[quote="FrankM"]I'll go w/ lousey right hand technique. : ^) If you ensure that your fingers are comming from underneath the strings, instead of down onto of the strings when you play, it will clean up your sound. I know this is an older post but... I've read (in Bass Playing for Dummies and others) and seen that many pros believe that the ONLY proper way to finger pick a bass string is to attack with the finger nearly parallel to the bass body, pushing the string in toward the pickups. Opposite of what FrankM is saying to do. Personally, I agree with FrankM and play like Billy Sheehan does, with a more vertical (floor to ceiling) attack. It definitely allows for closer action. Dummies goes so far as to demonstrate, on the cd, the SUPPOSED inferior tone from picking vertically. I have been playing this way since day one, nearly 20 years ago, and I've never been turned away from a band or music project. So, I guess my tones good . BTW, playing near the bridge WILL help. But, you may have issues with the G string. I occasionally strike it TOO close to the bridge, since the bridge is tilted to accomodate the fanned scale. I'm a Dingwall newbie and I'm still adjusting.

Thanks all, this has been very helpful.

I just try to use a very light attack. It cuts noise and enhances speed/control for me. I also usually prefer the sound of plucking at the neck pup, and with a lighter attack you can choose where to pluck and vary the tone that way. Whatever works for you.

Hah!! Will do! [quote="guitarded":3nqx2dtq][quote="Erwin":3nqx2dtq]Play near the brigde, with your thumb resting on the bridge pickup[/quote:3nqx2dtq] Now, why didn't I think of that? Good point, Erwin. That's exactly how I play, back by the bridge. Maybe Jim should try that as well. Could be the action doesn't need adjusting. Mark[/quote:3nqx2dtq]

[quote="Erwin":1zqgy95u]Play near the brigde, with your thumb resting on the bridge pickup[/quote:1zqgy95u] Now, why didn't I think of that? Good point, Erwin. That's exactly how I play, back by the bridge. Maybe Jim should try that as well. Could be the action doesn't need adjusting. Mark

Play near the brigde, with your thumb resting on the bridge pickup

Thank you both for your responses. I suspect my technique is most if not all of the problem. It is good however to have the link about all the adjustments/suggestions. I've attached a picture, fortunately I can modestly say my playing is better than my photography, but you'll get the idea. Bubinga top and neck, walnut body, 7lbs 9 oz., the bass is absolutely killer in playability, sounds and looks.

[quote="jivler":32sgu63i]Hi Sheldon, i'm a happy new Afterburner II owner with a question. I am hearing a lot of "popping" from my right hand attack, i think it is from strings slapping against the frets as i pluck. Is this perhaps related to neck relief which the Bass & Beyond guys could adjust for me, or more my lousy right hand technique? thanks Jim[/quote:32sgu63i] Congrats on the new Dingwall, Jim. We would love to see a pic of it. Dingwalls are typically set up with very low action. Too much attack with the right hand will cause the popping noise you hear. Raising the action at the bridge will help. I doubt the trussrod would need much tweaking on a brand new bass. If I were you, I would learn to adjust the neck yourself. There is a set-up thread on the forum that will answer a lot of questions. http://www.dingwallguitars.com/forum/vi ... .php?t=530 Mark

I'll go w/ lousey right hand technique. : ^) If you ensure that your fingers are comming from underneath the strings, instead of down onto of the strings when you play, it will clean up your sound. Of course, it certainly can be your action is too low. But try an analysze your technique first