Fret clank

[Gordo350]

I tend to dig in abit too much when I get excited on stage and as a result I can hear my bass clanking on the frets.
Apart from learning self control what would be the better fix?
Raise the action or loosen the truss rod a little for some more relief?

 

[Zooberwerx]

I tend to dig in abit too much when I get excited on stage and as a result I can hear my bass clanking on the frets.
Apart from learning self control what would be the better fix?
Raise the action or loosen the truss rod a little for some more relief?

Depends as we're not sure where your current set-up resides. I would re-check my string install then "normalize" the set-up with emphasis on relief and string height for starters. You're on the right track.

Riis

 

[Gordo350]

Yeah, sorry, should have clarified that.my set up is roughly as per factory standards. IE , about 14 thou at the 7th fret and a fairly straight neck

 

[Zooberwerx]

Yeah, sorry, should have clarified that.my set up is roughly as per factory standards. IE , about 14 thou at the 7th fret and a fairly straight neck

So your relief is .014" with the string depressed at the 1st and ~19th fret? Well, that's within spec...the "fairly straight neck" reference threw me. Standard tuning? String type / gauge?

Riis

 

[Gordo350]

Standard tuning, exl 170 45-105 strings

 

[Lance Bunyon]

You'll get less clank with nickels.

 

[BismarckHerring]

Impossible to say without seeing the bass in question, but you should probably adjust both because of how they interact. That could also mean increasing relief and lowering the saddles, depending on the setup.

Does it only happen on the first few frets, or also further up the neck? If the problem only occurs on the lower frets, that is a sign that you need more relief. But if you increase neck relief, you may want to compensate by lowering the saddles to prevent the action from becoming too high and make it hard to play up the neck.

I suggest you experiment with different combinations of neck relief and saddle height until you find a combination that works for you. Or have someone with experience do it, and tell them that you want no clank even if you digg in. Then take note of how it was set up, so you know what to aim for when you do it yourself.

 

[Zooberwerx]

From your description, appears everything is on the up & up. Set your witness points? I'm of the impression that it plays well under normal circumstances but the buzz & braaaap kicks-in once you dig in. I'd have no problem with raising the string height slightly to compensate.

Riis

 

[Al Rivera]

I would raise the action,I prefer a clean sound.

 

[onda'bass]

i'd work on your technique

 

[FunkHead]

You can also use EQ to remove a lot of the clank. Sometimes when I want to dig in, I roll the Tone knob almost all the way off.

 

[bdplaid]

I embrace the clank. I use a very low action. I play lighter if I don't want clank, and heavier if I do. I hear clank as an alternative to distortion (which I REALLY dislike). It's kind of like a finger-controllable tone setting.

Alternatively, different strings can make a huge difference. EB Cobalt flats sound almost like rounds but with a flat exterior and minimal clank.

 

[Turnaround]

Really it's about your technique, in particular the angle of your finger as you pluck the string. If your finger is not perpendicular to the string it will drive the string next to it to the fret producing a clack:

Whereas, if your finger is perpendicular it does not clack:

 

[Gordo350]

Thanx guys, I'll have a go at raising the saddles and see how that feels