String Pop

[WarBeer]

I've come to realize that my extremely long "nail bed" is producing a tone I don't like. The nail on my index finger is almost to the end of my finger. In fact, if I depress my finger (vertically) on a flat surface...my nail instantly hits. And that's with my nails trimmed all the way. My middle finger isn't "as bad". Nonetheless, it creates a very pronounced pop when I pluck. I just installed flatwound strings to see if they'd be any better...not really. In fact, the striking-a-high-tension-wire-phasey-boing (that sometimes accompanies it) is even more pronounced.

Any tips on how I might go about addressing this? It works out ok when I'm playing aggressive stuff but it's really hurting my ability to play real warm lines(which is what I truly favor). Was thinking about trying out a thin glove? I know that some players use them on their fretting hands...but, I'm really at a loss.

 

[OOD]

I've come to realize that my extremely long "nail bed" is producing a tone I don't like. The nail on my index finger is almost to the end of my finger. In fact, if I depress my finger (vertically) on a flat surface...my nail instantly hits. And that's with my nails trimmed all the way. My middle finger isn't "as bad". Nonetheless, it creates a very pronounced pop when I pluck. I just installed flatwound strings to see if they'd be any better...not really. In fact, the striking-a-high-tension-wire-phasey-boing (that sometimes accompanies it) is even more pronounced.

Any tips on how I might go about addressing this? It works out ok when I'm playing aggressive stuff but it's really hurting my ability to play real warm lines(which is what I truly favor). Was thinking about trying out a thin glove? I know that some players use them on their fretting hands...but, I'm really at a loss.

My nails are like that. Make sure when you pluck you are using the pads of your finger and not the tip. And go across the top of the string, not under it.

If that fails you can get an extremely thick pick (2 or 3 mm) and adjust your Eq. It won’t be the same, but it can get pretty mellow. I really think you can fix this with technique though.

 

[Yonni]

Its hard to know without seeing your technique. Do you play with a very bent wrist? You could try straightening it out a bit and pushing the string down with your fingers rather than pulling it towards you.

The only player I’ve ever seen with gloves on is Scott Devine and that’s purely for medical reasons.

 

[SteveCS]

I also have quite a long nail bed which means I have to keep my nails really trimmed back all of the time to prevent that type of noise. I also have to keep my nails very short, but I also had to develop technique that incorporated angles of attack which prevented unwanted contact between nail and string by playing primarily on the side of the tips, circled here with ballpoint;

 

[dreamadream99]

using the pads of your finger and not the tip. And go across the top of the string, not under it.

Yep.

Rub the string from floor to ceiling. There are several benefits to doing this. A rounder and cleaner sound, less string buzz, And less harsh attack.