Awful noise when slapping the E string

[andres3195]

Hey everybody, I'm sorry if this post doesn't belong to this forum, just tell me and I'll re-post it where it may belong.
So, I started playing bass 7 years ago with an SX jazz bass, which I haven't used the last 3 or 4 years since I bought a 5 stringed SUB Ray. Last week I picked up this jazz bass and kind of remembered why I hated it when I started playing slap. It makes this horrible noise when the E string is slapped and never knew why. First thing I thought back in the day was the string was touching the pickups, because it's like a "plastic" punchy sound. But no, it's not even close to the pickups. I'd like to fix this and make it useful. Below I share some little nonsense I recorded to show how both my basses sound when slapping them, so that you see the difference...
I want to make clear that I do not slap the strings too hard, so that's not a possibility, I have a "normal" approach to the strings when slapping.

 

[EricssonB]

Your string is touching the pickup poles.

Validate this idea by pressing the string onto the pickup -- will probably sound the same.

Remedy this problem by not slapping. Ever. On any bass. Ever.

Edit: OMg guys I did address the question before calling out slap.

 

[Bassbeater]

You're not slapping too hard, but the pickups are choking out. You need to lower the pickups on the E string side.
Edit: BTW thanks for posting audio instead of describing it in painful abstract detail.

 

[andres3195]

You're not slapping too hard, but the pickups are choking out. You need to lower the pickups on the E string side.

I did that when it was still my only bass but that noise was still there. Anyway, I will try it again tonight, maybe I didn't lower them enought that time. I hope it works!

 

[MobileHolmes]

My suspicion is that you are whacking the string into the pole pieces on occasion. If that's the case, a little clear nail polish on them will clear it up until it chips off and you have to do it again

 

[two fingers]

Wow. That's a mystery for sure. That's a shame too, because although they sound different, both basses sound great notwithstanding that odd noise.

 

[Brookmichael]

Maybe thumb closer to the neck..?

 

[MD Stingray]

Where do you hit the string? At the neck or between neck and pick up?

 

[bholder]

I make a horrible sound any time I try to slap.

 

[Bassbeater]

My suspicion is that you are whacking the string into the pole pieces on occasion. If that's the case, a little clear nail polish on them will clear it up until it chips off and you have to do it again

I remember having a bass that did the same thing but it was too quiet when I lowered the PUPs. I did something similar to @MobileHolmes . I put heavy clear tape over the pickup tops. It worked, but left a disgusting residue I had to clean before selling. The advantage I found over nail polish is that when it wears through, which it will, you can put a new piece on and don't have to wait for it to dry.
You might also need to cut the PUP springs or bolts if they are maxed out but there is still room underneath. You could ask someone on the SX forum about that specific bass, you probably aren't the first person to encounter this.
Good luck.

 

[two fingers]

Everyone seems to think you're thwacking the pole piece. If you are pretty positive that you aren't try recording the same passage using only the bridge pickup and see what happens. Sure, it will sound thin. But at least we can put that theory to bed and move on to whatever is next on everyone's list.

 

[bass12]

Remedy this problem by not slapping. Ever. On any bass. Ever.

Wow - it didn't take long for the anti-slap police to arrive on the scene. Put it to rest, people - the routine is getting stale.

 

[bass40hz]

Stop slapping...unless you are Flea or in a 70s band...

 

[walkbassman45]

Slapping is so 70's. Stop, we are not in the 70's.

 

[Bassbeater]

Generally "slap-haters" are just people who get hated when they slap.
You can't fake the funk...
AND this thread is about a technical issue so put away the troll thumbs.

 

[andres3195]

To all of you who answered my question: thanks a lot. Tonight I'll be recording the same nonsense I recorded there but using only the bridge p'up as someone suggested.
About that nail polish thing... I never heard of someone doing that haha. I'll try it and update this post!

For those who suggest not to play slapping: that's what I like to do. I like playing slap and also chords on bass. Your opinion is a matter of personal taste and was not the point of the post.

 

[bass12]

For those who suggest not to play slapping: that's what I like to do. I like playing slap and also chords on bass. Your opinion is a matter of personal taste and was not the point of the post.

Unfortunately some people just can't help themselves. Keep playing what makes you happy and best of luck finding the answer to your question.

 

[Maxdusty]

Hey everybody, I'm sorry if this post doesn't belong to this forum, just tell me and I'll re-post it where it may belong.
So, I started playing bass 7 years ago with an SX jazz bass, which I haven't used the last 3 or 4 years since I bought a 5 stringed SUB Ray. Last week I picked up this jazz bass and kind of remembered why I hated it when I started playing slap. It makes this horrible noise when the E string is slapped and never knew why. First thing I thought back in the day was the string was touching the pickups, because it's like a "plastic" punchy sound. But no, it's not even close to the pickups. I'd like to fix this and make it useful. Below I share some little nonsense I recorded to show how both my basses sound when slapping them, so that you see the difference...
I want to make clear that I do not slap the strings too hard, so that's not a possibility, I have a "normal" approach to the strings when slapping.

First off, test the sound on each pickup individually and see which one it seems to originate from, then go from there. It could be the one of the pickups just isn't picking up the signal correctly at that pole.
Also, try slapping on all the strings (instead of slap/pop) to see if it's only on the E string. I'm guessing you'll hear it on all strings in which case it could be the whole pickup or pickups that may need replacing.

 

[Plucker Tom]

is the bass active?...Sounds like a preamp overload or something like that..( if that's possible)..? but then again it does sound like its hitting the pickup..

 

[Plucker Tom]

or a wiggly pickup...Is there any padding under the pickup..?