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Cutting down on string 'clank'

taylor16

taylor16

Dec 25, 2012
1,829
1,742
Sedona, AZ
#1
I'm in a hard rock/metal band and play with my fingers. I've always had this 'clank' to my tone the heavier I play/hit the strings with my plucking hand that becomes very apparent the harder I play. This leads to a sharp, high pitched sound that I really don't like. I'm fairly sure it's from my hitting the strings too much in an 'up and down' fashion (like slapping), as opposed to 'side to side' if one were playing with a pick. Outside of changing my technique much, anyone have any suggestions? This doesn't happen to me when I'm playing our less aggro music like Zeppelin.
 
#2
If changing your technique much is out of the question, I suppose technical workarounds are on the table. Off the top of my head:
  • Different strings, maybe tapewounds
  • Parametric EQ notching away the high pitched clank
  • Turn off any tweeter in the cab (less effective if you mostly run through a DI live)
  • A light overdrive, perhaps with a built-in cab sim, might turn the objectionable sound into a more pleasant attack sound. In my experience, a Joyo American Sound on a light drive setting has the desired effect. (this is what I do - my dry DI signal sounds like crap, but no live sound guy is ever going to be fed that anyway).
However, this being the technique forum, I must also suggest technique changes to stay on-topic:
  • Shorten your strap to change your fingers' angle on attack on the strings (helps achieve a more parallel-to-the-body attack)
  • Turn up your amp and play with a softer touch. Unless you /want/ the clank for a defined aggressive attack, there's arguably not too much to be gained by playing really hard.
 
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#3
All good advice above. The only other thing that jumps to mind for me is jack up your action a bit. I play aggressively as well. My action is higher than average. It's not ridiculously high, but higher than most.
 
#4
You can also use more warm strings like tapewounds, Halfs or Pressure wounds, they make less noise when they hit the frets, which is what is happening. Slightly raise the strings also helps. Strings with higher tension avoid the "sharp" thing, and also avoid touching the frets, it has less amplitude with the same touch.
 
#5
I have been digging in very hard for many years. I am finally starting to see a need to "Lighten up" on the strings. The main reason for me is consistency. I am finding that digging in too hard can cause different tones and overall results. It seems like minor setting changes on my effects and amp make a big difference and sometimes in a negative way with respect to the "Clack". For me it's time to give in and lighten up my touch and let the amp do the work. It will be a long hard road, I fear.
 
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#6
Also, if your amp allows, maybe cut the mids slightly at around 1.5-2k.

Getting some flats may work. I used to use flats (tapewounds even!) on a fretted stingray. Gave me great growl and punch, without the clank.
 
#11
Look up a billy sheehan clip on plucking. You will see which joint he is plucking from and that it is across the string, not down on it. Sounds better and you can get your action really low without lots of noises. It takes awhile to switch but its worth it.
 
#12
I really like EBMM Stage III flats on my Stingray; endless punch and no clank.
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1417988201.393554.jpg
 
#13
Flats will get rid of some noises, but you can still easily clank them, plus not everyone wants to use them so for some it's not an option. The best method is simply to lighten up and/or play closer to the bridge.
 
#15
I would say to lighten up to the point where you are getting the attack you need without the clank, and then make physical adjustments to the bass itself (like different strings, action height etc). For me, the challenge was that I should be able to get to the point where I could do a Maiden song (uber-clank) into a Zepplin song (no clank) into a Police song (some thump, no clank) into a Seal song (all warmth) without having to cahnge the physical characteristics of the instrument. It all came from developing touch in my right hand AFTER finding a comfortable action height and string type. It then took a lot of playing to those different styles and learning (mostly through failling) how heavy to pluck
 
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#16
I was just listening to Level 42 (getting over-slapped-in-my-face)- Estival Jazz Lugano (Live),
when suddenly I heard some obnoxious "clanking" bass sounds.
Mark was not playing slap. Just a regular bass-line played with fingers.
At 12:26, Mark is adjusting his tone on the bass.
The "clanking" starts around 12:40 and lasts about 10 seconds, because Mark decides to switch it back to Slap.
I think the "clanking" has to do with something the EQ/tone/timbre.

Check it out for yourself.
 
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#17
I am not as experienced as some of the players on this thread, but here's a few things that have really blown my mind as a player.

1. In practice, I turn everything up a bit too loud, and try to play with as soft a touch as possible. This has given me a ton of control, and made me realize I can "dig in" without really digging in like I used to. My fingers appreciate this.
2. When I want attack, I get out the pick. I use a real thick, unyielding pick, and I am amazed by the amount of control it gives me, and it too opens up doors, such as palm muting, and some speed as well.
3. I really try to use some different places for tonal variety; up by the neck, down by the bridge, and everything in between. I am fascinated by the subtle differences I get with any move.

These are all things that can open up your possibilities, and I would think any of them would help cut down on clank.
 
#19
Whousedtoplay said:
I was just listening to Level 42 (getting over-slapped-in-my-face)- Estival Jazz Lugano (Live),
when suddenly I heard some obnoxious "clanking" bass sounds.
Mark was not playing slap. Just a regular bass-line played with fingers.
At 12:26, Mark is adjusting his tone on the bass.
The "clanking" starts around 12:40 and last about 10 seconds, because Mark decides to switch it back to Slap.
I think the "clanking" has to do with something the EQ/tone/timbre.

Check it out for yourself.
Click to expand...

Thanks - that was a great clip! However, I didn't need to see yet ANOTHER great super talented bass player that can also sing! ;) Dig his illuminated fret markers, tho!
 
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