Markbass cabs and fret noise

It's typical, especially with a cab like Markbass that has good high end response. Either mute with the right hand or cut some treble.

 

That's part of what I don't like about Markbass in general, too uber clean sounding. It'll amplify exactly what you feed it, warts and all. Same with SWR, which is what I generally think Markbass sortof sounds like. With an amp like that, your technique becomes even more important. Just my 2 cents, not a slam on any brands, just an opinion.

 

Once you get your technique happening, though, it's kind of nice to have an amp that amplifies everything. One thing's for sure, it will definitely keep you honest and prevent you from taking shortcuts.

 

HAH! If that were the case, all music stores would be out of business Bad players buy way more great gear that good players.

But really, in a band situation, those noises get soaked up a lot by everything else, and it's not especially a reflection on your playing if you make a few creaks and clacks here and there. But it certainly doesn't hurt to work on it!

 

just a question: would you think this noise would carry over the roar of the full band?

Because, I seriously doubt it. Worst case, it ensures that your notes are clearly defined.

 

Then the matter is settled! Let's all vow to work on our technique and leave the poor folks at Markbass alone.

M. M.

 

I'm doing exactly this, practicing only on fretted bass. I've played fretless for so long that my fretted technique got sloppy!

I've got to use caution when releasing notes; when moving up the neck (I usually slide); when fretting (my hand automatically lands on the fret.

The Eden equipment exposes fingerboard noises.

 

This is true and it can either be great (warts andf all") if that's what you want (I do) or a problem if it's not. It's great because you pretty much have complete control over what comes out, nothing is masked.

I had a similar experience when I bought an Ash w/Maple neck MTD 635. Took me a good week to get my technique to the point where I wasn't clanking. Didn't change anything about te bass or amplification, just worked onme. It was great training IMO.

 

I agree. Some basses emphasis this symptom more than others. My Dean Jeff Berlin (small frets / thick Ebony board) will not buzz even if try really hard. My Ash/Maple neck Rbass on the other hand screams out every slight finger movement. But what a sound...
Either way developing a good right hand muting technique is a good idea. As much control the fretting hand has over the sound the better.


Don't blame Markbass amps/cabs... they're just doing their job the way they meant to.

 

Do both of the cabs you've played though have horns/tweeters? If only one in the MB, you may want to turn it down which may tame the noise. You may also want to tweak the VLE filter on the LMII that may get the tone closer to the ampeg.

As previously said, I wouldn't worry too much, it may sounds clanky if you're playing solo, but in a mix, it'll sound fine and give you more presence.

I, like other would rather my amplification give me a clear and full representation. It's easier to cut things from your tone than add what isn't there to begin.

 

Exactly. Much easier to dial out what's there than dial in what was never there.

 

VLE

 

I assume you're playing through both the 2x10 and 1x15 at the same time? You may want to turn down the tweeter as far as possible in one of them (I'd go for the 15). Let the 15 handle the low end and the 2x10 the mids and highs. You should get a bit less noise then.

 

+1

 

Good luck with that. Once you get your technique dialed in, it's pretty amazing how easily you can go from thuddy to bright without touching a control. Nothing quite like having that control at your fingertips and the beauty is that it'll carry over to other basses and rigs.

Good move. Many resist this advice.

 

If you buy Markbass and improve your technique with the help of my book (Essential Bass Technique), you will make me doubly happy, AND improve your technique and your sound all at once!

Is that shameless plug allowed?

 

truth serum amplification...that's why I love 'em