Bass Guitar Sound Help - PLEASE HELP

[OwenFleet93]

Hi, i got a Ibanez GSR-180 a few months back and have set with the strings that were on the guitar when i bought it. However when playing i notice that sometimes when i strum there is a kind of metallic twang/rattling sound. I am imagining it is the strings. But what i want to know is it the way that i am playing it, do i need to get higher quality strings or is it the guitar itself? Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Owen

[MRDOOM]

Its always good to change the strings when you first get a new instument. try that first. Also, try raising the action a little. As for playing, how do you play it? Do you use fingers, pick, or a slap technique?

[BassZilla5]

Probably just needs to be set-up.

Take it to a local music store and have them re-string it (if needed) check the neck, adjust the action/intonation, etc.

[OwenFleet93]

Thanks for the advice

i play with my fingers usually but sometimes play with a pick, to be honest it depends on the speed i have to play it at. I know there is usually a slight rattle/twang to a bass, another thing is i notice my E string is alot looser than the others, is this usual?

[robthegaff]

Ehh.. the loose E string is a problem with setup once again. If youre not familiar with this you should get your bass set up by a professional and watch and learn while they do it. If youre going to learn yourself, then the E string can be tightened by tightening the horizontal screw in your bridge.

[Hugh Jass]

Originally Posted by robthegaff

then the E string can be tightened by tightening the horizontal screw in your bridge.

Don't touch the bridge unless you know exactly what you are doing. There is no way to "tighten" the E string by making a bridge adjustment. The "horizontal" screw is for intonation. A string, tuned to pitch, is going to have a specific tension. This CANNOT be adjusted.

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

Read this twice, then read it again and if you are still confused then take it to a COMPETENT tech.

[Hugh Jass]

Originally Posted by OwenFleet93

Thanks for the advice

i play with my fingers usually but sometimes play with a pick, to be honest it depends on the speed i have to play it at. I know there is usually a slight rattle/twang to a bass, another thing is i notice my E string is alot looser than the others, is this usual?

Assuming that the bass is in tune the E string will have the lowest tension in a four string set. The D string has the highest tension followed by the G, A and E. However it is not that much less. On a medium light set of D'addario nickels the E has 40.5 lbs of tension and the A has 46.5 lbs.

You are probably noticing more fret buzz (rattle) from the E because it is heavier, lower tension and therefore vibrates in a wider arc hitting the frets more than the others.

[Mousekillaz]

most Ibanez basses are pretty a decent instrument . I own two SR's, so I'm semi familiar with them. Your description is a little vague, its either fret buzz or twangy strings. Put a new set of strings on for a start. I would go with Elixers as they aren't over bright and last quite a long time or D'Addario's for a less expensive yet very consistent string. If you still have weird noises make sure all the hardware is tight ie: tuner keys strap buttons etc. or if its fret buzz adjust the truss rod and string height. People have varied opinions on neck set up but I have always liked a hint of a bow to keep the upper frets free of buzz yet still keeping the lowers playable you should be able to find some info on YouTube. setting string height is as simple as using a allen key. Just make SMALL ADJUSTMENTS ( MAX 1/4 turn increments) and allow the neck to "settle in" before continuing. I do my own setups myself and have been since 1977. Best of Luck.