Is this a set-up problem??

[luvmybongo]

got a new bongo - its very lively. Even with the treble virtually off, I'm getting what I think is annoying clicking (not buzzing) off my fingers on the bottom 3 strings. Told it was audible at our show. I want a fat sound, but not TOO fat. Is this a set up problem? Should I raise my strings on the bridge??? anyone?

 

[KEVL]

It's not a setup problem, however it has to do with your setup.

I wouldn't raise your strings if I were you. Your Bongo will punish your amp enough, and throw out a ton of tone to boot. You don't need to dig as much with this bass as you might with others.

Your post reads like a problem I've had as well. The strings are bottoming out on frets (pickups even?) as you play because you're used to having to dig to get that big fat sound.

Let the bass do the work, and you can make some music by caressing the strings. Please don't change your setup to solve this. It's all in the fingers! Trust me once you get used to playing on this setup you won't want to go back.

Hope it helps,
Kev

 

[luvmybongo]

you're probably right. it's hard to turn around a 25 year habit! but I will try

 

[bovinehost]

I have learned to play with a lighter touch, and it's been hard to do. I am a physical sort of player - but I'm getting there.

One thing, though - I had an annoying clicking once on Heinz. Every time I'd pluck the E string - click. I tried everything.

Except raising the saddle on the B string, which was what the problem was. It was sitting so low that my finger, having plucked the E string and only lightly hitting the muted B, was making it clack off the frets. Friend of mine figured it out.

Had it happen to me again on a Lakland 55-94 - same problem, same solution.

So while it MAY be more of a technique issue, you may want to check string height just to be sure.

 

[AnthonyD]

Hmmm...

While I understand the point by KEVL re: the Bongo output, I think there's a compromise to be made... And I'd make some adjustments on the bass to compensate first, before making big changes to my technique. Quick story...

I was at a recent community out-reach gig. I was a spectator supporting a buddy of mine who sings & plays guitar. I commented to him afterward about how light to the touch the bassist played. Quality player, but too passive for my tastes - he seemed to me to be disconnected from the music.

Struck me because I am quite the opposite. I play somewhat aggressively (physically?) and try to keep more than just a "toe-tapping" while playing to keep it interesting. Of course my style modulates based upon the energy of the specific song, but you get the idea.

Having said that I'd look at string height first as well as pick-up height before making significant changes to my technique.

 

[mike not fat]

I think Kevl and Bovine are right. I had the same problem as you with the bongo on E and A strings, having much fret clicking has i dig hard in the strings.
I did 3 usefull things :
- changing the strings for heavier gauge with more tension,
- trying to play with a lighter touch
- raised a bit the strings, because there's still a point where I come to dig hard in them.
The bass really sounds better now. But remember, whatever bass your playing, you always need to make a compromise between string height and touch.

MNF

 

[tkarter]

I have had a problem with clicking once on my SR5. The action is so low it is amazing there is only a click. Still I did not raise the saddles. It didn't alway click from the time I got it so I simply turned the truss wheel counter clockwise about an 1/8 turn and no more clicky.

IMHO

tk

 

[KEVL]

There are some good points in this thread. bovinehost's is something I wouldn't have thought of (likely ever), but I'm going to check it out on mine now. Also, Mike's approach is likely the best way. It's likely a combination of things. It's easy for me to say change the way you play, because I have only been playing bass for a few years and I'm still very much defining how I play.

Please let us know if bovinehost's fix does the trick for you.