Lower frets on the b and e string?

Demon · #1 06-20-2008, 03:07 AM

Hey, i was gonna sell my 5-string g&l tribute l2500, and i was away while the buyer came and tested it, and when i got back i heard that he found a problem, that the the lower frets on the e and b string sounds like they have a "ghost in them", the note vibrates weirdly with some hint of overtones, and its not the amp. Is this normal or can it be fixed somehow? Its say past the 15th fret, perhaps, give or take a few.

Demon · #2 06-21-2008, 10:16 AM

The board seems to have slowed down since last i was here:/?
Someone who know what could be the problem? Maybe its just normal for the higher frets, am i/the seller expecting to much? Could it be the old original strings?

**Joshua** · #3 06-21-2008, 10:35 AM

It's not that the board is slower so much as you didn't give us much to go on.

First question; is the bass setup properly?

Start by measuring the relief. Do you know how to do so?

In the sticky thread at the top of the forum about truss rods and action there are setup guides which you can digest for all sorts of good info, my fave is the Mr. Gearhead link.

Roland777 · #4 06-21-2008, 10:43 AM

Lower or higher frets? Low frets are 4, 3, 2, etc. High frets are say 15, 16, 17 and on.
Are your strings tapered? Tapered string which have too much taper going past the saddle produce weird warbling chorus-like tones on higher frets. If you're getting this on frets 15 and upwards, that may be your problem. If not, I wish you good luck on zeroing in and fixing the problem!

Demon · #5 06-21-2008, 12:06 PM

Sorry, its the high frets, but should be clear since i said around 15th fret, anyhow, is taper the often black cover they have at the bottom? in that case, they have none, but the way you described the sound seems correct. I guess ill turn it in for a proper setup.

John Wentzien · #6 06-21-2008, 12:25 PM

Make sure the pickups are not too close to the string.
The magnets can pull on the string and make it sound as you described, especially on the higher frets.

Demon · #7 06-21-2008, 12:55 PM

I already lowered the pickups much enough for the screws to feel real tight, but it didnt make any difference what i heard.

staindbass · #8 06-21-2008, 01:25 PM

raise the action a little, or a little more relief in the neck. johnny a

Herrlster · #9 06-21-2008, 09:11 PM

Sorry, I can't add anything to this thread but...

Who really use frets 15+ on the B and E strings? I never go up around that area. Why play up there when you can play on the A and D? On any bass, the notes on the A and D sound way better and clearer than the same ones on the B and E.

Again, sorry for being a troll.