fretless string rattle

air_leech · #1 02-16-2009, 02:20 PM

hey,

I got a fretless Stingray which I really love except for one problem - I get a very prominent string rattle when playing the G and C notes on the D and G strings respectively.
the funky thing is that I dont get any rattling on any other notes on these two strings except for that single note on each string at exactly the 5th "fret" position.
the problem is present even when the action is set pretty high and doesnt happen with the E and A strings even when the action is "buisness card" low.

what is causing that problem and how can it be eliminated?

Beta · #2 02-16-2009, 02:39 PM

You might want to check whether or not your fingerboard is level in that spot.

air_leech · #3 02-16-2009, 02:47 PM

to the eye and touch it doesnt seem like theres anything out of the ordinary.

is there any method for checking?

BHurn · #4 02-16-2009, 04:28 PM

That would most likely be a dead spot. Is it a rattle or is it just like a "pluck-sound-muted" situation?

If you agree, get a second opinion and then view your options...

Sorry, bud.

Brandon

air_leech · #5 02-17-2009, 04:55 AM

I've heard dead spots in my life and this is not the case, this is sheer rattling, like pressing right on the fret on a fretted bass.

I'll putting a different set of strings.

62bass · #6 02-17-2009, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by air_leech

I've heard dead spots in my life and this is not the case, this is sheer rattling, like pressing right on the fret on a fretted bass.

I'll putting a different set of strings.

I doubt it's the strings. You might want to get a straight edge and really check to make sure there isn't a depression or a high spot in the fingerboard right around those two positions.

air_leech · #7 02-17-2009, 05:58 AM

surprisingly enough it was the strings.

I took off the strings (an old set of OEM nickel rounds which came with my Nash P) and put on a medium gauge set of Fender steels I had laying around as spares and so far no rattles are evident.
I even lowered the action - nothing, not even the slightest buzz.

this is very strange but maybe the gauge,tension and material difference between the two sets lends to tamer string vibration.

I have two sets of light gauge Sunbeams on the way so I'll update again when I recive them and string the teeth-less Stingray with light gauge nickels again.