#1
|
|||
|
|||
5 and 6 string Action
What is the lowest action you guys with KS 5 and 6 string basses (and KS strings) have been able to achieve without fret noise? I think 3/32 would be a good height for the low B or can KS get lower without noise?
Just looking for comparison. Thanks |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Lowest action?
Quote:
The following are my measurements for string clearance across the fretboard at the 12th and 24th frets (measured from top of fret to bottom of string): String clearance across fretboard at 12th. Fret (strings not fretted): B - 4/64 E - 3/64 A - 3/64 D - 3/64 G - 3/64 String clearance across fretboard at 24th. Fret (strings not fretted): B - 4/64 E - 3/64 A - 3/64 D - 3/64 G - 3/64 NOTE: Notice the consistency of the above two measurements at both 12th and 24th frets. This is what happens with a perfect neck, fret, and fretboard work. The following are measurements at the leading edge and top of the neck and bridge P/U's when strings are fretted at the 24th fret: String clearance (with strings fretted at 24th fret) across fretboard at leading edge and top of Neck P/U: B - 5/64 E - 7/64 A - 7/64 D - 7/64 G - 5/64 String clearance (with strings fretted at 24th fret) across fretboard at leading edge and top of Bridge P/U: B - 6/64 E - 8/64 A - 8/64 D - 8/64 G - 6/64 Important: If your P/U's utilize the Poll Pieces and you make adjustments to them (i.e. raising them), measurements should be made from the top of the poll pieces to bottom of strings. Additionally, all things being equal, I would use this similar set-up for a 4 or 6 string bass. Again, these are my settings for my Smith basses (+/- 1/64th.). I'm not suggesting you set-up your bass as I have, however, you may want to give it a try and determine if it works for you.
__________________
Tim Bishop |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
Fret noise?
Quote:
Personally, I like the edge frets can provide, but that doesn't mean (using the set-up I use) that I have to contend with "fret noise" when I don't want it.
__________________
Tim Bishop |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
lowest?
Quote:
I made my living playing bass for 20 years. Playing tricks or extra notes does not sit well with other musicians. They just want the bass part from a bass player. Playing for fun and playing for a living is often two different types of playing! |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Tim, the same measurements at the 12 and 24th fret? That is awesome! Very nice indeed. Are the KS medium taper cores you use Nickel? That helps with fret noise. As for frets adding edge, I guess that depends on the bass. Most basses it just sounds bad, but I can see how on a KS is could actually give it a fretless growl. Is that what you are referring to? |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Also, the instrument, thanks to early pioneers, has been pushed way beyond basic simple grooves in a lot of venues. While playing more notes in the past may have been new and threatening to other musicians, today it is often expected. In fact, I have been asked more than once to do fast guitar-like runs (sometimes as a unison line with the lead guitar). So I would have to say that overall, depending on the style you play, lower action will help most of the time for most players in most venues. |
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Nickels...No.
No, not nickel. Again, "fret noise" can occur with a bad set-up or in the hands of a player with bad technique/control.
__________________
Tim Bishop |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
True, but you mentioned that you liked fret noise, so I was inquiring as to what you meant by that? |
#9
|
||||
|
||||
Not exactly.
Quote:
"I like the edge frets can provide, but that doesn't mean (using the set-up I use) that I have to contend with "fret noise" when I don't want it". There is a difference. Make sense? "Growl" can mean different things to different players. The "edge" description I'm using is more of a biting-metallic-bright sound ("edge") that frets can produce when played for that purpose. I can't think of a better way to clarify this at the moment. BUT, if that makes sense to you and you call that "growl", then "growl" it is.
__________________
Tim Bishop |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Ok, that makes sense. I have never played a KS bass, but have heard a few and they all seem to have growl to them and I wasn’t sure if some of that was from fret rattle as well as the wood and just the general timbre of the instrument. |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
|
|