E-string overtones

[pdeon99]

My E string has overtones that I would describe as like hitting a pipe with a hammer - that's an exaggeration of course, but it reminds me of that sound. It definitely sounds different than the others. And when I fret up near the 12th, it takes on a beat-frequency sort of quality. Any idea what causes this and how to fix it?

It's a Marcus Miller 4 with Bad Ass II bridge. I've lowered the pups significantly, with no noticable improvement. I've tried 3 sets of strings from nickel to SS to Jazz flats - they all do it. Any insight appreciated!

[Dbassmon]

That sounds like a dead spot on the neck. You will hear many suggestions like change strings, change Pup hight. Try these suggestions but I have found that nothing fixes that. It's bad sound characteristics of the lumber used to make your neck. This is sometimes referred to as "wolf tones"
If the bass is new, I would return it immediately. If you are stuck with it, you will probably want to replace the neck.

[pdeon99]

Thanks, Dbassmon. I had never heard that before, so it's good to know that the neck wood can cause this problem - because nothing else in the setup regime has worked. And it even has a name (wolf tones)!

[Darkstrike]

Are the strings tapered?

[pdeon99]

Originally Posted by Darkstrike

Are the strings tapered?

No, they're constant gauge.