Taming this hot pickup

[markster]

Hi,

Just bought myself a Stingray 5 and although I'm loving it, I'm noticing that my style (or lack thereof) creates A LOT of string noise. My other bass is a Fender Precision and it's not active, so I don't have much trouble with string noise and accidental slapping noises.
My question is this: I still have the stock strings. What can I replace them with to minimize the noise I'm creating? I'd like a lighter gauge - that may help too?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[easelkillya]

Try using flatwounds. That will take out quite a bit of noise.

 

[Psychicpet]

Where are your EQ settings at on the bass? I normally run it flat but if you're boosting the treble at all that could also be adding unwanted clank.

 

[markster]

EQ settings...

I tried the EQ flat, but then found that if I cut the treble, a lot of the unwanted noise was reduced. I also cut the treble and pregain on my amp and that helped.
I know that a lot of this is just technique, but I've been pretty carefree with my Precision and now it's come home to roost. I think it came with roundwounds? I don't want to go with flatwounds because I've heard that they are a little too subdued - is this true? What about halfrounds?

 

[Psychicpet]

Half's could be good, I think Bovine swears by Thomastik Flats (?) and says they're great, the one thing to watch with flats is that there seems to be large tension variances from brand to brand.

good luck

 

[Basserama]

I had a very similar experience with a rosewood fretboarded SR5, about 2 years back. I liked the way it played, but it seemed to sound particulary unfocused tone wise had some unwanted string noise. (Almost as though the pickup was very microphonic and there were some string unwanted high frequencies in the sound.)

The shop gave me some useless advice about using heavier gauge string and higher action, but it didnt fix the problem ad cost me a fortune in replacement sets. (Also flats are more of a niche thing)

In the end, I spent a lot of time trying other SR5s in the store and noticing there was a real difference in tone. I exchanged the original bass, for a better sounding SR5 and the original problem was gone.

The problem is something you notice the more you play it, but is not that evident on first listen. My advice is, try a few before you buy.