Tapping help...

[I Need a six...]

Ok, so I play a fender Precision, not a real LEAD BASS keyed instrument but i play in a band were I don't need it. But I've practiced advanced techniques forever, I just can't get a tapping tone. I practice the rudimentary technique, but when I go to apply it, it sounds like a weak slap. Any advice?

 

[Spin Doctor]

I would think for tapping you need a active bass with a modern sound. Try the stuff you've learned on some type of active bass with soapbar pickups and see if you can get the sound you want. If so, then you have your answer.

 

[I Need a six...]

I would think for tapping you need a active bass with a modern sound.

Yea that's my best guess aswell. Thanks for the input doc

 

[Mushroo]

So many possible explanations why your tapping tone is weak: the player's skill, the design/model of the bass, the setup/action on the instrument, the type and gauge of strings, the equipment in the signal chain (EQ, compression, effects amplifier, speakers, etc.), the acoustics of the room itself...

Also worth mentioning that a passive P-bass will NEVER sound like a completely different type of instrument (such as Victor Wooten's active 2-pickup Foderas, for example).

Generally speaking here are the steps I would take to get good tapping sound out of a P-bass: low action, new/bright roundwound strings, mid-focused EQ, generous use of compression, maybe a little bit of overdrive, private lessons with a player who is a good tapper, lots of practice.

 

[I Need a six...]

Right on. I've been practicing ALL of the style's (except for with a pick, had a small phase with that but it passed) for as long as ive played(10 years) all the bassist in my area(older, better bassists that is) have suggested active electronics as spin doc did. Too bad I bought a tuba recently($6899) and don't have the money for a nice active six string, not that that will solve ALL of my struggle, but that's my first move. Thanks for the input Mushro

 

[McFarlin]

Some of the best tapping tone I got was with a passive Jazz. I don't think the active/modern should make much difference, but neck/frets and setup/action definitely do.
Things that have made tapping easier: time/practice, lower action, strategic amp e.q.ing, compression, (definitely sounds better with certain amps and cabs)
Things that made tapping harder for me: flatwound strings, high action, impatience

 

[Mushroo]

"Give up because you own the wrong kind of bass" is a quitter attitude, don't listen to that negativity!

Lots of people tap on passive Fender-style instruments. I believe master-of-tap Eddie Van Halen is heavily associated with the stratocaster, for example.

 

[McFarlin]

Right. I don't see how adding an onboard preamp would make a difference.

 

[I Need a six...]

Things that made tapping harder for me: flatwound strings, high action, impatience

I DO have it string with flat wounds(sounds so good with my band, I don't do crazy lead, just mellow IN THE POCKET style lines) and I figured that had a lot to do with it. I have the action SUPER LOW(as low as possible without absurd feet buzzing) an impatience is not a factor at all, I've never tried to rush my playing. Well ok, I have but it lead quickly to frustration which defeats the whole point of striving to be great. Thanks for the input mcfarlin I appreciate it in all it's forms

 

[I Need a six...]

"Give up because you own the wrong kind of bass" is a quitter attitude, don't listen to that negativity!
.

Right on! Even though the sound isn't right on, I still practice the technique on a daily basis, like all the techniques I use(or in this case want to use) I have no intention of giving up, that's why I'm here on TB. There are a lot better and more educated players out there than me( I'm 19 years old ) and I appreciate this site because I can get lots of good input(an the occasional bash, but it's the internet) on a daily basis. Thanks for all the tidbits, it's definitely given me some things to process

 

[Mushroo]

I am a HUGE fan of flatwound strings for finger and pick styles. But for tapping there is just something about roundwounds, they have a more "piano like" sound.

It is inspiring to see a young player with such enthusiasm to learn and practice.

 

[I Need a six...]

[QUOTE="Mushroo, post:

It is inspiring to see a young player with such enthusiasm to learn and practice. [/QUOTE]

Thanks, all the input has been very helpful.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

As somebody that taps regularly, passive basses work just fine, even precisions. You need some rounds to get the high end you seek. High action will not really affect your tapping tone but it will make it much more difficult to tap.

I would highly recommend taking lessons from an advanced tapper. There are a lot of little things that you may be missing. For example, your picking-hand pinky works best when you just slam it down. Do not do a tapping motion like your other fingers, otherwise you will lose a lot of strength and it becomes very difficult.

 

[raventepes]

One of my favourite basses to tap on is my Squier Jazz Standard (older bass). It's of course passive and usually strung with GHS Pressure Wound's (I have a set of Ken Smith Burner's on it now. Need to fix that). I get plenty of good tones on it, even with the Burners.

As far as tone goes, play with your amp and try to find what works for you. Dial back the bass a bit, perhaps and increase the mids and treble, if you need to. I also agree that you may need a good compressor.

What's your amp situation? Knowing the amp and cab or combo may help some.

 

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I've been tapping for years on a passive 1973 P bass with 1960s black bottom pickups. It is one of the best sounds for tapping I have ever heard. The reason I stress that it is a P bass is that a P is generally not the best bass for tapping (especially a passive one). This is all leading to my main point: If you are tapping on a passive bass, you need to make your amp and effects do the work you need to get that sound. Push that amp up, push the highs, push the lows, cut the mids. I use a GK RB400. A good chorus is always good for tapping. The Yamaha SPX 90 has the best chorus sounds of just about anything. If chorus is not your thing, don't shy from a little reverb. It mellows any harshness of the tone. I recently got a J bass, and the bridge pickup alone is the absolute best. Active may be the ideal way to go, but you can get amazing sound from a passive. Just work with your settings.

 

[spanndrew]

I would heavily recommend Mark Michell's book on right hand technique if you are interested in tapping. Also he would be someone great to take lessons from if you had further interest. Mark Michell

(No affiliation, just a Scale the Summit fan boy ha)

 

[spanndrew]

Also Alex Webster's book "Extreme Metal" covers some tapping, but only a little.

 

[spanndrew]

One more bit of advice, I just made the switch to a modern 6 string from a passive 4, and while the tones are different, I wouldn't say it is better suited for tapping. It is actually harder to tap on since the extra strings add some confusion.

 

[Nic.]

Ok, so I play a fender Precision, not a real LEAD BASS keyed instrument but i play in a band were I don't need it. But I've practiced advanced techniques forever, I just can't get a tapping tone. I practice the rudimentary technique, but when I go to apply it, it sounds like a weak slap. Any advice?

@I Need a six... do you have any videos of what your current tapping sounds like? That would probably help a lot in diagnosing what's wrong. No need to be really high quality I guess, nowadays most phones are good enough.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

"Give up because you own the wrong kind of bass" is a quitter attitude, don't listen to that negativity!

Lots of people tap on passive Fender-style instruments. I believe master-of-tap Eddie Van Halen is heavily associated with the stratocaster, for example.

Ed Van Halen is not associated with the Stratocaster, just FYI. Nor does the fact that his instrument is passive have anything to do with his technique whatsoever...he cranked his Marshall Plexis to 10.