Setup of flats

[wyrmspawn]

Do you set the action, so you get string buzz when digging in hard, when using flats, or are you happy this type of strings usually delivers little to no buzz/clank?

 

[Nashrakh]

I find buzz to be more tolerable with flats, it doesn't sound like fake slap. So yes. But only when I really want that kind of sound.

 

[michael_t]

Buzz/clank? No thanks.

 

[Linnin]

Buzz/clank? No thanks.

+1 For me fret buzz or string noise of any kind is totally unacceptable. I set up for a completely clean action.

 

[darwin-bass]

On fretted I like it set so I get a bit of buzz only when I really, really dig in. Otherwise, no buzz.

 

[JimmyM]

I don't mind light buzzes. Can't really hear them with a band.

 

[BLDavis]

It depends on the song. Most stuff I try to play clean. But if I really dig in on a song I'll get some carrot-type fret noise. I have a fairly low action and some really sloppy right hand technique but it's mostly covered up by my stunning good looks and magnetic stage presence.
B.

 

[geesharp]

I hate fret noise and buzz. I set the action as low as possible that doesn't buzz on my Fender jazz bass with GHS Precision Flats and also on my P bass with roundwound.

 

[wraub]

It varies with the song, it's a tone/feeling thing to me.

Generally, I find a little (a little!) string noise can add a lot to an overall mix.

 

[nightchef]

I'm constantly trying to find the sweet spot where the strings are comfortably low but the tone is open and complex and gives me that "bloom" I crave. For me, even before they buzz audibly, when the strings get too low the tone starts to choke and flatten. Playing with an action that low is like driving with the emergency brake on. But on most basses a completely open sound means too high an action for comfort, so I compromise a little.