Strings slapping against the fingerboard...

wdinc01 · #1 07-23-2006, 05:26 PM

So yesterday I was at band practice (we were actually auditioning a drummer), and something odd happened. It seemed evertime I played the E-string on my bass (an '05 Spector Legend 4), it slapped against the fingerboard. Really badly. It might have been me playing harder (I don't think I was). Everytime I play it at home, I don't have the problem though. Would this be a sign that I should get a new set of strings?

And on the topic of strings, could I up the gauge of my strings one size without having to do any modifications?

Thanks for any help.

vyse933 · #2 07-23-2006, 05:47 PM

your action could be very low for the E string. so you might need to do a set up..or have it done professionaly. you also could have a high fret. i can't think of a reason why it would only happen at practice though.

also, with a higher gauge of strings you would also need to do a set up..probebly...it might just happen to be perfect for the new gauge but probebly not. with a higher gauge you might need to file down the nut, adjust the truss rod, raise or lower the action, and possibly even end up having to raise or lower the pick ups

wdinc01 · #3 07-23-2006, 06:38 PM

I think the action IS too low. I'll have to call up Guitar Center and see if I can't get it set up, because I don't trust myself enough to do it.

AlembicBob · #4 07-23-2006, 07:19 PM

The action will change with humidity. Going between home and the practice space or changes in weather can make it move. You may either need a heavier string for a little more tension or higher action.

Figjam · #5 07-23-2006, 07:21 PM

I tihnk you may need a bit more relief.

wdinc01 · #6 07-23-2006, 07:36 PM

I don't think it's too much to do with humidity. Florida's pretty humid everywhere. Granted, it's hotter in the practice room than in my house, but I don't think it's a huge difference.

I'll try to get my bass set up sometime soon. I might put in heavier strings, I don't really know yet. I doesn't seem to me like it's nessicarey.

But speaking of strings, are there any strings that someone can name off that'll give my bass a little bit of a fatter sound? I mean, I like the way it sounds now, but whenever I put it on the P pick ups, it's not as 'thumpy' as I'd like. I'm think I should probably get some DR's, because I hear their a really good brand, so a model of those or whatever.