Phasing Sound When Plucking Strings

[Lloyd]

Hi,

I just bought a 1971 Fender Precision Bass. I really like it except for the fact that it making a kinda annoying phase-type sound when I pluck the strings. It's most noticable on the A followed by the D and G strings. I can't really notice it on the E.

I'm a bit of a newbie so I don't know if this is common? I have done some searching and the only thing I found said it could be relating to the distance between the strings and the pickups. I've had a play around - loosening the pickup and moving them towards the strings - but it didn't seem to make any difference.

The bass is pretty much all original except for the brass nut at the top of the neck - could this be the problem?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Cheers,
Lloyd.

[SuperSnake2012]

I have a similar problem on my '78 P on the E string... but I think it's related to the crappy job I did cutting the strings

[GeoffByrne]

The A string on a Fender-type head can rattle or phase as there may not be enough break angle from the nut to the position of the string on the winding-post.

It's a good idea to allow a little more length than usual so that when you wind the string onto the post there are at least 3 complete windings there. This will push the string down the post far enough to get a good break angle from the nut.

If this doesn't work, your strings may have been twisted on installation. Try taking them off and re-stringing trying to make sure they don't get twisted before winding onto the posts. If this doesn't work try new strings.

[Lloyd]

Thanks for the tips! I hadn't even considered that it could be the strings. I've been planning to re-string it anyway. I'll do that. Cheers!

[MuzikMan]

Try moving the pickups "away" from the strings to eliminate phasing problems which can be caused by magnetic forces.

[GeoffByrne]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

Try moving the pickups "away" from the strings to eliminate phasing problems which can be caused by magnetic forces.

Yup, forgot about that!!

[blipndub]

+1 on pickup height. If the string is too close you get a weird phasing/chorusing sound.