The 5 “secrets” to good bass tone clarity

Bass tone is very subjective, obviously. What sounds good to one player will sound awful to another. However, something that is generally agreed upon is that notes must sound clear…

…and what is clear?

These are, unofficially, the 5 “secrets” to good bass tone clarity:

1. No unwanted fret buzz
2. No unintentional muffled/muted notes
3. No open string ring (when playing other notes)
4. No unintentional harmonics
5. No unintentional noises made by the player

Let’s cover these more in detail.

Unwanted fret buzz

Some players believe that all fret buzz in any way is bad. Not true. Fret buzz can in fact sound good if used in a musical way. Example: Ace of Spades by Motörhead has a ridiculous amount of fret buzz in it, but it sounds great.

The keyword to pay attention to here is unwanted.

If there is buzz where you, the player, thinks it’s bad, then it’s bad. Otherwise, keep it there if you think it contributes something good to your overall sound.

Unintentional muffled/muted notes

Muffled/muted notes are mainly the result of issues with the plucking hand and not the fret hand. Specifically, it is usually the palm of the plucking hand resting on the strings too much that is the causing of the muffling to begin with, and if resting too much results in a muted note.

Some solutions that might work:

Learn to rest your thumb instead of having it “float”

You have options here. Rest your thumb on the pickup, the string above the note you’re playing, the bridge, the neck or maybe install a thumb rest of your own.

Alternatively, you may want to try basses with different pickup configurations for different places to rest your thumb. For example, many players prefer the Jazz Bass because the rear pickup makes for an excellent thumb rest.

Pluck notes with your thumb instead of the index or middle finger

When you pluck a note with your thumb, you’re forced to lift your palm so the note rings true and is heard.

Try a different bass body shape

Sometimes something as simple as a different bass body shape can make all the difference where your plucking hand is concerned. The next time you’re in a guitar store, specifically try a bass that has a shape different than what you play now and see how it suits you. Plug in and listen for muted/muffled notes. If you find less of those notes happen, consider a switch to that body style.

Open string ring

Unintentional muffled/muted notes is when you mute notes too much. Open string ring is when you mute notes too little.

There are basically two ways to cure the issue of open string ring.

Method 1: Adjust your playing technique to mute open strings when you don’t want to hear them.

Method 2: Mute the open strings through use of fabric and/or foam.

It is suggested that you at least try to minimize open string ring through playing technique first. But if you’ve tried that and nothing seems to work, fabric and foam can help.

Fabric

The old-school way is to use a woman’s “scrunchie” or a wrist band either before or after the nut, depending on player preference.

The modern (and arguably better) way is to use a fret wrap. Same idea, better product. We sell these.

Foam

This is used on the opposite end near the bridge. Many players have used many techniques with foam to quiet down the open strings. There is no one “right way” to do it.

However, there is an easy way, the Fump.

Technically, the Fump is not meant for quieting open string ring, but if you’ve tried everything else and want something bridge-side instead of neck-side to decrease the ring, this is an option.

Unintentional harmonics

Where unwanted harmonics are concerned, this can sometimes be cured with one very easy solution. Turn the tone knob down.

It is a very common thing that many bass players use their instruments with “everything on 10.” To those who do that, you probably are hearing unwanted harmonics, and furthermore are missing out on the great alternative sounds that you already have just with a turn of the tone knob.

If the tone knob doesn’t get rid of those unwanted harmonics and you’re certain your playing technique is correct, maybe it’s time for some better pickups. Something from Aguilar, maybe? Or if you have no idea what to pick, call us. We’ll help.

Unintentional noises by the player

This can manifest itself in any number of ways, but it’s mainly string drag and creaking noises.

Getting rid of string drag noises

Easy solution #1: Turn down the tone knob.

Easy solution #2: Switch from roundwound to flatwound strings.

Creaking noises

If your bass guitar creaks any time you move it, your guitar strap is probably crappy. Get a better one.

It could also be that your pickups are overly microphonic and may need replacing. We can help with that. Ask us.

In the end…

Getting clear notes from your bass isn’t exclusively about hardware, nor is it exclusively about playing technique, but rather a combination of both.

You’ll notice that getting clear notes is not a simple 1-2-3-4-5 process. You will have to experiment to find what works best for you. Your solution might be as simple as a turn of a tone knob, or maybe some new pickups are necessary, or maybe something else entirely.

Be willing to experiment, and you will find the way to those clear notes you’ve been looking for.