I can pop the strings alright, but for some reason the stuff behind thumb slapping eludes me. I can get it to come through on the 2 lower strings, but the two higher strings aren't doing it. I'm fairly sure I shouldn't be slapping the G string anyway...
Is it because I have shit strings / low quality bass? I just can't seem to get that metallic popping sound.
And what's the best tone? On my particular guitar, I've only got 3 knobs. Low end volume, high end volume, and what appears to be a blend knob.
[IMG]http://images.canadianlisted.com/nlarge/ibanez-sdgr-400-bass-and-yorkville-50watt-amp-plus-accessories_5057790.jpg[/IMG]
This picture is almost exactly like my particular bass ("SDGR by Ibanez",) excepting that I only have three knobs. As you can see, it's no T-40.
This, right here, is a picture of a model of my amp. A max 110. It's got knobs for gain, high, low, mid, and something called shift. Where is the ballpark for a good funky tone?
[IMG]http://www.peavey.com/news/includes/images/fullsize/420.jpg[/IMG]
Also, what's a good idea for some affordable strings that have the particular sound I'm looking for?
Hmmm, I wouldn't thumb slab the higher strings personally, maybe I'm doing it wrong! I think Generally you slap the low ones and pop the high ones.
Strings don't make much difference imo, same with guitar.
Compression! An amp with compression is pretty important for slap playing, or maybe get a pedal. I find that most amp demos on youtube tend to involve slap bass so you can get a pretty good idea of what the amps slap tone is. (I have a TC electronic).
Personally with any instrument I think it's mostly down to the playing itself, if you've got money to spend then something a bit more high quality will sound at bit nicer for sure :)
Some higher end stuff that I'd recommend looking at would be:
-nemesis/eden
-mark bass
-TC electronic
-phil jones bass
That kind of thing - best to go to shop and hear them though as I'm sure you know! I had a fender rumble 100 when I started out, it wasn't bad but the higher end amps are a different kettle of bass :)
change your strings if they are dull it will make a huge difference in slap tone
[QUOTE=Reflectent;39230936]change your strings if they are dull it will make a huge difference in slap tone[/QUOTE]
Do I have to, or can I just boil them?
Alright, so I've been messing around. I think I do need a compressor. I'm much too sharp and moving too much air on the bottom string, but the second string isn't loud enough. Thus I need to boost the gain and clamp it down, right?
A compressor pedal and a set of new roundwound strings should sort it out. If one string is louder than the others you might need to do some adjusting on the saddles. Hope this helps
You shouldn't have any issue getting a decent slap tone out of the gear you have there. I can get a decent tone out of a Tanglewood Rebel 4K into a Roland microcube. Sure it sounds NOTHING like my stingray and GK stack but it's still a perfectly acceptable tone.
A compressor pedal isn't a REQUIREMENT but it does help if you are playing live. If you are practicing at home it really makes no odds.
New strings help loads, dead strings make it difficult to get that "modern" slap tone (think, Flea.. Marcus Miller) but some like the dulled tone.
If you've never had your bass set up properly that can also be a factor, a lower action helps in getting that metallic overtone. Too high and it sounds VERY dull.
I'm going to say it's either old strings, too high action or both.
It might have to do with your technique. How are you slapping it?
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