Exposed magnet on pickups make it hard to slap

togglehead · #1 02-04-2011, 09:22 AM

...maybe this is really a technique issue....but ive always found it VERY difficult to slap on a bass with exposed pole pups of any kind. My palm always drifts and presses the B into contact with the pole. Right now, im having the most difficult time getting used to my new Kingston Heir 5er...driving me nuts.

Would putting some kind of cover over the poles be a place to start to eliminate that clacking?

WalterBush · #2 02-04-2011, 09:25 AM

I have the problem anytime I play a bass with exposed pole pieces, never mind whether or not I'm slapping.

I put gaff tape over the one bass I have with exposed pole pieces, and the click turned into a muted clunk, which practice helps to minimize.

4Mal · #3 02-04-2011, 09:47 AM

Time to practice and maybe also to set the pickup lower into the body ...

RCCollins · #4 02-04-2011, 09:48 AM

Lower your pickups and work on your technique. Plenty of folks slap on Stingrays and such - the exposed pole pieces are NOT the problem. Hint: stop slapping so hard!

togglehead · #5 02-04-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

Lower your pickups and work on your technique. Plenty of folks slap on Stingrays and such - the exposed pole pieces are NOT the problem. Hint: stop slapping so hard!

HA! I dont! I just have BIG hands. Even when my thumb is at the bottom of the fretboard...my palm is back near the neck pup.

I dont doubt its my technique...but how do you guys anchor your hand to the instrument while slapping? Or...do you at all?

BassBob1 · #6 02-04-2011, 10:19 AM

Never had that problem. I don't really slap all that much but, when slapping i don't anchor my hand to the bass. I'm not really sure what you mean by that. How would you anchor your hand to the bass and slap?

BigOldHarry · #7 02-04-2011, 10:21 AM

when I was younger, I had the same problem. I changed my technique - - then I got potted pickups (barts) and I've never had a problem since.

That said, lots of guys I knew were putting toenail polish on their pole pieces to protect them from strings...

togglehead · #8 02-04-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBob1

Never had that problem. I don't really slap all that much but, when slapping i don't anchor my hand to the bass. I'm not really sure what you mean by that. How would you anchor your hand to the bass and slap?

Well...it lifts for hit...but i use it for muting a LOT. its hard to describe. Maybe ill try to take a video...

Nailpolish....great idea. Just for that little bit more dull click...

BassBob1 · #9 02-04-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by togglehead

Well...it lifts for hit...but i use it for muting a LOT. its hard to describe. Maybe ill try to take a video...

Nailpolish....great idea. Just for that little bit more dull click...

OK I think I kinda get what you mean with the muting.

darkstorm · #10 02-04-2011, 11:58 PM

Lower the pup a little so strings stops banging into it. When you have raised pole peices you dont judge height by the pup top shell, you do so by the pole peice tops. Myself I adjust pup height and pole peices for sound, but some go by stock measurements and dont take into account the pole peices sticking up if they are raised.

mcnach · #11 02-05-2011, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by togglehead

HA! I dont! I just have BIG hands. Even when my thumb is at the bottom of the fretboard...my palm is back near the neck pup.

I dont doubt its my technique...but how do you guys anchor your hand to the instrument while slapping? Or...do you at all?

Just practice.
I remember having that problem a long time ago. Not anymore. There's no need to press on teh strings very hard at all...

(and check pickup heights, maybe they're way too high?)