Double Bass "thump" when playing double bass

[jamesf]

I don't know where else to post this since I didn't see a double bass forum. I just put a Full Circle (piezo) pickup on my bass, and when I play a string, the percussive sound of my finger hitting the next string is amplified and is quite arresting. It's there when I play without the pickup, and it's always bugged me, but now it can bug everybody

I don't remember this with my previous bass but I'm new to uprights and have no idea if this is a poor technique or an issue with the bass.

thanks,
jim

 

[Groove Doctor]

Amps, Mics & Pickups [DB]

 

[AGCurry]

There IS a double bass forum, but here goes:

Playing pizzicato in jazzy playing usually involves stopping the motion of the plucking finger against the next string down, because it gets more volume from the pluck. It's normal and expected. You can lessen the sound of that to some degree with EQ but you can't eliminate it.
BUT: There are different ways of plucking. You can pluck without hitting the next string. It will be a different and softer sound. You can "hit, catch and release" the string with two fingers - that's the beginning step of slap bass. Try these things.