clicking on pick up

[CarolynB]

Hi,
I have a Sterling bass,, which I like very much, but I am encountering a clicking sound that happens when I play aggressively and the strings hit the pick up. I have tried lowering the pick up but didn't help much. I am wondering if anyone has encountered this problem and what can I do. I really like my bass and don't want to get a different one but the sound is annoying and not good at all when recording.
Thanks

 

[mynan]

I'd say that this is simply a technique issue. You have to work on hitting the strings so that they vibrate parallel to the pickups instead of perpendicular.

 

[Duarte]

Maybe you're jus playing a tad too hard. Don't lower the pickup too much, it will just affect the tone and volume in a negative way.

 

[mynan]

Another thing...make sure you aren't pressing the other strings (strings not being played) into the pickups. I've done that...using a string for a thumb rest and pressing it into the pickup when I'm really digging.

 

[Fuzzy Dustmite]

I get the same thing, but on my Stingray. I had to find a happy medium of lowering the pickup and trying to ease up on the attack. Since I don't have too much luck with the latter, I find myself doing more of the former.

 

[Russel]

I have(rather, had) this problem with my jazz, when I played slap style. No technique changes seemed to help, so I just carefully taped over the pole pieces with some electrical tape, and the problem cleared, for the most part. Nice tone, too.

if you smack the strings into the pickups, it will still make a noise, but it is a noticeably quieter one.

and if you ever need to sell it, a carefully applied solvent will remove any residue from the tape. Just don't let it get too hot.

 

[CarolynB]

Hey,
thanks to all who replyed. I am going to try Russel's suggestion...I'm not sure I can change my technique at this point, but I will try that also...I'll let you all know

 

[Big Poppa]

maybe go up a gauge next time a little more tension?

 

[RobertB]

maybe go up a gauge next time a little more tension?

I think that's a winner.

 

[mynan]

I think that's a winner.

That's why he gets paid the big bucks...

 

[bovinehost]

Hey,
thanks to all who replyed. I am going to try Russel's suggestion...I'm not sure I can change my technique at this point, but I will try that also...I'll let you all know

Carolyn, it's possible to change the way you attack, believe me. About ten years ago, I really had to re-think the way I played and I wasn't exactly a youngster even then.

Now, I still have a tendency to dig in pretty hard when the going gets good, but when I notice I'm doing it, I turn my volume up and tell my right hand to JUST CALM DOWN.

Good luck, stick around.

Jack

 

[Russel]

Carolyn, it's possible to change the way you attack, believe me. About ten years ago, I really had to re-think the way I played and I wasn't exactly a youngster even then.

Now, I still have a tendency to dig in pretty hard when the going gets good, but when I notice I'm doing it, I turn my volume up and tell my right hand to JUST CALM DOWN.

Good luck, stick around.

Jack

This is true. It's worth noting that I had the problem when I was slapping, and I have a sausage thumb. (I've actually found some sausages that are smaller than my thumb....) It is also worth noting that I had the problem with a different (read:lower quality) bass.

On the many occasions that I've played them, I've never had the issue with an EB bass, even when playing for that distinctively aggressive, super-hard attack blood sugar sex magik tone.


whatever works, works.

 

[CarolynB]

Again,
Thanks to all the replies ( I spelled it right this time) and encouragement. I think the suggestion about a heavier gauge string is good and I can do that today!

 

[the unrepentant]

Again,
Thanks to all the replies ( I spelled it right this time) and encouragement. I think the suggestion about a heavier gauge string is good and I can do that today!

Best idea yet

 

[Rob Gee]

Had the same problem with my sr4 2eq. All i did was lowered the treble a touch on the eq. Hope this helps.

 

[lomky]

I tend to play pretty aggressively, and I found the same problem. I play with a pick tuned down with Power Slinkies. Being the good Canadian I am I covered over the poles with hockey tape. To my ears I could not hear a difference.

I know I'm going to get slaughtered for admitting to this.