It can be quite a challenge to get the bass tone in your projects right. Sometimes the sound is just too loud or thin. In some of your projects, it may fall right into place while on others to go off. Albeit the judgment of bass being subjective, what sounds awesome to one person may be just noise to another. Unless you're trying to add some distortion to your low end, bass needs to sound clean and clear. The following are tips to attain absolute clarity in your bass:  

1. Eliminate Unwanted Fret Buzz

This is the sound caused when the string of the guitar rattles against a fret wire as it is being played. The rattling is what is called a buzz and is a common enemy of a clear bass tone. Some players believe that this sound is bad and uncoordinated. However, a fret buzz could be a good thing. Take an example of the Motorhead’s Ace of Spades. The ridiculous amount of fret buzz in the song sounds amazing. Fret buzz only ruins the sound if it is unwanted. This is what you need to eliminate. If you as a player think the buzz sounds off, then eliminate it. However, if the buzz contributes to the song, then keep it.  

2. Eliminate Unintentional Muted Notes

These notes result from the plucking hand as opposed to the fret hand. Muffled noises are as a result of placing the palm of the plucking hand too much on the strings resulting in a muted note. To eliminate the chances of these happening, the following are plausible steps to take; • Make a habit of resting your thumb instead of letting it constantly float. You can either rest it on the neck of the guitar or even put in place a thumb rest of your own. You could also try different types of bass like jazz that give you different places to rest the thumb. • You should also use your thumb to pluck notes instead of your other fingers. This is to make sure you lift your palm ensuring the tone resonates well. • You could also try a different shape of the instrument. In the end, you will be surprised the difference this could make.  

3. Eliminate Open String Ring

This is the opposite of muted notes. It happens when the note resonates too much and the note is hardly muted. There are two main ways to combat this issue: • You can re-adapt your style of playing so that you can mute the open strings that you do not need to hear. • You could manually mute the open strings simply by adding foam or fabric. The most recommended way to mute the strings is the former as it makes you adaptive. However, if your attempts at this are futile you can resort to the latter. The fabric that is preferable to use in this technique is a scrunchie or a wrist band. Tie it either before the nut or after it in accordance with your playing style. With foam, there is no preset correct way to use it. Most players add it near the bridge to quiet down those notes. The other options are the Fump, which should be used as a last resort.  

Final Thoughts ...

All players agree that although what constitutes a good bass sound is largely subjective, it must at least be clear. When working on that song or that project that requires you to put in a base note, follow the tips above to get the absolute clarity out of your electric base.    

Your Turn to Sound Off!

What settings do you use for a clear bass tone?

Let us know in the comment section below!

   

Other Stories You Might Like ...

[caption id="attachment_7797" align="alignleft" width="150"]active and passive guitar and bass pickups explained Active And Passive Guitar And Bass Pickups Explained[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7533" align="alignleft" width="150"]ba-112 ampeg amp bass Ampeg BA-112 Combo Bass Amp Review[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7108" align="alignleft" width="150"]Genzler Bass Amps Brand Spotlight Brand Spotlight: Genzler Bass Amps[/caption]