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Metallic P Bass Tone

markxus25

markxus25

Mar 10, 2011
9
7
San Pedro CA
#1
I got a new MIM P Bass with maple fretboard, thinking classic P Bass tone, maybe like Duck Dunn intro to Dock of the Bay? But it has a real metallic tone, and if I dig into the strings just a bit it slaps real easy, which I usually don't slap or pop. I have a real light attack, from living in apartments all my life, definitely not a basher!

Also it came with roundwound strings, I usually use Fender flatwounds. And it came with a new Quan Badass bridge. Could these have something to do with it? Any ideas are welcome.

I really like the looks, fit, finish, size & weight, etc. which I think is very good for the price. I just did not expect this odd tone. I am thinking maybe keep it and develop a slap technique. Any inputs on P Bass tone are welcome.

Thanks, Mark
 
#6
Hmm... A couple things.

1) Is the action maybe a little lower than you're used to? If so, this could be a reason that the strings are hitting the fretboard (and maybe also the pickup).

2) +1 to the new strings idea. It's quite possible that you are just accustomed to flats, and the rounds are offensive to your ears.

That being said, I suggest throwing on a set of flats and maybe setting the action a little higher than it is at the moment. Best of luck, and lets see some pics!!
 
#8
BrandonBass said:
You know how to use the tone control right?
Click to expand...

Um no. Is the tone control one of those little round shiny things on the front of the guitar?

Yeah I tried rolling the tone off and it kind of muffled the clankiness. I will try some different amp settings, I usually set the guitar tone about 3/4 of the way bright and set the amp tones at 12 o'clock, real imaginative right?

Thanks all for the feedback, I will try some new strings and tweaking the action next.
 
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#9
Try a pair of Labella flats, then play it hard for a few weeks to break them in.

Also, a pickup change may be needed as well. I have found that some (maybe all) stock P pickups have a metallic tone compared to a vintage pup or lollar type, etc.

Lollar pup is like $100 I believe, and strings like $35. Id try the labellas first.
 
#11
markxus25 said:
Um no. Is the tone control one of those little round shiny things on the front of the guitar?

Yeah I tried rolling the tone off and it kind of muffled the clankiness. I will try some different amp settings, I usually set the guitar tone about 3/4 of the way bright and set the amp tones at 12 o'clock, real imaginative right?

Thanks all for the feedback, I will try some new strings and tweaking the action next.
Click to expand...

if the tone control is set to zero and you still have clanks, either something is wrong with ur tone control or you need to raise your action higher or play with a lighter touch. Using flats or a string with tension and playing near the bridge helps too
 
#12
#14
My girlfriend bought me the white Squier VM P-Bass for my birthday. I was going to use it to jam along to Motown tunes at home but it turns out the Duncan Designed pickup is really aggressive. I often use the bass live to cut through our loud drummer and guitarist (we do classic 70s and 80s rock). Once the factory roundwounds mellow out I might try some flats.
 
#16
bassist4dalord said:
... 1) Is the action maybe a little lower than you're used to? If so, this could be a reason that the strings are hitting the fretboard (and maybe also the pickup)...
Click to expand...

+1
The fact that you mentioned how when you dig it it sounds like you're slapping I'd agree that your action and string height is lower than you would probably want. The metallic sound is a hint of light fret buzz, the fretted version of a fretless' 'mwah'. You can either adjust the truss rod (loosen) to add a tad more relief and maybe raise the saddles slightly or you may be able to just get away with installing flats that may have more tension than the present strings and the added tension may just bend the neck enough to give you the action you need.
 
#17
spiltcoil said:
You may have stumbled upon the best bass for metal, in which case you should probably destroy it. Or maybe it just has D'Addario's on it. That could ruin the sound of any bass.
Click to expand...

You get a :bassist: for the bass for metal comment.

But you get a :rollno: for the D'Addario ruining tone.

I have spent too much money trying all types of strings and finally settled for D'Addario EXL170 for most situations. So I disagree. And for flats, I love D'Addario Chromes, and there's quite a following for those too. ;)
 
#20
I love nickel round wounds on a P. You should be able to get some warm tones out of the P without using flats. Not to say flats are bad. If you description is consistent with my ears (and it may not be), I think there is something that is making your bass too bright.
 

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