DTB Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 I’ve just got my first multiscale bass. I’m finding i am constantly having to move my plucking hand up and down along the strings between neck and bridge to stay in the sweet spot for the tone I want, from string to string, particularly on the g and c. Obviously this isn’t necessary on a non multi scale instrument. It isn’t something I considered before purchasing it. is this normal or am I doing something wrong?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 I have to do this on my Precisions, the D & G being noticeably twangier due to both thinness of string and pickup placement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelDean Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 I found it's something you just get used to as you get to know the instrument. I've had my Dingwall for nearly 4 years now - I don't even need to think about it anymore and it didn't take that whole time to get used to it. My fingers/plectrum just know where to go now. I'm also with Lozz on this. I've experienced it some standard scale basses too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted January 10, 2023 Share Posted January 10, 2023 Normal on a fan fret if you want to play at a particular point on the string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTB Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 Okay, thank you all. I will carry on then in the knowledge I’m doing it right. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTB Posted January 11, 2023 Author Share Posted January 11, 2023 I’m beginning to think maybe I should have gone 5 string e a d g c rather than six. I do absolutely love the sixers I bought recently but I don’t go much below D on 6th string and could even put a five in drop d for that? Also think should have gone fretless. I always do this when buying something. Doesn’t matter what it is. I whittle the list down to a couple and then buy the wrong one lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nilorius Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 (edited) There are quite a lot of techniques around there. Try them all and choose witch is best for You. And no one is wrong, it just differs. Even if You invest something extremly new for Yourself. Edited January 11, 2023 by nilorius Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 A lot of people just anchor their thumb and stretch. That's not ideal. No matter what bass you play your fretting hand should be constantly moving in order to keep your fingers over the notes without stretching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg Edwards69 Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 17 hours ago, Lozz196 said: I have to do this on my Precisions, the D & G being noticeably twangier due to both thinness of string and pickup placement. I wonder if a reverse P pickup layout would work better in this instance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 I`d love a reverse P Precision, in the past I`ve used 50-105 strings but Elixir have stopped making them now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ralf1e Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 23 hours ago, DTB said: I’ve just got my first multiscale bass. I’m finding i am constantly having to move my plucking hand up and down along the strings between neck and bridge to stay in the sweet spot for the tone I want, from string to string, particularly on the g and c. Obviously this isn’t necessary on a non multi scale instrument. It isn’t something I considered before purchasing it. is this normal or am I doing something wrong?? I love mutiscale basses but I don't plan a different approach to playing them. I just play them. Maybe you are overthinking it. I only move my plucking hand back and forth if I want a harder sound or softer bridge or even fretboard sound but I don't plan it or think about it. I just let my ears judge and let it happen. By the time I would have thought about it the momment is gone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelDean Posted January 11, 2023 Share Posted January 11, 2023 8 hours ago, DTB said: I’m beginning to think maybe I should have gone 5 string e a d g c rather than six. I do absolutely love the sixers I bought recently but I don’t go much below D on 6th string and could even put a five in drop d for that? Also think should have gone fretless. I always do this when buying something. Doesn’t matter what it is. I whittle the list down to a couple and then buy the wrong one lol. What did you get? (Pictures are always welcome!) Could you return it and opt for something else too? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DTB Posted January 16, 2023 Author Share Posted January 16, 2023 Ibanez 1506 workshop Yamaha TRB 1006J are the two I’ve bought in the last month. I’ve gone back to playing bass because I sit in a slightly different position than when I play guitar and I’m riddled with arthritis at 53 yo (I use a wheelchair if I have to walk outside the house) and it’s less painful to sit and play bass. sorry for the delay in reply. since I posted thread Ive pretty much got the floating thumb sorted for muting strings and on the multiscale the movement to stay in the sweet spot is happening on its own. Both of which weren’t necessary on my fourstring fretless. So I’m really enjoying playing again. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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