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Hofner 500/1 & Flats - Where's the grip??

#21
nula said:
Hostile? The hostile came from you, dude. I give as I get and ain't nobody's doormat, newbie or not.

If you don't like it coming back at you, what can I say, but 'you'll get used to it....' :)

But sincerely, I do appreciate the constructive advice I got from most and it helps me a lot.
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Umm... nope. You are the one who got snippy first.

Jimmy just explained that a detailed answer requires a more detailed question explaining your problem. We can't jump through the internet and observe your technique to offer any helpful criticism other than the obvious.

So... Where's the grip? There isn't any. Get used to it or don't.
What are you doing wrong? You are relying on "grip" that isn't there most likely. There is no magic answer. Sorry. A lot of us enjoy the very thing you seem to not like. Less string noise is another major +. Personally of love that slipperiness!:bassist:
 
#23
dannster said:
So... Where's the grip? There isn't any. Get used to it or don't.
What are you doing wrong? You are relying on "grip" that isn't there most likely. There is no magic answer. Sorry. A lot of us enjoy the very thing you seem to not like. Less string noise is another major +. Personally of love that slipperiness!:bassist:
Click to expand...

But that's the constructive bit you tell me can't be given, but you give it.:hmm:

So, many thanks for that. It does help me.
 
#24
nula said:
My fretting hand fingers just want to slide over or along the target string, rather than plonk on it firmly. They are smooth as glass.

What am I doing wrong?
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Here's the simple answer to the original question:

Aside from the sound, that smoothness is the REASON you buy flats! It's not a bug, it's a feature.

Relax and enjoy getting rid of that nasty zingy sound you get from dragging a finger across roundwound strings.

Enjoy!
 
#25
It's probably that your left hand needs to ______ more. If you do that and try to ______ less unnecessary _________ arm _______ I bet you notice a big difference right away.

A little humility would have bought you the key words.
 
#26
nula said:
Hostile? The hostile came from you, dude. I give as I get and ain't nobody's doormat, newbie or not.

If you don't like it coming back at you, what can I say, but 'you'll get used to it....' :)

But sincerely, I do appreciate the constructive advice I got from most and it helps me a lot.


Edit: forgot to say - 'Peace' and can we move on, my friend?
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lol...i'd rather have peace and love as an afterthought than not at all.

but i'm warning you with peace and love that i have too much to do, so nothing will be signed after october 28.
 
#27
nula said:
Read what's there, not just to support your buddy.
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JimmyM my buddy?

tickle-me-elmo-rofl.gif


Humor is an awesome way to start the day! Thanks!:D:p
 
#32
nic salsus said:
It's probably that your left hand needs to ______ more. If you do that and try to ______ less unnecessary _________ arm _______ I bet you notice a big difference right away.

A little humility would have bought you the key words.
Click to expand...

Nic

I have SHOWN humility where advice was graciously given, and defended myself where it was extremely (and unjustifiably) rudely given (or actually not given).

And, again, I do humbly thank you for yours.
 
#36
nula said:
Nic

I have SHOWN humility where advice was graciously given, and defended myself where it was extremely (and unjustifiably) rudely given (or actually not given).

And, again, I do humbly thank you for yours.
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Ya need a thick skin around here.

It's probably that your left hand needs to float more...."lean" on the string less with your fingers. It may be you have other mechanical issues like how you're holding the bass that are at the root of things. If you're average sized your arm weighs between 8 and 12lbs. Throwing that around creates a fair bit of momentum. If you've been using the rounds as a "brake" to control the momentum instead of muscles and leverage with efficient movement the I can see how the flats would feel pretty slippery. Hard to really say without seeing you. My patented advise is to practice in front of a mirror....if it looks wrong it probably is.
 
#37
dannster said:
So Nula,
Curious to hear what the verdict is on the strings. Stickin' with them or swapping for something else?

Pressurewounds, Groundrounds and the like are a great compromise. I like my GHS pressurewounds.
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The point above about the vintage sound is the thing. As I said, this is a Hofner 500/1 v63 a la Beatles, so that's the sound I'd like to go for. If it was good enough for Pauly, it's good enough for me.

I'll press on (but with a gentle grip...:))
 
#38
nic salsus said:
Ya need a thick skin around here.

It's probably that your left hand needs to float more...."lean" on the string less with your fingers. It may be you have other mechanical issues like how you're holding the bass that are at the root of things. If you're average sized your arm weighs between 8 and 12lbs. Throwing that around creates a fair bit of momentum. If you've been using the rounds as a "brake" to control the momentum instead of muscles and leverage with efficient movement the I can see how the flats would feel pretty slippery. Hard to really say without seeing you. My patented advise is to practice in front of a mirror....if it looks wrong it probably is.
Click to expand...

Thick skin? Kevlar more like..:help:

I like this advice. It seems to fit well with using the light as a feather Hofner. Up till now, I've only posed in front of a mirror. I'll switch to practice from today. :)

One thing, though, it does get hot and humid where I am, and that doesn't help getting a decent grip.
 

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