Hi.
I have a slight problem with clicking noises on my bass, especially when using the drive channel on my amp (EBS Fafner 2). The noise is basically caused by the strings hitting the fretboard when playing fingerstyle. The clicks are quite manageable when playing on the clean channel but are augmented by the drive to such an extent that it is becoming a nuisance. An other dilemma i have is that i like to play with very low action all across the fretboard since I play a lot of chords in the higher regions of the fretboard, and the low action really helps with intonation and makes tapping and two hand chords easier, but i have tried to raise the action progressively with the lowest action on the G string and higher action towards the B string(the problem is most noticeable on the B,E and A string ), but this doesn't fix the issue completely, all this does is to make playing a bit harder. I have also tried to use the sweepable mid filter with high Q-value to limit the clicks, but this hasn't been very successful. Coupled with my preferred low action I also like to attack the strings quite hard since I have a quite percussive style of playing(When playing fast I tend to attack the strings in more of a downward direction which isn't really making the whole issue any easier) and I have reached a level of comfort in this style that makes it hard to try and change how I play.
Now the question is as follows. What tricks can i use to get rid of the problem? would lowering the pickup- height work for this? Can i try different strings or am i forced to raise the strings from the fretboard in order to remedy the problem?
At the moment I am using Rotosound PSD-99 strings with exposed cores which is limiting my ability to raise the strings at the bridge. I have previously used standard issue Rotosound Swing 66 strings which I preferred because of the lower tension and overall feel of the strings, but my experience with other brands is very limited, so I don't really know of any alternatives in that department.
Thankful for any help i can get.
/Anders
PS. If at all relevant. Here is a short description of my bass and other equipment.
I am using an Esh Impact 5 String bass with a 3D bridge which I think was made by a German company called Göldo.
The bass is made out of bookmatched Ash with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, so there is a lot of attack and bite in the sound. I have modified the pickups and electronics, and am now using two Lundgren Soapbar pickups coupled with my home concocted electronics consisting of three 4t3p rotary switches for coil selection, but i mostly use the outer coils in series since it gives me a good trade between clarity and bottom end.
I use an EBS fafner 2 bass amp with a neoline 810 cabinet which has an insane amount of attack and clarity in the high register, which further augments the clicking sounds from my strings.
I hope my ramblings are of some relevance in this context.
I have a slight problem with clicking noises on my bass, especially when using the drive channel on my amp (EBS Fafner 2). The noise is basically caused by the strings hitting the fretboard when playing fingerstyle. The clicks are quite manageable when playing on the clean channel but are augmented by the drive to such an extent that it is becoming a nuisance. An other dilemma i have is that i like to play with very low action all across the fretboard since I play a lot of chords in the higher regions of the fretboard, and the low action really helps with intonation and makes tapping and two hand chords easier, but i have tried to raise the action progressively with the lowest action on the G string and higher action towards the B string(the problem is most noticeable on the B,E and A string ), but this doesn't fix the issue completely, all this does is to make playing a bit harder. I have also tried to use the sweepable mid filter with high Q-value to limit the clicks, but this hasn't been very successful. Coupled with my preferred low action I also like to attack the strings quite hard since I have a quite percussive style of playing(When playing fast I tend to attack the strings in more of a downward direction which isn't really making the whole issue any easier) and I have reached a level of comfort in this style that makes it hard to try and change how I play.
Now the question is as follows. What tricks can i use to get rid of the problem? would lowering the pickup- height work for this? Can i try different strings or am i forced to raise the strings from the fretboard in order to remedy the problem?
At the moment I am using Rotosound PSD-99 strings with exposed cores which is limiting my ability to raise the strings at the bridge. I have previously used standard issue Rotosound Swing 66 strings which I preferred because of the lower tension and overall feel of the strings, but my experience with other brands is very limited, so I don't really know of any alternatives in that department.
Thankful for any help i can get.
/Anders
PS. If at all relevant. Here is a short description of my bass and other equipment.
I am using an Esh Impact 5 String bass with a 3D bridge which I think was made by a German company called Göldo.
The bass is made out of bookmatched Ash with maple neck and rosewood fingerboard, so there is a lot of attack and bite in the sound. I have modified the pickups and electronics, and am now using two Lundgren Soapbar pickups coupled with my home concocted electronics consisting of three 4t3p rotary switches for coil selection, but i mostly use the outer coils in series since it gives me a good trade between clarity and bottom end.
I use an EBS fafner 2 bass amp with a neoline 810 cabinet which has an insane amount of attack and clarity in the high register, which further augments the clicking sounds from my strings.
I hope my ramblings are of some relevance in this context.
.
