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What makes that slap sound....

P

P-Boy69

Mar 7, 2019
85
61
#1
So .... I am learning how to slap....didnt like my Squier modified P-Bass for that (even though I really do think it's a great bass for the price), tried a few (Jazz MIM/US, some Music Man and Ibanez) and settled for an Sound Gear 370, which I like and which I run through a Rumble 25....
As I am getting better, I am noticing a few things that tick me (besides my technique -:))
1) Seems sometimes the E string slaps "clip" a bit sometimes
2) Slapping A string past the E or the D string is not as "punchy"
3) Pulling the G string , say a D or a E (lets stay with the basics here) kinda gets a "farty sound" as opposed to that nice crisp "poing" sound (Try describing that...)

Besides technique, have I reached a limit on the equipment? Would trying J-Bass again make a difference in your experience? Am I getting to the limit of what that 8 inch speaker can take?
Any suggestions welcome
My first post so be nice -:) !!
 
#4
Phrases in your description like "clipping" & "farty" seem to be describing effects of a speaker being driven to it's limits. So yes, I'd say the 8" speaker in your bass amp sounds like it's struggling. I'd say reduce your volume a bit and/or roll off some low end a bit while you learn the slap technique and control over how hard you're slapping and popping the strings. A compressor effect might help here too. As far as overall tone related to slapping - it will generally sound best with a fresh set of round-wound strings.

Regarding which instrument - that would come down entirely to personal preference. A J bass has a great, classic slap tone. The Ibanez would be a more modern slap tone with probably more top end (highs) as in this video.

 
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#5
P-Boy69 said:
As I am getting better, I am noticing a few things that tick me (besides my technique -:))
1) Seems sometimes the E string slaps "clip" a bit sometimes
2) Slapping A string past the E or the D string is not as "punchy"
3) Pulling the G string , say a D or a E (lets stay with the basics here) kinda gets a "farty sound" as opposed to that nice crisp "poing" sound (Try describing that...)

Besides technique, have I reached a limit on the equipment? Would trying J-Bass again make a difference in your experience? Am I getting to the limit of what that 8 inch speaker can take?
Any suggestions welcome
My first post so be nice -:) !!
Click to expand...

2 is addressed by technique. How you hit the strings. You'll get better in no time.
1 & 3 is partly due to the setup on the Ibanez SR bass- maybe the pickups are too high and too close to the strings and/or the EQ setting should be adjusted (on the bass or the amp). I love Ibanez basses and feel they sound great and very possible to slap and play funk on it, that being said I get a better sound on a Musicman (more punchy, crisp popping), or a passive P bass/Jazz bass. It's a matter of preference there - however, the Ibanez bass should work fine. I have my strings pretty low and have to lower the pickups so the sound doesn't get distorted and my usual test if the setup is ideal for me is if I can play "Forget me Nots" by Patrice Rushen by barely having to move my hand around to play it -just my thumb. The strings are low enough to be able to slap lightly and yet the pickups are close enough to the strings to pick up the sound. Weird I know but it works for me.
 
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