Unwanted Slide and tapping noise when recording?

sucho2000 · #1 06-11-2010, 05:23 AM

Hi,

Recently I have been recording my practice to see
how my playings are, and are developing....

But I have noticed there is some noise from my playing..

For example, while my fretting hand is changing its position,
there is this scratching sound??

Also from my plucking hand there is slight 'tap' every now and then to feel the groove.. (This could be my bad habit)

Of course some noises can't be avoided
But how are you coping with this problem??

It is OK for Live performance, but in recording ??

cheer

sucho

megadan · #2 06-11-2010, 06:58 AM

Generally in recording those sounds are going to be masked by other instruments.

In a sparse recording, you can EQ some of it out.

Atomik Rooster · #3 06-11-2010, 07:06 AM

Maybe a little Finger Ease to quiet the sliding noise.

AltGrendel · #4 06-11-2010, 07:06 AM

If you're using roundwounds then the scratching sound is most likely your fretting hand rubbing the string as you change position.

sucho2000 · #5 06-11-2010, 07:33 AM

Yes, I am using roundwounds on my jazz bass
and it IS the noise from my fretting hand rubbing the string...

So this should be OK even in the recording environment?
Maybe I am being too picky on myself

Stealth · #6 06-11-2010, 07:46 AM

If you have a parametric equalizer handy (or a VST plugin that emulates the same thing) you can make a cut around 1100 Hz and experiment with the equalizer width (Q factor). That should reduce the string noise some.

mambo4 · #7 06-11-2010, 01:38 PM

While it is always good to strive for clean technique, so many noises you hear when you solo your bass recording. get completely masked in an ensemble/ live situation.
I feel that it only matters if the final product is a hi-fi recording of you solo on the bass.

sucho2000 · #8 06-11-2010, 07:13 PM

Thanks everyone!!!
Great help..!!

netgeist · #9 06-12-2010, 05:16 AM

I've found that flatwounds can help reduce those noises substantially. I've also played around with the EQ for the pickups on my basses and that can help eliminate some as well. Of course, the more you reduce the sounds via EQ, the harder it is hear slapping and popping.

Hope that helps,

- netgeist

uethanian · #10 06-13-2010, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netgeist

I've found that flatwounds can help reduce those noises substantially. I've also played around with the EQ for the pickups on my basses and that can help eliminate some as well. Of course, the more you reduce the sounds via EQ, the harder it is hear slapping and popping.

Hope that helps,

- netgeist

or else try some nickel rounds, not as big of a change as flats and way less noisy than steels

anonymous101511 · #11 06-14-2010, 07:21 AM

it's all technique, you would want to find the way to play without the string noise. It will take trial and error and some amount of time investment. Sorry, there are no 'easy' solutions. That said, make sure to judge the sound with all the instruments playing. If your bass is featured prominently, this issue will become more critical. Forget about EQ and other 'fixes'. Technique is the real answer.

gmahoog · #12 06-14-2010, 10:22 PM

Play right on the fret without too much pressure. Work on shifting your hands when moving up/down the fret board. Work on muting, floating thumb works best for me, but there are other methods. Pick out a tune that you struggle with and record yourself, then try to make it better every time you play it. (Maybe even just a little phrase.)