Weird deep, fuzzing out thump? Is it my bass?

Cloverfield · #1 07-24-2010, 11:23 PM

I just got a new (passive) 4-string Lakland DJ. It has the Lakland pickups in it.

I noticed trying it out that when I really dig into the bass and aggressively slap it (especially on the lower two strings), sometimes I hear a deep thump coming through my cabs. It's not a "good" sounding deep thump, as far as I can tell. It sounds like the speakers are just pushing fuzzed out sound, like it's clipping really deeply, but the clip light on my GK 700RB-II isn't lighting up..?

I also noticed it doesn't seem to happen with the bridge pickup soloed but definitely does a lot with the neck pickup. Obviously the neck pickup comes through with a deeper voicing, but I don't think this should be happening.

Is it harmful? Is this normal?

What's the problem? Are the pickups too close to the strings? I've never owned a "nice" passive bass, and I've never experienced anything like this with my Lakland Skyline Deluxe 44-02 or Spector Euro LX.

Thanks.

WyrdoBass · #2 07-24-2010, 11:26 PM

To me it sounds like a pickup height issue... try adjusting the height and see what happens.

Cloverfield · #3 07-25-2010, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyrdoBass

To me it sounds like a pickup height issue... try adjusting the height and see what happens.

Will do.

faulknersj · #4 07-25-2010, 01:47 AM

I agree, def sounds like a pickup height problem.

KeithAlanK · #5 07-25-2010, 02:40 AM

Sounds like your drivers are hitting max excursion.
Not good at all.
Just because your clip light isn't coming on doesn't mean that you aren't sending too much sub frequencies to your cab.
Could be a blown driver in your future if you don't get this under control.

Pickup height is a good start.
After that, a few dbs down on the bass EQ might be needed.

12stringbassist · #6 07-25-2010, 03:58 AM

Try it thru another bass rig.
That will let you know if it's the bass.

Kipaste · #7 07-25-2010, 04:25 AM

I doubt the cabinets have anything to do with it. Just lower the pickups a bit. I've heard plenty of factory set up basses do that.

Cloverfield · #8 07-25-2010, 05:46 PM

It seems to be fixed! It does does indeed seem that the pickup height was the problem. Thanks guys.