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Slap Bass Set-up

H

hansC

Nov 8, 2006
104
0
Clinton, NY
#1
I've bought a slap bass video and am trying to learn this technique. I currently have a '75 P-bass with flats on it. I'm not getting the sound that I want to hear out of it, even acoustically. Whats the best setup for slapping... strings lower or higher off the neck, rounds vs flats, etc.... or is this bass not a very good bass for slapping period...:hmm:
 
#2
I like the strings low. There really isnt much reason to have them high. With good technique, low works best for most things, IMO. I would use a slightly higher gauge to get lower action (thicker strings have a smaller range of motion = less fret buzz at lower action). I use ernie ball hybrid slinkies because they have thicker low strings ( great for slap) and medium (slightly thinner) high strings (great for popping).
 
#9
A P bass with flats is a fairly anti-slap setup.

Any roundwound stainless steel strings (Hi Beams, Prosteels, Rotosounds etc) are going to give you that slap zing.

String height - go as low as you can - slap technique involves a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs and you'll find it much easier with a low action.

Finally, give yourself a bit of mid cut and boost the treble and bass on your amp - nothing too severe mind you.

Sadly, even after all this, a passive P bass isn't going to sound like a slap machine - you really need twin pickups or a MM pickup , with active preamp to get *that* sound. If you find your setup is still lacking, maybe it's time to go shopping.
 
#12
RavCat said:
Sadly, even after all this, a passive P bass isn't going to sound like a slap machine - you really need twin pickups or a MM pickup , with active preamp to get *that* sound. If you find your setup is still lacking, maybe it's time to go shopping.
Click to expand...

This is just my opinion...but i disagree, i think the pbass is very capable of achieving a good slap tone. I used to have a MIM and MIA pbass. Each one had a great slap tone(not a modern slap tone persay but a good tone, more vintage slap i suppose). IMO, a proper setup goes along way. Put some rounds on it, have it setup and that bass will be good to go.
 
#16
I think my P copy has a decent slap tone, but it does have a duncan 1/4 lb in it which is hotter than traditional. RIght now, it has groundwound d'addarios on it, and it they work fine for slapping. I run the tone wide open on the bass and the eq with a mid cut. I think a P is fine, but ditch the flats.
 
#18
For slapping I generally prefer either the classic humbucker sound a'la Ernie Ball/Music Man (with my Sterling), or the tried and true Jazz sound from a bass with pickups in neck and bridge position. With that out of the way, I use light-gauge strings, and very low action.
 
#19
I'm a lead guitarist for 50+ years but we had to have a bassist for the church praise band. That was six years ago. I want to add the slapping and popping, now that I've gotten comfortable on bass. I've got the popping technique and tone I want and the thumb slapping technique, but I can't get a good slap tone. I have a '95 Fender Jazz bass. Passive pickups. I'm thinking I may need a pedal to boost the highs. Any suggestions? Thanks
 
#20
I'm a lead guitarist for 50+ years but we had to have a bassist for the church praise band. That was six years ago. I want to add the slapping and popping, now that I've gotten comfortable on bass. I've got the popping technique and tone I want and the thumb slapping technique, but I can't get a good slap tone. I have a '95 Fender Jazz bass. Passive pickups. I'm thinking I may need a pedal to boost the highs. Any suggestions? Thanks
 

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