What makes a slap bass a good slap bass?

drdunwoody · #1 02-09-2011, 08:38 PM

Ok, first, I know it is likely a dumb question. Here is the deal. I have a MIA Fender Jazz V that I can't seem to get a real good slap tone out of. It just sort of does a thud. Pops sound good, slaps not so much...
I'm new to slapping so I'm sure my technique is part of the issue.

However, I've played another bass that has Barts in it, wider spacing (19mm) and ebony board and it is much easier to slap on...and has a much more defined slap tone. So I'm wondering, what makes the difference?
If you were to design your own bass and you wanted it to have a good slap sound, what would you specify?

drdunwoody · #2 02-09-2011, 08:39 PM

BTW, my jazz has a rosewood board if that matters...

honeyiscool · #3 02-09-2011, 08:42 PM

To get a good slap bass sound, you can always avoid slapping.

(too easy)

You need different pickups or electronics. I doubt it's your tonewood or fretboard. Are you turning up the tone knob and boosting the mids and treble at the amp?

Martin89 · #4 02-09-2011, 08:43 PM

Spacing can make a difference if your slaps aren't as accurate yet. The rest of the time it's EQ, some people use compressors.

Joe Nerve · #5 02-09-2011, 08:44 PM

For me: Good action, new roundwounds, and the ability to tweak my tone controls. 3 band EQ gives me more room to fiddle for the way I slap. I also like maple and wenge necks, although many might argue that doesn't make a difference. Can't say I'm 100% sure it does myself.

BigOldHarry · #6 02-09-2011, 08:44 PM

for me?

low, even action;
thin neck profile;
good, responsive electronics;
Reasonable finger spacing

TheBasicBassist · #7 02-09-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

BTW, my jazz has a rosewood board if that matters...

Honestly, it doesn't. I'm not sure that anything really makes THAT big of a difference in the long run. A good/great slapper can make any bass sound good/great. I could do on my Essex Jazz V what I can do on my Smith, Stingray, Sabre and Precision. They all sound "good" if unique with their own voices. What do you want that you feel your jazz is lacking is the question to ask. There're tons of great passive jazz bass slappers.

drdunwoody · #8 02-09-2011, 08:46 PM

I have noticed that slapping needs more of an EQ...usually I play flat and I find boosting the bass really helps with the slap sound...I also use a compressor when slapping...yes my slapping is rather inaccurate (working on that)...
I find myself in a funk band so this is something I'm REALLY working on.

Stingray5 · #9 02-09-2011, 08:49 PM

for a typical desired slap tone, with a Jazz bass, both pickups up, fresh roundwound strings, eq cut some mids maybe boost a little low, and the rest is technique. This bass may need a lighter touch with the thumb. Is it a clacking sound? Might the string be hitting the pickup?

drdunwoody · #10 02-09-2011, 08:50 PM

I was wondering if active electronics would help things as it would allow me to boost the bass at while playing. I know there are plenty of good passive slappers but like I said...I'm not any good! Seriously though, it seems like the tone for slapping is just not fat enough in the low end...again, makes me thinks active electronics might help (and better technique). I've never met a problem that couldn't be solved by spending more money on gear!

drdunwoody · #11 02-09-2011, 08:52 PM

Strings are not hitting pickups...more of a duller thud sound. I do think the Jazz is naturally mid heavy and I know most slappers like a mid cut so...

Lesfunk · #12 02-09-2011, 08:53 PM

In My experience, a nicely set up Jazz bass with round wound strings is as good a slap machine as you can find. (Think Marcus Miller) Med to low action can help. All the knobs on full too.
The rest is in your hands. You'll develop your sound as you go along.

drdunwoody · #13 02-09-2011, 08:56 PM

Marcus has an active Jazz...that does change a lot...no?

Lesfunk · #14 02-09-2011, 08:57 PM

As far as active electronics go, The Sadowsky pre and Aguilar OBP-1 seem to work really well with Jazz basses
When I was doing a lot of slapping with a jazz bass (1978 Ash With Maple board) I was using an old style Sadowsky outboard pre amp and got what I considered to be a great slap sound.

Thundar · #15 02-09-2011, 08:58 PM

Sorry, with a good set-up and fresh strings you can slap almost any bass and make it sing. IMO...its all in where the strings hit the fretboard...and technique, but even still, if it just goes "thud", get that bass to a doctor.

passionbass · #16 02-09-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

I have noticed that slapping needs more of an EQ...usually I play flat and I find boosting the bass really helps with the slap sound...I also use a compressor when slapping...yes my slapping is rather inaccurate (working on that)...
I find myself in a funk band so this is something I'm REALLY working on.

if ur slapping stroke is not accurate yet, the tone will be very less bass compare with the finger style.

the reason might be u didnt hit solidly on the string.
very similiar to the drummer's stroke which is clean n clear or not.

Martin89 · #17 02-09-2011, 09:00 PM

Have you watched any tutorials/read any books/lessons on slapping? I think that will help you improve the most. If you think it's a dull thud maybe you should back off how hard you pop, they should have equal force.

Lesfunk · #18 02-09-2011, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdunwoody

Marcus has an active Jazz...that does change a lot...no?

Yes, in My opinion Active can boost it up nicely. I isn't always a necessary ingredient though. I agree that set up and tecnique are foremost

drdunwoody · #19 02-09-2011, 09:02 PM

Maybe I'm exaggerating...it aint a complete thud...but the bass I played with the Barts had a real full slap tone...it also had active electronics. Maybe it just isn't giving me the slap tone I here in my head...which has more low end BEEF to it. Humbuckers?
So back to one of my original questions, if YOU were going to spec out a bass to be a good slapper, what specs would YOU want?

drdunwoody · #20 02-09-2011, 09:04 PM

OH, believe me, I'm watching tutorials and taking lessons when my lazy arse makes it up for one! I KNOW some of it is technique...I also know I like the slap tone on some other basses better (with my same poor technique) which is the personal preference part and why I'm wondering what others look for in a "slap bass"....