Burning Bridges

[Bass Freak]

I have a P-Bass, it has the stock bridge on it, and i was wondering if there are any better ones that are cheaper out there. mine doesnt like to slap, or if it does, i dont know the spot to hit it, so any sugestions on that would help. i slap really close to the bridge, thats the only place that i can find that it sounds good. but back to my question, are there any better bridges out there that would allow for a more happier slap but still retain the ablity to be plucked, picked, fingerd and all that other good stuff?

I cut my thumb on my bridge slapping, thats why im posting this, im mad at it and it must be replaced.

freak

 

[clifchamb]

I have a P-Bass, it has the stock bridge on it, and i was wondering if there are any better ones that are cheaper out there. mine doesnt like to slap, or if it does, i dont know the spot to hit it, so any sugestions on that would help. i slap really close to the bridge, thats the only place that i can find that it sounds good. but back to my question, are there any better bridges out there that would allow for a more happier slap but still retain the ablity to be plucked, picked, fingerd and all that other good stuff?

I cut my thumb on my bridge slapping, thats why im posting this, im mad at it and it must be replaced.

freak

Bass,

Unfortunately the P Bass can be a great sounding bass with the right attack amp etc however IMHO I feel that slap style on a P bass Just Doesnt cut it (mostly due to the passive pickup cannot handle the attack and limited tone variations with it).

What you can do that will help for now is to:

STOP SLAPPING NEAR THE BRIDGE!

There is too much tension there and you will just keep injuring yourself. The key is to slap near the neck (with your thumb actually thumping the string(s) right above the last fret. Also use an Allan wrench (sp?) to lower the action on the bridge. This will bring the strings a little lower and closer to the fret board making it easier to slap and pop strings. Just don't lower them to the point that they buzz whenever you play a note. Also look at you neck (put your eye next to the pickup and look down the whole neck, does the neck bow in an arc? If so you need to adjust the truss rod (to straighten it out) A different size Allan wrenck should fit in the truss rod opening either that or a philips head screw driver. There is nothing I hate worse than trying to play Slap on a bass that is not set up properly.


I can tell by some of your posts that you are very loyal to you P-bass but i can also tell that you are looking for other bassess and that you are starting to learn baout the strengths and limitations of your bass. That's OK, go out and try other models and makes to learn what you like about them as well as how well they are suited for your playing style. That is why i have 4 basses now and will continue to aquire more as I go along. My point is to not worry about replacing the pick up or BRIDGE of your P-bass. Save the money for a new bass. These adjustments to your string elevation as well as you slapping position should help a great deal!

Let me know if this helps. And also join bassistsunited@yahoogroups.com it is a small yet growing discussion group for bassists.

clif