Dead frets or dead zones?

[Swipter]

Yes, I was going to suggest a neck adjustment without seeing any pics.

And I know pickup height is a big deal.

 

[gln1955]

I'll just pile on and say take it to a tech and get a setup. You'll then see what it's supposed to look and feel like. If there are any wonky frets, the tech will be able to fix that too. Then, watch the Youtube videos and learn how to keep your neck in shape yourself.

 

[ACRock]

From my experience, if the bass is properly set up it will be playable without amplification. From a seated position play the bass and rest your chin on the upper part/horn of the body. If you are still get the tck, tck sound you described, the issue is not in the battery or electronics.

 

[dkelley]

just saying - that's a pretty bass. love the neck and fretboard wood.

and it's impossible to tell from the pics what the issue is. I fully agree to take it to a tech.

a recording of the audio you are describing on here, a clear recording, would be very helpful.

 

[jpmcbride]

Hello,
I am currently learning how to fret and I encountered a problem . . . Thanks for your answers in advance,

Since you're a beginner it will be hard to tell if you have a problem with the bass, or a technique problem. If you know another bass (or guitar) player with more experience, I'd suggest taking it to them and having them look at it for you. If you don't know anyone that plays bass or guitar, take it into your local guitar shop for a setup and have them check it over and play it for you.

 

[Outbush]

@James Collins: Have no idea, since I am a beginner, but they seem so - pics enclosed. The bass was previously in studio use. Pics enclosed.

@Blue Talon: 9th and 10th fret down have resonance, a nice sound with sustain. Others... not so much, no resonance, no sound. I am relying on touch more, considering I am deaf of hearing here, but this absence of sound is completely unnerving.

@jd56hawk: I don't have any blue clue about that, considering this is my first bass. So if the strings are at fault, I will shortly switch them out for new ones, if we determine the strings are the true culprit.

Could it be how the bass is stashed? I am having it in the bass bag in my room - maybe too little moisture in the air? I got it last week, it's in daily use, one hour minimum.
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Beautiful bass. Will be great when this problem is sorted out!

Did you mean you are deaf and rely on vibrations to play?

Another thing to check is just where your hand is when you are fretting and playing a note further up the neck.

if you can afford it take it to a Luther to check out - or even another local bass player who has a bit of experience if money is tight. A local music shop staff member might help have a look over it. Sounds like a problem that’s hard to locate rather than a big problem to me.

 

[Koshchei]

Hello,

I am currently learning how to fret and I encountered a problem - some of the places on neck sound okay, but most (aside from 9th fret zone) are DEAD. Deader than dead, despite new strings on. The strings are Rotosound RS66LD.

There is practically no clean, ringing sound - only something like tck, tck. Experimented with treble cutoff, but the sound is still deader than fish on the sun-baked shore. As I am a beginner, I've yet to know what exactly is wrong with this, considering that plucking sounds OK, but fretwork is where is a complete and utter fail, not for the lack of trying from my side. And it's driving me spare! The bass is regularly tuned before each session, so what else can I do to get the good sound here?

Thanks for your answers in advance,

BBS

"I am currently learning to fret": I wouldn't blame the bass until you're certain that it isn't your developing technique... also, a setup might go a long way if you haven't had one on your instrument before. I wouldn't tackle it yourself until you know a bit more about the whats/whys of the instrument.

 

[BassStarvedSoul]

Hello, everyone.

The bass got some adjustment via truss rod - the neck was indeed the problem, so a tech did the correction. Everything else is said to be A-OK, now we just need some more mileage to get things going.

Thank you for your help and have a nice time.