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String Hum

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by SteJ, Jul 9, 2018.

  1. Jul 9, 2018 #1
    SteJ

    SteJ

    Jul 5, 2018
    Hi Guys. Newbie again.

    it's probably because I've yet to master damping the strings, but I'm getting a lot of string hum as I'm pulling off the previous string.

    I've also noticed that switching the active eq on my Ibanez reduces this, even when all three pots are set to zero.

    In fact, despite experimenting with various amp input and eq setups. This bass only seems to come alive when the active bass is switched on.
     
  2. Jul 9, 2018 #2
    bearfoot

    bearfoot Inactive

    Jan 27, 2005
    Chittenango, NY
    Hard to say what's going on there. By what you've written, it sounds to me like there's something wrong with the bass in passive mode. Switching to active gives you tons more boost and gain, but it should make no real difference if the problem lies is how clean your playing is.

    Maybe there is a grounding problem, causing a hum when your hand leaves the strings. And for some reason, the active mode grounds better. Calling it "string hum" makes me suspect an electronics, rather than technique, problem.

    If you can record and post a sample of your bass in passive and active mode and highlight the problem, we can get a better idea of what's going on.
     
  3. Jul 9, 2018 #3
    SteJ

    SteJ

    Jul 5, 2018
    Thanks for the reply.

    I've just watched a couple of Youtube videos and I think I might have an answer.

    When I used to mess around on the guitar, I used to dampen the strings with the side of my plectrum hand. it seems you/we do it with your fretboard hand on the bass, is that right? Except when you're playing slap bass I suppose.

    Another question is - Are NR pedals commonly used by bass players?