have a Stingray 4 which I would like to modify/adjust to enable me to play it as a touch/tapping style instrument.
Do I ideally need to fiddle with action, pick up height, string gauge, strap lock positions?

Until I can afford a Warr Guitar or a Chapman Stick, I want to experiment with the technique to see if it has any mileage.

Trey Gunn is the man!

Any advice is gratefully recieved.

Thanks chaps.

tplyons · #2 06-18-2009, 07:43 AM

Are you planning on setting up the Stingray ONLY for tapping/touch style? Or in addition to finger style?

If you want a one-size-fits-all instrument, it can be done, but it takes a bit more effort to tap than an ideal setup. Extremely low action makes this very possible, but I've done it rather well with my old Stingray, 45-105 strings, standard pickups, and everything else just about average.

Or are you looking for an instrument set up ONLY for tapping?

Festus · #3 06-18-2009, 07:49 AM

ONLY tapping

aMUSEd · #4 06-18-2009, 07:51 AM

put on a set of light gauge strings (0,95)

Dirk Diggler · #5 06-18-2009, 08:19 AM

Just set the action as low as possible, adjust the neck to get it as flat as possible. You might also have to cut the nut deeper, but don't do that right away.
Lighter strings would be good too.
But before you do all this, try it the way it's setup, you might be surprised that it's tap-able on any well setup bass.
Happy tapping,
Dirk

wnelson · #6 06-18-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aMUSEd

put on a set of light gauge strings (0,95)

+1

i had my conklin gt7 set up mainly for tapping....using the snakeskin's from conklin it sounded great (to me).

you definitely want the action low,i ask about p'u's once and was told that adjusting wasnt needed...that was from Stew Mckinsey....most of it is in the hands themselves.

that conklin by the way is on ebay (just posted today)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2

Festus · #7 06-18-2009, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the cool information.
I think I will keep my 40-60-80-100 strings on, tune down to C, lower the action and start from there. I'm excited about throwing myself this curve ball!

Cheers

Festus

tplyons · #8 06-18-2009, 10:51 AM

Yep, if you're doing tapping only... super low action, light strings, and a straight neck. You should be good to go!

evilgus · #9 07-13-2009, 05:24 AM

The only other thing you might need to add is some form of string damping, near the nut or bridge, otherwise you'll get too much open-string noise. You could try wool or string woven between the strings, but not sure how thick it would have to be to have any effect. Real Sticks have velcro (the fuzziest side) under the strings at the nut, you adjust the action until it stops nearly all the ringing of the strings.

Cheers,

EG