Why does this happen?

[Govier966]

When i play i always get this very clanky sound from the strings especially on driving baselines, i thought it was my bass but it also happens with my friends bass. I dont know if this has to do with the basses or my technique. The only bass it doesn't happen with is a 78 p with crazy high action.

 

[elgecko]

When i play i always get this very clanky sound from the strings especially on driving baselines, i thought it was my bass but it also happens with my friends bass. I dont know if this has to do with the basses or my technique. The only bass it doesn't happen with is a 78 p with crazy high action.

You answered your own question.

Play lighter or raise your action. Pick one.

EDIT: you could also get heavier strings.

 

[Govier966]

Hmm the action on my fender j is already high, and i play really hard. I think your right, the problem started when i got medium light strings.

 

[plangentmusic]

Some people just have that attack. It's part of Steve Harris' sound. He really doesn't play that hard but the notes "clang." I have a student who can play my thuddy 62' P with high action and he gets the clank. He doesn;t try. It just comes out that way.

For some stuff it's cool, other stuff, not so much.

Try anchoring your thumb if you don't already.

If you dislike it, you can work on changing your sound, otherwise, just go with it.

 

[MarTONEbass]

And make sure you are plucking parallel to the body, not into the body.