Author Topic: Slap bass (Read 373 times)

applejuice · « **on:** July 27, 2006, 08:40:45 PM »

What is the best style bass for playing slap? What type of neck construction and pickups should I look for? I currently have a precision bass that just isn't gonna work for it.

hb3 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 27, 2006, 10:47:27 PM »

what's wrong w/ the p bass?

88persuader · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2006, 01:32:20 AM »

I think the secret is to have your strings LOW close to the neck and slap on the bottom of the neck on a fret. And you should have the highs jacked up a bit on your EQ too. I don't think the TYPE of bass is that important. Of course being an Alembic site I'd say buy a new Series 2! ;-)

alemberic · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2006, 02:10:51 AM »

There are so many basses available these days suitable for slapping that it really boils down to personal taste and comfort [wide neck, narrow neck, 4 string, 5 string, etc.]. Two of the more classic, traditional funk/slap basses are the Fender Jazz and the Musicman Stingray. You may recall that not too long ago, there was even a thread here in the club about slapping Alembics. I think the overall consensus was that they worked pretty darn well. I will say that for this type of playing, bolt-on and/or set necks often give a better slap sound. These necks tend to provide a punchier tone--especially in the mid and treble ranges--than neck-through instruments.

I may be wrong, but I don't know as how I'd get overly concerned with one type of pickup over another--tone can be set and adjusted pretty easily through the instrument's electronics and/or the amp.

I would also check out websites/videos for guys like Larry Graham, who kind of introduced slap to the electric bass back in the late 60's, Louis Johnson, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, Mark King, and Flea to see what they use. I'm sure other club members can name a lot more bassists/basses you might want to consider as well.

Good luck!

Eric

(Message edited by alemberic on July 28, 2006)

FC Bass · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2006, 02:37:05 AM »

I slapped on Alembics (Spoilers, neck through) Gibson (Ripper fretless, Set neck) and Fender (Jazz Bass 5 string, bolt on)
I've had the best result with the Alembics and the Gibson. The Gibson gives that 'middy' 70's funk sound while the Alembics are much brighter. The Fender was also nice but I have less experience with it due to the fact that it's a five string which I couldn't get used to. The sound was somewhere between the Gibson and the Alembics (closer to the bright Alembic tone)
With my '83 Spoiler it's almost impossible to get your 'pop' finger between the neck pick up and the fretboard, I pop the strings between the pick ups. This method is hard on the fingers since you have to pull harder, sound is OK.
Conclusion: I'd go for the Alembics! Someone else might go for the Gibson or Fender.... Look for the bass that's best for you.
To go to the thread mentioned above click here

Cheers!
F.C.

(Message edited by fc_spoiler on July 28, 2006)

hankster · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2006, 04:58:13 AM »

I have used a number of different basses and slapped on all of them with good results (except the Hofner 500/7 semiacoustic). I was very happy with the Music Man stingray - lots of room - but like the sound and feel of the Alembic Stanley Clarke signature more. Rolling out the mids - the so-called scoop eq - is important for the sound, as is muting to dampen the sustain and accent the attack. I think. You really should be able to get a monster sound from the P-bass - you don't need to look beyond that, in my view.

Rick

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2006, 05:43:26 AM »

The P-bass should be fine. In addition to the things already mentioned strings can have a big effect on the sound. Round wounds provide the most percussive attack and probably the best to use. I have had good results with half rounds but they are more muted that rounds.

Keith

applejuice · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2006, 06:41:06 AM »

You are right, the P-bass gets a monster tone, but it has only one good tone, that is pretty much the only thing I don't like about it. I want something with more tone possibilities. After playing just this bass for 4 years I would like to get another.

FC Bass · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2006, 06:52:58 AM »

If you want something with more tone possibilities, you're at the right place here!
Try to find an affordable Alembic if your budget will allow it...
Cheers!
F.C.

57basstra · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2006, 07:27:20 AM »

I played a used Cort Curbow with a slap switch and the thing sounded great and almost slapped itself. I don't know why I didn't buy it (the price was very reasonable).

georgie_boy · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2006, 07:34:22 AM »

Hey David!
My 2nd bass that I use when I keep the Series 1 at home is a Cort Curbow
It sounds great live, but not as good as the Series 1----obviously
Glad to see that someone else appreciates these underrated instruments

George

bigredbass · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:27:42 AM »

Hank . . . . slapping a Hofner?!?!?

J o e y

jazzyvee · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:46:39 AM »

I have to agree with the commets here, most basses can be slapped on. How easy it is just depends on the bass itself and its setup and design.

Personally I tend not to slap over the end of the neck rather in the space between the end of the neck and the neck pickup. I feel i get a more meaty sound and less of a percussive click to the thumbing.

Also rather than slap so that the string whacks on the neck. I prefer to slap down on the string from above so that my thumb ends up on the string below the one I hit. ( if that makes sense) again i find it gives a meatier sound that i prefer.

When I first started to have a go at slapping I watched my old Clarke Duke project video's and saw how Stanley did it. It looked like he was slapping down on the top of the string so thats what made me think that was the right way. However its not that easy if the strings are close together.

Jazzyvee

applejuice · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2006, 11:23:58 AM »

Problem solved, I went to Washington Music Center to check out new basses. I bought an Orion 4 with the most beautiful walnut top. I am in love with it.

lowlife · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2006, 11:40:30 AM »

Congrats!! Now you can slap till you drop. Where are the pictures??? When will you be getting that new rig so you can feel the earth move when you slap?

Ellery (Lowlife)