Can't get a slap sound on an SR 5

[Kyle Reimer]

I have a brand new StingRay 5, and I just can't get the fabled slap tone everyone is talking about. I've tried switching strings and amps, and that has done no good, so I'm assuming it's a setup problem. I'm just wondering therefore what sort of string height and whatever everybody uses for slapping. The sound it makes now is just the string clacking onto the frets, there's no vibration or twang, and I have the action pretty damn low.

(Not a technique problem)

 

[Cutlass I]

Hmmm.. strange.. Perhaps the strings are to low..?!? I have tried that a couple of times..

I just can't get the fabled slap tone everyone is talking about

"everyone" might have a different opinion on what a "Slab tone" is. When I got my first SR I thought it was kind of dull, but it works fine for me now.. Better on Pre-EB's though.

Lately I have actually found that the EB strings unfortunately are a little to "flobby" to me. What kind of strings do you use..?!?

 

[Kyle Reimer]

hmm

Originally, the strings that came with it. And then I changed to DR marcus miller fat beams. Both just give the string banging the fret sound. I did have the action lowered when I first got it, but I don't know the theory behind what makes a good slap sound. Does string height matter?

 

[Cutlass I]

Well.. I can only speak for my self..

Too high.. >6mm makes it impossible
Too Low.. <1½mm makes gives the Clacking sound
For me 2-4 it optimal.

I noticed the string thing changing the strings on my 32" Kubichi Factor bass.. before it was really firm and superfast slapping it.. now its just to slobby to play that fast...

 

[anestis]

i have 5 stingrays and i have in all very good slap but not the same sound

 

[Bo.cox]

the strings i use are steel roto sounds they hurt your fingers for a while but they sound great. if your just getting fret clack maybe try tacking your bass to a mechanic and get them to check the neck contour and fret hight, hope that helps!

bo

 

[yelloman]

i might be crazy, (i don't know too much about strings,) but i really like ghs boomers... (45-105)
i've experimented a bunch and i just like 'em... nice and versatile...
but that's just the way my boat floats... experiment a bunch! i think that's the best way to find out the solutions to problems as well as developing several skills AND developing personal tastes. weee!

good luck

 

[bassmaniac]

If you got your SR5 set up well, I'm sure you would get a great slap sound. My 2 StingRay 5's sound a bit different from each other and both have great slap tone.

 

[basscat]

I get a great slap sound out of my SR5 with maple fretboard. When I first got it I lowered the string at the bridge without adjustin the neck and I lost some of the thump. I've straightened the neck a bit since, put on 40-125 steel roundwounds and I'm very happy. You can hear my bass talking at www.stefanolsson.tk.

Good luck

Basscat