Weird arco experience with Silver Slap G string

[franzbassist]

Hello all

I know that Silver Slaps aren't the best for arco, but they do a job on the very rare occasion that I need to bow my BSX Allegro EUB. Only thing is, the G string sounds really weak compared to the other strings when bowing, almost silent, yet it's just fine when played pizz.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Gareth

[FLoydElgar]

Bowing Technique. big sound require relaxed arm and correct posture. = ) practice open strings one string at a time at various tempos
getting an even bow disputation - F

[thisnameistaken]

When I had silver slaps on my bass the G sounded terrible when bowed. Especially up in higher positions it sounded like some roadkill mammal slowly giving up the ghost. I don't think they're really intended for arco playing.

[daflewis]

What pickup are you using? Sorry if its stating the obvious, but is it a magnetic? Or a built in bridge one like the Ns designs?

Edited December 4, 2012 by daflewis

[franzbassist]

[quote name='daflewis' timestamp='1354628261' post='1888319']
What pickup are you using? Sorry if its stating the obvious, but is it a magnetic? Or a built in bridge one like the Ns designs?
[/quote]

It's a "multi sensor piezo system" built into the bridge.

[daflewis]

I think it may be to do with the direction of the vibration of the string - my old Ns designs had a control to alter the the pickup to suit pizz or arco because the string vibrates in a different plane with bowed and i noticed that the outer strings were a lot quieter with arco if this wasn't set correctly - try bowing perpendicular to the bass body to see if it is louder (without bashing the bass if you can! )

[Mr Bassman]

I agree with Daf, could be the pick-up

how does it sound unplugged?

[franzbassist]

Thanks for the comments guys. I shall whip it out tonight and have a play unplugged!

[daflewis]

[quote name='Mr Bassman' timestamp='1354637641' post='1888507']
how does it sound unplugged?
[/quote]

Doh! Why didn't I think of that?

[franzbassist]

The g string sounds just fine under the bow (for a Silver Slap) playedd unplugged - plenty of depth and volume. In fact, of all the strings it's probably the best sounding acoustically!

Edited December 5, 2012 by walbassist