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Annoying Problem - Anyone else run into this?

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DJ Jazzy Death

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2008
Messages
21
I have been doing the most annoying thing lately at gigs with my Sterling H/S (I play a lot more aggressively live so this doesn't happen as often in practice). In songs where I play with a pick I've been inadvertantly hitting my 5 way lever pick-up selector and knocking it into the wrong settings. I like it sitting in the middle and rarely ever use the other settings. Is there a way to lock it in place and not sacrifice my performance?
 
Well I tried Elmer's School Glue but now my bass sounds weird and smoke is coming out of my amp. That's supposed to happen, right?
 
Intersting. You NEVER use the other settings? If that is the case, and it is not bad, why not use a toothpick. Break it to size, and jam it in there on both sides of the switch. Just be careful. Getting it out is a little tricky...but...it won't harm anything as far as I can tell. :cool:
 
+1 on the toothpick, I was going to suggest the same thing. Whatever you do make sure is reversible to normal, so don't listen to my evil side suggesting to hotwire the switch so that it makes no difference when flicked. ;)
 
It is all in the technique. Work on controlling pick hand movement. I would never modify the instrument. But that is just me.

Best of luck.

-- Ant
 
maybe learn a different pick technique. I always like to rest my hand on the bridge saddles when i play bass with a pick. It means wearing it high up, but i find it easier to play, and it sounds more like a bass should sound with a pick IMO
 
Drop the pick and use the thumb. Just as fast, if not faster and you don't have to freak out when you can't find your favorite pick. Picks are for guitars silly rabbit!
 
I know, I know, picks suck, yada yada yada. I was once a "finger elitist" but there are a few songs that are either A) really fast or B) the sound of playing with the pick suits the song better.
 
Lower the strap and drop the bass down around youir knees. Your picking hand will be forced to stay in one place.
 
DJ Jazzy Death said:
I know, I know, picks suck, yada yada yada. I was once a "finger elitist" but there are a few songs that are either A) really fast or B) the sound of playing with the pick suits the song better.
Click to expand...

I am a 98.9% finger player but I have a couple of songs I wrote that the pick just makes it sound better. It gives a different feel, tone and expression. I would again suggest working out the technique.

All the best.

-- Ant
 
DJ Jazzy Death said:
I know, I know, picks suck, yada yada yada. I was once a "finger elitist" but there are a few songs that are either A) really fast or B) the sound of playing with the pick suits the song better.
Click to expand...

OK, my real answer:
It sounds like your using a lot of arm movement when playing with a pick to get the the kind of string attack your needing.
You will need to to move your hand towards the bridge a little and practice using your wrist more so than your whole arm. It will be easier in the long run.
It's the curse of the "punk rock piston arm". Not that your playing punk...or maybe you are. Either way it's a technique that will tire you out and make your shoulder hurt.

Something like this: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF-_AxR1UK0]YouTube - Learn to Play Bass Guitar: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Techniques : How to Hold a Pick to Play Bass Guitar: Free Online Music Lessons[/ame]
 
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