Ramps between pickups

[Brad Johnson]

I really like the look of single pickup instruments, so two pickups under one cover is what I got here, and it acts as a ramp.

I'm still figuring out how I play differently with it, but I use a variety of techniques for different instruments, so I don't mind it being a change from my fender 4... I really play every bass I have differently.

One of my favorite CTs.

 

[Brad Johnson]

That guy's awesome, love it. I don't see the necessity of a ramp for that style of playing though.

Are you really looking at his right hand?

I'm not arguing with any of you that feels it *is* a necessity for your style. I'm just saying I don't understand how it is.

Two things:

1. Try one, preferably one that follows the curvature of the fingerboard

2. When/if you do, play by plucking parallel with the body. This is typically not how most folks play.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Do you mean it reduces the range or increases it?

In my case it increases the usable range by allowing me to have better control over it. Here's what I do:

I keep the volume on my bass wide open more often than not. I keep my amp's volume at the max I'll need for a gig. Because a ramp like I use will not allow me to pluck down AND through the string I had to figure out another way to go from plucking as lightly as possible to as hard as I'd want to.

It wasn't much of a learning curve for me because I already did that when I plucked over my bridge pickups. Instead of plucking downwards towards the body I plucked paralell with the top of the pickup. So no matter how hard I plucked the string couldn't hit the pickup.

Think of it as the difference between throwing a haymaker to knock someone down version having the ability to stand face to face and with a short punch accomplish the same thing. It's ultimately about control. So now, within a relatively shorter physical span (plucking motion) I can go from a whisper to a roar... and neither of them look like I'm playing hard, even when I am. Shorter controlled stroke. Not dynamically limiting unless you're talking extremes, in which case I can simply move away from the ramp and go caveman.

I let a guy play one of my basses yesterday. He told me my action was too low and it buzzed. I told him it wasn't and it didn't... when I played it. Because it was setup for me. His inability to control it ultimately had nothing to do with my bass. It takes more control to use a ramp, more finesse. But that doesn't mean you have to play light... you just need to learn how to play over a ramp. And having more control can help in the discovery of tones that can be brought about though technique alone.

 

[jnuts1]

That guy's awesome, love it. I don't see the necessity of a ramp for that style of playing though.

I'm not arguing with any of you that feels it *is* a necessity for your style. I'm just saying I don't understand how it is.

I do not "feel" it is a necessity, it IS a necessity is for me because of an injury. believe me I wish it wasn't but it is. my two finger style is much smoother for string jumps & I play completely differently as far as note choice & rhythm.

but you really need to feel the difference instead of seeing it. try doing a down stroke with your thumb & an upstroke with your pointer just like you are using a pick & see how hard it is to keep it smooth. I will try to post a video tonight

 

[jnuts1]

In my case it increases the usable range by allowing me to have better control over it. Here's what I do:

I let a guy play one of my basses yesterday. He told me my action was too low and it buzzed. I told him it wasn't and it didn't... when I played it. Because it was setup for me. His inability to control it ultimately had nothing to do with my bass. It takes more control to use a ramp, more finesse. But that doesn't mean you have to play light... you just need to learn how to play over a ramp. And having more control can help in the discovery of tones that can be brought about though technique alone.

you nailed it. my action is so low not a lot of people can play my basses because they pluck into the body instead of parallel with it. every shop I have ever taken a bass to says there is no way anyone can play my bass without fret buzz & I prove them wrong every time. & then make them lower the action some more.

 

[bkbirge]

Are you really looking at his right hand?

Yep, looks like guitar fingerpicking technique to me.

Two things:

1. Try one, preferably one that follows the curvature of the fingerboard

2. When/if you do, play by plucking parallel with the body. This is typically not how most folks play.

I think your point in #1 is really the thing to do, just try it. But a good basic classical guitar fingerpicking technique (or Nashville style) seems to be the thing here, no ramp needed (based purely on the video and your guys' descriptions). But... I would like to try it and see, wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong!

 

[Brad Johnson]

Yep, looks like guitar fingerpicking technique to me.



I think your point in #1 is really the thing to do, just try it. But a good basic classical guitar fingerpicking technique (or Nashville style) seems to be the thing here, no ramp needed (based purely on the video and your guys' descriptions). But... I would like to try it and see, wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong!

You don't have to employ the same technique that Dominique did. They work with a basic index and middle finger pluck too. That's what I use most often though I do incorporate my thumb and ring finger as the mood strikes me. Whatever makes what you're trying to achieve easier.

If you have a bass with two pickups or one that's close to the bridge you can approximate the feel by raising the pickup until it's close enough to the string to touch when you pluck.

 

[Tumbao]

You don't have to employ the same technique that Dominique did.

Who can do it?

 

[Brad Johnson]

Its entirely possible to cop his technique. You need a bass and desire. That's what he had.


Getting a bass is the easy part... the more I read on TB the more I realize the wide range of desire AND the inability of many to understand how their lack of it is the only thing really holding them back. You can't buy it on eBay and it's never 20% off during a holiday sale.

 

[Pacman]

Great information here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f21/s...thew-garrison-technique-playing-ramps-225211/

 

[Nick303]

I've decided to ramp my jazz after extensive reading and checking out other people's opinions here, all of which are valid points.
THE point for me though was this; I need to try it to find out.
My friend Si found me a couple of pieces of antique oak, one of which has this beautiful grain to it.
I cut it to size, routed the underside to fit the pickup ears and control panel. Many hours of shaping ensued; checking the fit, strings up/down/up/down, checking the relief over and over.
It is now just about perfect - no buzz when the highest fret is pressed - but I haven't attached it yet. I'm not sure whether to finish the wood or not, any thoughts?

 

[Nick303]

One of my favorite CTs.

Speechless..