Clanky strings

[FunkMetalBass]

So true about the band context. I'm doing more small ensemble work now, though. Like I said earlier, it's mainly only a problem on the B string. Great comments all around.

If it's only on the B-string, you might try switching just that string. I personally felt that the B-string on the Chromes was a bit lacking anyway.

Scouring JustStrings.com, I came across all of these single strings that would be suitable replacements and should sound similar enough to your Chromes:

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And because you had been considering tapewounds, here are some links to individual B-strings:

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[Bibby]

Hi Pauliebass,

Any update on this issue? I have the same thing going on with one of my basses.

I know a lot of guys suggested a change in technique, but I agree with you, that is not the issue. I have 4 basses and this is the only one that clanks and I don't know why. I just know it drives me crazy! EQ'ing and tone control help a little, but that is just putting a band-aid on the problem. There is more to it than that.

I have GHS Pressurewounds on this bass, and I love the tone and feel. I have never heard of anyone claiming these strings are clanky, so I think there is more to it than just the strings. If a string change resolves the issue I would gladly go this route. I'm just curious if it worked for you and your bass in question...

 

[pauliebass]

Hey Bibby,

I put the GHS Nylons on this bass, but they were not the right solution for this axe. They certainly cut down on noise, but the overall tone wasn't what I wanted... I'm glad I have them though for special situations. I ended up putting S.I.T. rounds back on. My main goal was to cut down on the finger noise of rounds for this bass, but that flatwound clank just wasn't what I expected. Again, it was only an issue on the lower strings. This bass is pretty loud acoustically, so I think that contributes to the problem. Everything jumps out which is a great thing except for the clank. With rounds it feels and plays the way I would expect. I might try coated strings of some sort, but I'm not sure that they would cut down on scraping noises.

 

[Bibby]

Thanks for the response.

I'm glad you figured out a serviceable solution- it seems like every bass has a mind their own and what we want to work may not always be possible!

As for my bass I did some more research and it seems I may have the slightest hint of a ski slope at the end of the fretboard that was causing the clank if the action was too low. I think a proper fret dressing would solve the problem once and for all, but for now I was able to shim the neck ever so lightly and set the truss rod so the neck was nearly flat. That got my action just about where I like it without a noticeable clank as long as I play fairly clean - a good reminder to work on technique and not get sloppy!

 

[CapnSev]

TIs. I find that a lot of flats are inherently clanky, but the TIs have almost no fret noise whatsoever. No buzz, no clank.

 

[Versatek6]

I might try coated strings of some sort, but I'm not sure that they would cut down on scraping noises.

That is one reason I tried the DR coated string. I like them quite a bit. They do reduce the finger noise for me - not eliminated, but reduced. I use them on my US Masters EP52 and Lakland Skyline 55-02.

The 55-02 had the LH clank with the factory strings, and the DRs settled that, but on that bass, they seem to have a little "boing" to them.

I've had good results, too, with webstrings.com's Detroit Flats. Inexpensive enough to try, and I think they sound good. This is only on a 4, though.

Good luck!

 

[pauliebass]

That is one reason I tried the DR coated string. I like them quite a bit. They do reduce the finger noise for me - not eliminated, but reduced. I use them on my US Masters EP52 and Lakland Skyline 55-02.

The 55-02 had the LH clank with the factory strings, and the DRs settled that, but on that bass, they seem to have a little "boing" to them.

I've had good results, too, with webstrings.com's Detroit Flats. Inexpensive enough to try, and I think they sound good. This is only on a 4, though.

Good luck!

I put elixirs on today and they are matching up with this bass amazingly. Reduced finger noise and fret click. I think I found my answer.

 

[Deleted member 349741]

I put elixirs on today and they are matching up with this bass amazingly. Reduced finger noise and fret click. I think I found my answer.

I had the same problem and it was very annoying especially on a new fanned-fret bass! Only on the E string. I didn't know what was causing it. Tried raising the action but it only helped a little. Changed the strings from Ernie Balls to D'Addario and it fixed it! Still don't know why but I'm happy and relieved now!

 

[Drop1]

The only way I know to absolutely minimize clank is technique and action height.

How hard/fast you fret a note matters. The softer you fret , the less noise. Some lines requiring speed make it almost unavoidable.

Raising the action sounds counter intuitive as it makes you fret even faster at times, but for some reason, it does help. You don't have to raise it crazy high to minimize clank either.

Just play a line that often gives you that clank and raise the action a 1/4er saddle screw turn a time until it goes away or gets to a tolerable level.
The new action height may slow you down at first. If so, just slowly raise it a little bit at a time over time.

Action height imo makes the biggest difference without changing technique. It just reduces the clank somehow.

It's a trade off though.
Optimal height to remove clank usually also eliminates all trace of fret buzz. If you like the buzz or "sizzle" as some call it, you will lose it as you raise the action. You can't make my bass buzz no matter how hard you play. But it doesn't clank either so I accept it.

The last thing you could try is eq. I don't like amp eq for targeting clank. The eq bands are too wide.

For targeting clank, I like a fully parametric eq. The adjustable q let's you zone in on the clank and make a narrow cut. This softens the clank without removing a bunch of power from the mids.
Fully parametric eqs are criminally under appreciated on this site imo.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

technique issues aside, yes there are strings that seem to just scream on contact with frets. So it could be a multistage process in 'finding your right string' What kind of sound and feel are you going for?
(based on your comments lets jump to #3)

1. fine-tuning technique (will get you 80-90% there)

2. string selection (selecting a bright zingy string will only complicate the issue)
Rounds and stiff bright strings 'tend' to enhance the attack. So try half rounds, pressure wound, tapes —keeping in mind the material. SS, chromes, tend to be bright if not harsh on the top end and very 'contact' sensitive. Try Nickel or Labella tapes (Gold-White, Copper-white, and whites), LaB Black are an option too for the 'darker side' but again, it depends on what sound you're after. I'm currently really digging Copper for my sets, they re warm and sing great.

3. Setup

I'm pretty sure I play with higher action than most, so instrument setup is not an issue. I'm purely looking to see if someone had suggestions specifically about flats that were less Clanky when pushing the low strings to the fretboard with the left hand. Let's pretend the right hand doesn't exist for now.

I think this^^^ may be the issue. a higher action requires more 'energy' to place on the fret. This is not only about the players control BUT the design of the chosen string. A stiff string will ring on contact due to the 'added' tension applied in pressing the string down. (Again everyones style and playing situation is different so 'clank' may not bother some in heavy hitting or dense musical situation.)

Experiment with the nut height, relief, and string type. It can be a bit of a rabbit hole but very illuminating once you figure out what string and setup sounds the best/works for you.

I like my low B to be tall at the nut so that the relative action down the neck about equal. Depending on your neck relief, the 7-9fret would have slightly more but this is marginal at best. I recently added height to the B as I play a lighter flexible set of strings. (If I were to go back to a hex core/stiffer string I would lower it to the point of just enough LH pressure to initiate the fretted note—again everyone is different)