GK amp settings.

Well, I can't help you out with the GK amp, unfortunately, but a few things to keep in mind about string noise... Unless it's really bad, most of it is gonna get lost in the mix in a band setting. Of course, if you're playing solo, that doesn't help. You can always try flatwound strings, but that would change your tone entirely, in addition to cutting down on the noise. The eq on GK amps is set at certain frequencies, I believe, so if you weren't able to find a way to cut down on it, the amp's eq probably won't be able to do it alone. If you have a passive bass, rolling back on the tone control should help. If you have an active, try cutting the treble. Lastly, either a fully parametric eq or a graphic eq would probably give you the flexibility you need to dial out the right frequency without affecting the rest of your tone too much (like drastically cutting the highs and high mids on the amp would do). And of course, GK's are known for being pretty bright amps, so this may just be a problem you're gonna have to deal with. Good luck, though!

Brian

 

How old are your strings? New strings can do this. Strings that don't have the windings can also do this with some basses. Try taking out some of the high mids on the amp or the bass. I run a 1001rbII and haven't encountered this problem. Also try different muting techniques, both right and left handed. GK's do run a little "hot" on the bright tones, but that's why we love 'em!

 

You need to turn the highs down a little on the amp. I'm not sure if the combos have a passive crossover in the cab but if so turn down the horn(if they have a horn). I usually play my 400RBIV through Avatar 212 with the horn off. Also i recommend starting with the voicing filters turned all the way down and then adjusting them to taste after everything else is set the way you like it.

 

I used to use swing basses and I know exactly what you're talking about. I used to put them on my old jazz bass that I used for songs with heavy bass distortion. They used to have a habit of snapping at the ballend on the "A" string too. I would change your strings if you can afford it. In the mean time, a little vaseline on your finger tips and DAMN little on your strings will help. Also check to see if your action isn't too low. Sometimes you'll get the same thing with too high an action as you're struggling to keep the string on the fretboard and pressing too hard. Strings I've had success with are Dean Markleys, especially the blue steels and D'Addarios I use a 105 set and always use wrapped strings to cut down on unwanted string noise.

 

Aside from lifting your fingers all the way off the strings, mute, mute, and mute. As the strings break in, you will get less of the finger noise.

 

I would say it's more of a technique thing than an amp thing.

 

Its pretty impossible to just eq out finger noise.

Try sliding your fingers up and down the strings. Notice how the frequency changes? Its not just one frequency that you can notch out, youll have to cut the entire treble range to get rid of it, and that'll change your tone dramatically.

It'll get lost in the mix anyway usually.

 

BTW, My GK amp manual has some recommended settings for different styles. While they may not be exactly what you're looking for, I found them to be a good starting point to shorten the twiddling curve.

 

Don't overdo either the Prescence (this boosts extreme highs) or the Contour control (does several things, including boosting highs), along with the Treble setting.