put on new strings but...

[Michiellll]

I put on new strings but now the E string has this metally distorted sound. (when you hit it open its the worst)

I'm thinking I might have cut the E string too short and its not wounded enough times.

So before I go spend another 60euro on strings I wanted to check.

Here are some pictures: (I made them with my phone so they aren't good, but I think you can tell)



imgur: the simple image sharer


anyone wanna help out?
(btw they're Elixir 14077 .45 - .105)

[Michiellll]

so nobody knows or nobody is telling?

[JtheJazzMan]

The windings on the tuner are fine. Is the string diameter smaller than before, and so the string is rattling at the nut etc?

[hover]

While technically not too short since you created a full revolution around the post, I think you are having the problem of not having enough windings, and as a result, the break angle of the string, over and past the nut, is not great enough to bear down and creat sufficient tension to keep the string taut. I prefer to have at least 2, if not 3 windings around the post. Is it holding tune? Are you tuning to standard pitch? How is the relief in the neck? Saddle height?

Also, did you switch string gague? If you put a smaller diamter string in that nut slot, it could bottom and fret buzz like you are describing.

[Michiellll]

I bought .45 - .105 just like last time

I dont see it rattling. It does feel rather loose.

That is why im thinking it doesnt have enough windings. So I'll have to buy new strings, again.

I do feel like getting thicker strings, but I never tried that so I dont know what will change.

there goes another 50euros

[Bob C]

I can't see anything wrong in the photos. I do more windings on my strings, but yours are okay. If you had the same gauge strings before, I don't think changing to heavier ones is the answer.

Before you buy new strings, keep looking for rattles. Are there loose screws, tuners, a worn nut? Check your action and relief. Theres' a good chance the problem is in the bass's setup, and not the string.

[hover]

Exactly. There is nothing wrong with the strings as is (yet)...do a quick test: hold the string down just past the nut, and press it down towards the headstock face. While doing this, hit the string open. If it's no longer making that noise, you need more widings or more downward pressure on the nut...

If it IS still making that noise, it's most likely a setup issue. Climate / seasonal change can make the neck backbow or forward bow slightly and can cause changes in the relief that could result in the fret buzz you are describing. If you're not sure how to make adjustments on the trussrod in the neck and / or changes in bridge saddle height and general setup, money would be well spent having a technician do a quick setup. You might be able to get it done quickly and reasonably at the place of purchase (assuming it was a store and not online)

Good luck man, nice bass. Squier certainly has come a long way.

[fenderhutz]

Loosen up the string and push down on the string while increasing the tension so it winds up lower on the post. You should be fine.

[dwm74]

Had a similar problem with my P before. Couldn't figure out where that buzzing was coming from until I made sure the bridge barrels were tight up against each other. When changing strings they moved apart just enough to create an unwanted vibration.

[Michiellll]

I already tried pressing it down while winding several times before posting this. It's not enough.
It does seem it just needs more downwards pressure above the nut and nothing seems to be loose.


I have another set of strings now which I can try and I might still be able to use these on another bass I have here. At least I hope so.


It sounds loudest at the bottom , from the bridge, but isn't that because those frequencies resonate most there?
Any other comments before I try new strings?

[tdub0199]

Originally Posted by hover

While technically not too short since you created a full revolution around the post, I think you are having the problem of not having enough windings, and as a result, the break angle of the string, over and past the nut, is not great enough to bear down and creat sufficient tension to keep the string taut. I prefer to have at least 2, if not 3 windings around the post. Is it holding tune? Are you tuning to standard pitch? How is the relief in the neck? Saddle height?

Also, did you switch string gague? If you put a smaller diamter string in that nut slot, it could bottom and fret buzz like you are describing.

^ I think this may be your problem...

[Michiellll]

So do I

Guess I just wasted 50euro unless they fit the other bass with this length.

btw Hover;

Good luck man, nice bass. Squier certainly has come a long way.

My dad bought it like 30years ago if not more, it still says 'by fender' real small under Precision Bass.

[k31bassman]

Originally Posted by Michiellll

So do I

Guess I just wasted 50euro unless they fit the other bass with this length.

Maybe not. I have had this situation when I switched one set of strings to a different bass that had different distances between the nut and tuners than for what I had originally cut the strings. I took a "zip tie" and wrapped it around the tuner's peg and pulled it as tight as possible. This held the string in a lower position relative to the nut. It wasn't really noticed by anyone but me and it let me use the strings without any more annoying rattles!

That might save you the 50 euros!

[CapnSev]

Maybe the string itself got twisted when you installed it?

[Michiellll]

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Maybe the string itself got twisted when you installed it?

Not that I can see, how could I check?

[hover]

you'd have to be plenty strong to twist a string comprised of core wire, and 2-3 overwraps of winding to any appreciable effect.

[Michiellll]

I havent tried the new strings yet. I tried k31bassman's idea.
It pulled it down plenty but that didnt solve the problem.

I'm starting to think maybe I wrecked something cleaning it.


A few days ago I took off the strings (old ones). Cleaned it with some cloth and water then wiped it dry.
Took of the volume and tone knob, the elements and wiped a swiffer-like cloth past everything to get out the dust. Then put it back together.

Then when I wanted to put the strings back on (still the old ones) the E string snapped by the tuner.



could something have gone wrong here? (I kind of doubt its the pickups tho, it sounds distorted without amping it too)

[Michiellll]

sooo nothing?

[Michiellll]

[FunkMetalBass]

So did the sound go away when you pressed down behind the nut and played?

EDIT: Nevermind. I see you answered that. Does it sound the same (or very similar) when you play different frets?