Buzzing Rattle

[loakky]

Hi Guys

Kinda new to the internet but been playing a while.

I have a Squier that I bought. I can't remember this being audible when I tried it before purchase but it has this terrible buzzing rattle when I play the low E string open. This only occurs when open.

I tried taking the string off and putting it back on to no avail.

Any suggestions anyone? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I'm now getting into a bit of slap bass and open low Es are a cornerstone of this style of play.


Regards

Loakky

[dbcandle]

I'm sure more experienced folks will chime-in, but it sounds like one of the following:

• Improperly installed string
• Problem with nut (maybe slot too wide)
• Loose tuner

I'm guessing the string, sight unseen (emphasis: guessing). Do you have enough windings on the tuning-peg to get the string-angle to "pull-down" the string behind the nut? Fender-style basses, which don't have the "head" of the neck angled-back, need careful attention to getting enough windings on the tuning peg.

[loakky]

Thanks dbcandle

On inspectin, I think it's likely to be not enough windings as there are only 2-3 if that. Possibly 3 at a push.

If it turns out that the tuner isn't loose and the string still rattles with new strings (with enought winds). Would a piece of silver paper in the nut slot help?


Loakky

[RedsFan75]

Have you had a setup done? IE... Relief, String height, etc...

What strings are you using?

[loakky]

Originally Posted by RedsFan75

Have you had a setup done? IE... Relief, String height, etc...

What strings are you using?

No I haven't had a setup done.

They are roundwound strings but I don't know the manufacturer.The bass is only a couple of months old.

I think my forst port of call maybe to try new strings with 4-5 winds or as much as they require and then tighten anything machinehead-wise that appears to be loose. I take it if all this fails then it could be the nut slot?


Loakky

[Widdershins]

I get by with only 2 full winds (3 on the A string) down the post without problems.
I know you said it happens only when played open, but have a good listen on the 1st fret too. If you can still hear it then you can rule out the nut & it is most likely the string height set too low (adjusted at the saddle) for your personal style of playing. A proper setup would be a good starting point to diagnose your problem.

If it truly is only when open, try gripping the tuning peg to stop any potential vibration and listen again. If it stops, remove the string and tighten any screw you can find (not familiar with the tuners on that bass). You should not be able to feel any 'play' side to side. If you can't get rid of the play then it is time for a new tuner.

If the gripping trick doesn't work but the tuner is okay, pretty much all that is left it the nut.
Most likely (as was suggested) the slot is too wide. Usually due to a change from larger gauge strings to smaller ones. Have a good look to see if there is any space on either side of the string. If the slot is the right size you'd need a pretty darn good set of eyes to notice. Since you're already looking at the nut, have a look where it makes contact with the fingerboard. No gaps or cracks should be visible.

Easiest solution? Get used to larger strings.

[loakky]

Hey that's fantastic

Thank you very much everyone. This has been brilliant advice. I'm very glad I stopped by and look forward to reading all your posts in due course.

It looks like a great forum.


Cheers again

Loakky

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by Widdershins

I know you said it happens only when played open, but have a good listen on the 1st fret too. If you can still hear it then you can rule out the nut & it is most likely the string height set too low (adjusted at the saddle) for your personal style of playing. A proper setup would be a good starting point to diagnose your problem.

If it truly is only when open, try gripping the tuning peg to stop any potential vibration and listen again. If it stops, remove the string and tighten any screw you can find (not familiar with the tuners on that bass). You should not be able to feel any 'play' side to side. If you can't get rid of the play then it is time for a new tuner.

If the gripping trick doesn't work but the tuner is okay, pretty much all that is left it the nut.
Most likely (as was suggested) the slot is too wide. Usually due to a change from larger gauge strings to smaller ones. Have a good look to see if there is any space on either side of the string. If the slot is the right size you'd need a pretty darn good set of eyes to notice. Since you're already looking at the nut, have a look where it makes contact with the fingerboard. No gaps or cracks should be visible.

Easiest solution? Get used to larger strings.

+1 - Do you know anyone that can look at it, and tell you for sure?

[loakky]

Hi Solarmist

Mmmmm...I think I would be having to take it onto a local store. I think I'll do this once I've tried the other minor adjustments.

Thank you everyone who replied.


Loakky

[RedsFan75]

Check the Sticky at the top of the forum for specific instructions how to set it up you can do it yourself.

[loakky]

Originally Posted by RedsFan75

Check the Sticky at the top of the forum for specific instructions how to set it up you can do it yourself.

Thanks for that. Goes of to check.

[loakky]

Okay

I seem to have rid of it now.

I put on a new set of strings .110 gauge (low E). This E string was noticably thicker than the one I took off. Therefore, I no longer have to battle with da rattle.

However, I could have sworn that the bass did not have the rattle to begin with. I wonder if it could have been anything to do with the slap bass I was playing?

Thanks for all your help people. I really appreciate it.

Loakky