odd sound from my EBMM Sterling

Dan S · #1 03-04-2009, 04:30 PM

Hope somebody here can help....

I've been noticing that when I tune my Sterling DADG that I am getting a weird sound through my amp when I play the low D string. It sounds like the speaker is blown or distorting (that's the best I can describe it anyway). I am playing through a SVT 4 head and a SVT 410 HLF cab. I also had this problem with my old rig, a Hartke 3500 and a Hartke 410 and a Hartke 115.

Any help would be appreciated!

depalm · #2 03-04-2009, 04:46 PM

Does the bass makes this odd sound when you play it unplugged?
The low action due to the different tuning may be causing a fretbuzz if your bass is not properly set up.
You may be ruining your speakers if you're playing too loud.
Have checked the battery? Is it ok?

Zombbg4 · #3 03-04-2009, 05:00 PM

If you have low action plus the lower tenstion of the D string, it could be touching the pickup pole, it'll make a sound like that.

Dan S · #4 03-04-2009, 06:27 PM

I replaced the battery, so I can rule that out. It doen't make that sound when it's unplugged. I've been told to try a heavier gauge of string and also that I might need to have more winds around the tuning post.... do either of those seem logical? Oh, and my action is not low at all, I play with it kind of high.

Thanks for the help!!!

depalm · #5 03-05-2009, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan S

I replaced the battery, so I can rule that out. It doesn't make that sound when it's unplugged. I've been told to try a heavier gauge of string and also that I might need to have more winds around the tuning post.... do either of those seem logical? Oh, and my action is not low at all, I play with it kind of high.

Thanks for the help!!!

Well, more winds around the tuning post will help you, just make sure the strings are making a good angle from nut to the tuning post.

JonnyAngle · #6 03-06-2009, 03:37 PM

Try lowering the pickup height. I'd bet dollars to donuts that there's your fix.

heath_r_91 · #7 03-06-2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by depalm

Well, more winds around the tuning post will help you, just make sure the strings are making a good angle from nut to the tuning post.

What angle should the strings be at between the nut and the tuning post?

Dan S · #8 03-06-2009, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

Try lowering the pickup height. I'd bet dollars to donuts that there's your fix.

I did do that, and I think it might have helped... but I'm not entirely sure. I have some other problems with my rig right now so trying to get it all sorted out has been frustrating to say the least! Living in an apartment where I can't really crank it up isn't helping. But I think I've almost got it all taken care of. I guess I'll find out at soundcheck of my next gig in two weeks.

Thanks for the input!

depalm · #9 03-07-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heath_r_91

What angle should the strings be at between the nut and the tuning post?

On my basses I like to install the strings in a way the last turn stays at the very bottom of the tuning post. This way the angle of the string trough the nut is greater as possible.

Sterling necks has a very small head comparing to a JB or P so you may have to cut off the strings a little (especially on E and A) to avoid overwinding. But don't cut too much of the strings, just a couple of inches, make sure it is long enough to do at least three turns around the tuning post.

Take for example my J: