Thanks, guys, for all the responses! I appreciate it!
I'll add that I first really noticed it since this past Xmas. Got a new iPad (to replace my oooollllld first gen iPad that is starting to lose it). The new iPad has a much better mic on it. I mean, it's still kinda sucky. But way better than the ooolllld iPad! I record myself, not just for self-torture, but to hear how I'm playing. Like most of us do. (Or
should do!) I noticed a low mid "thump" at the start of each note. I would assume that's somewhat normal? But to me it's excessive.
It's funny because I didn't really notice it until I recorded myself with the new iPad. From my perspective while playing it's not as noticeable. I did confirm the recordings with a frequency analyzer while unamplified.
Having said that this could all be perfectly normal and maybe, with the new iPad, I'm just "hearing" myself recorded with a better mic than in the past and it's throwing me off. IOW, this could alllll just be in my head. But what the heck....Thought I'd post it here anyway and pick the brains of more experienced players.
would you be willing to share a decent audio recording or video? definitely would help diagnose what's going on.
Mmmmm....maybe. Honestly, I'm not too pumped up about putting a recording of my playing up here. I DO have a semblance of an ego which may not be able to withstand the direct hit. I'll see what I can do.
Have you tried messing around with the string height?
Yes. Seems to be there at a slightly lower string height, too. But maybe the strings need to be lower still? Or higher?
Less side of the finger, more pad of the last finger joint. Don’t pull the string to the side, push the string down toward the board. It costs you power, which it sounds like you have an excess of, and gains you agility and more point on the note.
I tend to use my pads. Coming from 'lectric I use both my fingers, and their pads, on my right hands as opposed to the side of my first finger.
Or, it may be the inherent natural tone of yours bass.
That's just may be it.
Do you know an accomplished player? Have him/ her play your bass. If nothing changes, then you'll have to look more into the bass itself. If the problem isn't replicated, then maybe technique is the issue.
I had not thought of this. Thanks!
Probably related to the wolf tone of the instrument. Many (if not most) basses get murky/woofy around 200hz, usually around the Ab or A on the G strings, and also have problems with the open A string.
Is it a problem in practical playing situations, or is it something more noticeable to you as a player? Is it the same in every room? Also a problem playing arco?
John
I hadn't thought of that, either. I do get a worf tone around Bb/B on the G string. It tends to be more noticeable with a bow. But even pizz it's really hard to play the lowest B on the G string "in tune". The tone sort of wobbles, if that makes sense.
My practical playing situations are almost all with a piano duo or a piano/sax trio. And I have not really noticed it too much on gigs, now that you ask. So I would say it's prolly more noticeable to me as of late while recording myself (see my response above). I have a little Clarus 4plus and a Genzler 10-2 I use for upright. Though I've used it with my 'big" rig in the past and it's sounded quite good. A Genzler MG800 and Mesa SW115.
