Clicky Slap

[Mantaray]

I need some help here.

While I was recording some stuff this week, when the part when I did a slap solo came, the sound from my SR was quite disappointing. Actually it was 'clicking'. Note that I don't slap in the fretboard, but in the space between the fretboard and the pickup in order to get a more aggressive slap. It is the first time I get this kinda sound. Also note that there is no string-pickup contact because my pickup is lowered.

 

[midopa]

What're your preamp EQ settings? The "modern" slap sound (ie. bass max, mids off, trebl max) is always clickey.

 

[Mantaray]

Well my settings are quite odd...

Bass almost Max no boost

Mids almost 3/4 with boost

Treble 1/2 no boost

Gain Max


Any suggestions...

 

[shaver]

i have all my settings too 10 on my bass, and i mostly slap...but i think it realy depends on the amp and its settings

 

[giddy4geddy]

Could be your setup.

A couple of times I've noticed that my string action is a little low to the pickup. While this will make the sound louder and sound a little different, it certainly poses no threat. However, if you slap down on the string hard enough, and I have done this before, it may cause the string to actually come in contact with the magnet on the pickup, if only for a millisecond, creating that popping sound you hear.

If this is the case, simply screw down and lower your pickup(s) a little, till you know how ever hard you slap the bitch, oh I mean bass, it won't touch the pickup.

Chris (now in Atlanta)

 

[Psychicpet]

ya, kinda sounds like p/u crinkle to me. I slap on the fretboard but do go a little "Louis Johnson" a little now and then and slap between the p/u and neck, maybe try to move your thumb a little closer towards the neck than the p/u. Have you recorded your slapping before? also, don't forget to look at the signal path to tape, your playing and tone could very well be the casualties of the studio domain.