Here’s a new one I bet.

[Jim McCaslin]

Gary Lunn doesn't have most of his index finger on his right hand and plays mostly with his middle and ring finger. Interestingly, I've found that the older I get the less I use my index finger, and I have no idea why.

All that to say, you could practice plucking the strings with your middle and ring -- or just your index finger if you like that tone better -- and it doesn't take long for it to become natural.

 

[newfuture]

Maybe a little super glue to fake a callus on the non scarred finger?

 

[USAJO]

That's, that's not uncommon (the sound part). People's 2 fingers usually sound a little different.
Firstly, a narrower finger tip naturally sounds brighter than a fatter one.
Then whichever finger you use the most develops a harder callus.
Then there is finger length which changes your attack angle on the strings.

These are common issues.

My index sounds more like a pic than my middle finger. I'll sometimes take a nail file and file off the upper layer of callus. That helps.

Something else that really helps it to pull your finger into you thumb as you move through the string. Make sure both fingers are snapping to your thumb and try to use as little of your fatter finger as possible. This helps even things out.
I haven't found any permanent solution for the uneven sound. Ive just learned to use it to my benefit. Accenting notes is a good example.

Certain lines I will play with only 1 finger because I want that snap on every note or ghost note. Other lines , especially faster lines it's not as noticeable.

Good luck.

thanks for the reply, I wondered if it wasn't unusual for both fingers to sound different.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Oof. That doesn't sound fun.

You could develop a style where you use only one plucking finger at a time. I know "proper technique" purists will say you need to alternate, but you don't. It's a good and useful technique with a lot of benefits to alternate... and Jamerson played with one finger. It's perfectly reasonable to do it. I've also noticed i've been playing with one finger more often, or gotten really loose with my alternating so that i can use my non plucking finger to help mute the other strings.

Alternately, you could wrap both fingers in rock climbing finger tape. I use it to wrap fingers after injuries or to cover blisters, etc. (And i use it for climbing.) It's strong, durable, and flexible, and if you learn to wrap really well, you don't loose much sensitivity and can feel the articulations still. With both fingers wrapped, they'll both pluck with a similar tone. And this particular brand sticks more to itself than to your skin, so i think it breathes better, stays on better (if wrapped correctly) and then comes off better or you can easily cut it off.

I always have rock climbing finger tape in my gig bag.

There's a tape marketed for double bass players. I've used it and it's perfect for fingerstyle playing. Ask on the DB side of the forum.

 

[USAJO]

There's a tape marketed for double bass players. I've used it and it's perfect for fingerstyle playing. Ask on the DB side of the forum.

I'll look into this too. Thanks

 

[Ralph Manak]

Perhaps a more radical approach: flip the bass and switch hand roles.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I'll look into this too. Thanks

Double Bass and Electric Bass Finger Tape

 

[perfektspace6]

Only commit crimes with your index finger.

 

[Drop1]

thanks for the reply, I wondered if it wasn't unusual for both fingers to sound different.

Don't dismiss what I said about different finger lengths having a different attack. We tend to have a lot better motor control in out index finger. Retraining the way your fingers hit the strings can very much help. It can be painfully slow at times, but you can do it. It also helps if you , I don't know how to explain this, dont "tap" the strings as you hit them. Get something like a glass or any decently hard small object and out it by your ear and tap your finger tips on that object. You'll hear the difference with the harder finger being brighter and higher in pitch.
This very much translates to the stings so how you go about plucking the strings matters.

 

[Andre678]

Melt your other finger to match it. Problem solved.

Seems like the obvious solution...

 

[bassbrad]

@USAJO I would suggest trying a guitar glove or practice glove, I use on on my right hand for a different reason but it works really well. In my case I tend to pluck hard because I use envelope followers and other triggering effects. .

 

[USAJO]

@USAJO I would suggest trying a guitar glove or practice glove, I use on on my right hand for a different reason but it works really well. In my case I tend to pluck hard because I use envelope followers and other triggering effects. .

i didn't know these things existed. I've seen the guy on YouTube that does a show (really good show) who wears a glove of some sort but it's for some type of nerve condition I think.

 

[USAJO]

Seems like the obvious solution...

40 some years later I can still remember getting rushed to emergency with my hand held out the window. It hurt like heck. I'll pass on the second melt job if I can avoid it.

 

[bassbrad]

i didn't know these things existed. I've seen the guy on YouTube that does a show (really good show) who wears a glove of some sort but it's for some type of nerve condition I think.

That is correct Scott uses a glove for nerve attenuation, I use it to avoid blisters and sore fingers. It also makes my arthritic fingers feel a bit better.

 

[Rocker80]

How about you embrace it and make it your style?

You have something nobody else does. Use it for what it's worth

 

[chris_b]

Use a glove, like Scott Devine.

 

[USAJO]

How about you embrace it and make it your style?

You have something nobody else does. Use it for what it's worth

Maybe as I continue on my middle finger will actually get closer to the index.

My ears like a fat round tone as the default. The index finger kinda clanks if I'm not super light and accurate. I'm going to try some of the suggestions and also a foam string mute by the bridge.

thanks for the great input.

 

[USAJO]

Update. I started back playing my bass again about 6 to 8 months ago after a 6 year or more lay off. I've been working very hard putting in hours daily.

The issue with the index finger producing a different tone was there from the restart and was driving me crazy as I've mentioned in this thread.

Well two days ago the unwanted tone just disappeared. I have no idea why. The flesh on my finger must have somehow changed. I can't even produce the clanky metallic sound now. Both index and middle finger are producing an even fleshy smooth sound.

I'm really feeling good about this. It takes that whole part of the focus and frustration when practicing out of the picture. It's a great thing.

Maybe the constant practice softened the melted flesh area.

 

[Stylee Mousse]

High five USAJO! We knew it would work out.