Will Elixir strings cause resonance problems?

Rafescow · #1 05-20-2010, 12:51 PM

Recently, I've bought my so-desired Ibanez SR535 bass. Plays extremely great imho. Though it has some resonance problems, like three dead-spots (whoa!) on the D string 7th, 8th and 9th frets and G's 2nd, 3rd and 4th frets (same notes, respectively!). Also, depending on the note I play with any string, my E or B string will vibrate, producing undesired noise. I've sent my bass to a luthier and got my strings and neck set perfectly.

Is this problem related to the Elixir strings that come in? As long as I know, Elixir strings are coated differently in order to provide longer string lifetime and preventing them to become dead due to sweat and stuff like that. Maybe this material screws everything?

I've seen some people saying that Elixir strings are trash, others saying they're decent... well, I'm not having a good perspective of them meanwhile, since it's the first time I ever play them in a bass of mine.

Any thoughts will be appreciated!

dmusic148 · #2 05-20-2010, 12:57 PM

Noticeable dead spots on the D string are almost unheard of. Sympathetic vibration of unplayed strings is not.
I really doubt the strings have anything to do with it.
The bass is defective IMO. Return it and get another.

BassMaster4s · #3 05-20-2010, 12:59 PM

All I use are elixirs on every bass I own. If by a dead spot you mean that the note doesn't sound at all, I think that's more of a setup issue, and not something that can be cured by a certain brand of strings. What strings were put on after the setup?

groooooove · #4 05-20-2010, 01:04 PM

elexir strings aren't neccesarily "trash." but theyre certainly unconventional. a lot of us write off unusual things as "trash" unjustfully.

it sounds highly unlikely to be a string problem to me. only way to find out is to buy some other non-coated strings and give it a shot.

CapnSev · #5 05-20-2010, 01:09 PM

Dead spots aren't caused by strings, its an inherent problem to the bass itself. Other strings ringing when a different note is played is just part of playing in general- every bass does that, its just a matter of learning to mute the other strings.

FunkMetalBass · #6 05-20-2010, 01:11 PM

Sympathetic vibrations means you need a technique adjustment. If you play with your fingers, search for "floating thumb."

Rafescow · #7 05-20-2010, 01:27 PM

Well, by saying dead spot, I mean the string sustain won't last any longer than 5 seconds, and there isn't the brightness I hear with other notes.

BassMaster4s, you have misunderstood me. I kept the Elixir strings that came with the bass. The thing is that the neck relief and strings action were then adjusted properly.

I know the vibrations can be related to my technique, but I don't think that's the case at all. That doesn't happen with any of my other cheap and made-in-Brazil (my country) basses.

One thing I've been testing so far is to play a single note, not touching ANY of the other strings, and it seems that one (generally the low B) will start to vibrate. That's noticeable because I completely mute the played note with both hands I still hear note noise... then I mute the ringing string and poof, gone.

I'm trying to clear out if this is definately the bass itself who's causing this, before returning it. What makes me mad is that I imported this bass from the USA, waited 3 months and the warranty lasts 3 months (1 and a half remaining now, if I remember correctly). So I'm kind of preventing the necessity of doing this. :P

FunkMetalBass · #8 05-20-2010, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafescow

I know the vibrations can be related to my technique, but I don't think that's the case at all. That doesn't happen with any of my other cheap and made-in-Brazil (my country) basses.

Trust me, it's there. It less noticeable for some reason (probably a combination of cheap pickups and bad-sustaining construction), but it's there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafescow

One thing I've been testing so far is to play a single note, not touching ANY of the other strings, and it seems that one (generally the low B) will start to vibrate. That's noticeable because I completely mute the played note with both hands I still hear note noise... then I mute the ringing string and poof, gone.

I'm trying to clear out if this is definately the bass itself who's causing this, before returning it. What makes me mad is that I imported this bass from the USA, waited 3 months and the warranty lasts 3 months (1 and a half remaining now, if I remember correctly).

It's definitely you causing it.

Randall · #9 05-20-2010, 01:44 PM

If I were you I would replace the string set. I have had bad strings before (rare) and see if this solves your problem. Not sure of your technique but muting the non played strings is fairly common to prevent sympathetic vibration. Good Luck.

ErikW · #10 05-20-2010, 01:54 PM

I think it's technique. You should be muting the open b string anyway. Is there a chance this better bass is revieling some poor technique habits?

Rafescow · #11 05-20-2010, 02:09 PM

Well, about this technique issue, I must say I'm getting used to this problem and muting the strings in every possible way. What scares me is this huge resonance difference between my new and any other bass I've played. I've never experienced that kind of vibration problem in my 3 years of bass playing.

Still, I can clearly notice that the vibration is more intense depending on the note. Eg: dead spots. Notes will last very few seconds and non-muted strings will start to ring A LOT (kind of a harmonic style)

I may try to change my strings and put my loved D'addario's... I'm not pretending to send my bass back at all.. lol