Rockabilly Slap Bass

Get the Best Sound

 

Rockabilly slap bass is a style of playing an upright bass that is common in rockabilly music.  This style is preferred to an electric bass because it provides a more elemental beat for the music it supports.  Much like bluegrass, the rockabilly slap bass has a “plunking” sound.  There are several web pages dedicated to rockabilly slap bass, offering tips and tricks to playing, as well as offering interviews with players and other great information.  This article barely begins to touch on the many ways to get the best sound from your rockabilly slap bass playing.

Why rockabilly slap bass is fun

The style of rockabilly slap bass

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An upright bass can be very difficult to play, and through set-up, you can get the best tone and response, adding a bit of forgiveness to your sound.  Have the bass set up by a luthier.  Make sure the fingerboard is planed correctly, and there should be no string buzz.  The bridge of the rockabilly slap bass should sit gap-free on the belly.  Make sure to keep the sound post snug, but don’t tighten it too much.

There are several ways to reduce feedback from a rockabilly slap bass.  Put a sound post under both sides of the bridge, or wedge something between the tailpiece and belly.  You may try to put tape over the f holes, or maybe foam inside them.  Lower the stage volume of the rockabilly slap bass and try putting a microphone on the amp. Stand farther away from the speaker, and try squeezing the bass between your knees.  All of this should help reduce your feedback.

Rockabilly slap bass players typically choose to use gut strings.  If you prefer steel strings, use an Orchestral set; they tend to be looser tuned to E, and you are likely to save your fingers a little pain and grief.  Keep the action low, but high enough to allow for string vibration.

Plenty of other hints and tricks can be found in forums set up exclusively for playing rockabilly slap bass on the internet with a few simple strokes of the keyboard, if you want more detailed information

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