"Hot" spots on the fretboard

[toneseeker74]

On a great number of basses I have played, mostly P's and J's, I notice what a call hot spots on the fretboard. These are usually in the range of the 7th to 10th frets, for one or several of the strings, where notes ring out much louder than any other place on the fretboard. Is this common to lots of basses, or do I have a problem with my technique? I find this problem on Precisions more than other models. I really like the sound of a good P-bass, but I'm having a hard time finding one that plays evenly all over the fretboard. Any suggestions or critiques?

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

Have you tried many neck-through basses? They seem more consistent to me than bolt-ons, at the lower price points. Get a really good bolt-on, though, and that can also solve the problem.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

Which exact model of Precision Bass? American, Mexican, Japanese, elsewhere?

The frequency response of the split coils Precision Bass pickup is less than flat across the spectrum. Its position along the length of the string is a compromise.

It is possible that the problem is entirely due to the set-up.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

Have you tried many neck-through basses? They seem more consistent to me than bolt-ons, at the lower price points. Get a really good bolt-on, though, and that can also solve the problem.

I haven't tried any neck-throughs.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

Which exact model of Precision Bass? American, Mexican, Japanese, elsewhere?

The frequency response of the split coils Precision Bass pickup is less than flat across the spectrum. Its position along the length of the string is a compromise.

It is possible that the problem is entirely due to the set-up.

Worst offenders were my Peavey Fury (a P-bass clone) and a MIM Fender P-bass. Both had moderate to moderately low action. Recently played another MIM and an older US made P-bass, both with high action, and I didn't notice the same problem. Hot spots noted on a couple MIM Jazz basses, again moderate to moderately low action, but the volume jump/boost was not quite as hot as on the Precisions.

 

[Adieu]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

Weird harmonics?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: "Hot" spots on the fretboard

usually in the range of the 7th to 10th frets, for one or several of the strings ... Is this common to lots of basses?

The majority of stringed instrument necks are not as truly straight as we are led to believe. Under tension, many have a very slight S curve The zone between the 7th and 10th frets is roughly where the S curve crosses the imaginary straight line that the neck supposedly holds. If the S curve is bad, you will experience fret buzz only on the first five or six fret positions.

Solutions include having the frets levelled whilst the neck is under normal string tension or slackening the truss rod slightly to allow for string excursion in all positions.

On a cruder level, use a compressor effect device and beat the living bejesus out of the strings.