Ringing (rogue?) notes on a Washburn XB600

Oldboy · #1 09-30-2011, 04:15 AM

I wonder if anyone can help with an annoying problem on this otherwise fine bass? It's a bit long-winded,but please bear with me.1.When I fret E (C string 4th fret) it causes the E and A strings to vibrate,which in turn causes a loud E note to reverberate,and can only be stopped by damping those 2 strings.
2 B on the G string 4th fret causes the E and B strings to do the same thing. 3.The worst is the E on the G string 9th fret which cause a loud E note which seems to increase in volume the longer you leave it.Again can only be stopped my muting the E and A strings
4 A on the C string 9th fret causes the open A to ring.

So you see,playing runs and fills on this bass is spoiled by these rogue notes.I had thought of finding a way of dampening all the strings at the nut for instance,which would stop open strings from vibrating when they shouldn't (a la ladies hair thingy round the nut).I tried one of those but it makes no difference,because it didn't exert enough pressure.
QUESTION: Am I stuck with this problem? Has anyone had this problem and overcome it (or not,as the case may be?)Any thoughts or pointers gratefully received,as I am now reluctant to use this bass onstage in its present form.

Oldboy · #2 10-01-2011, 04:09 AM

30 views and no one has any thoughts.OK I'll try to sort it out myself.Thanks.

96tbird · #3 10-01-2011, 06:28 AM

Called sympathetic notes or vibes. Happens to some extent to every strung instrument. Some are better, some...Muting with fretting hand is an essential skill. You can also train your plucking hand to help out. Adding a weight to the head can help. There are nut mutes available that may work better, but won't completely stop it. A different brand or gauge of strings may also change things. Good luck.

Oldboy · #4 10-01-2011, 01:39 PM

I guess I'll just have to improve my technique then.Thanx for that.

Dave the Bass · #5 10-01-2011, 02:25 PM

I had a lot of problems like this with my XB600 when I used to use stainless steel strings, it doesn't happen nearly as much with nickels.

I'm also switching out the original pots and preamp for a Bartolini, maybe that, too, will help.

I love that bass, I've had mine since 1998.

Zooberwerx · #6 10-01-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldboy

I guess I'll just have to improve my technique then.Thanx for that.

I'll assume your bass is set-up correctly...ROTSS (rule out the simple stuff).

Floating thumb technique would help immensely, especially with a 6 banger.

Riis

grendle · #7 10-01-2011, 11:01 PM

It's your technique as said before. Gotta learn to mute with either or both hands. Becomes second nature once you have been playing a wile.

Oldboy · #8 10-03-2011, 03:58 PM

Thanx guys.I guess it must be my technique,although this is the only bass that's given me this kind of problem.Both my 5ers have their quota of ringing notes,but neither as prominent as this one.Could be the strings,as Dave said.I'll bear all this in mind however,and work on technique for the present.

Pilgrim · #9 10-03-2011, 05:03 PM

When you play an E, A D or G the open string will tend to vibrate.

It's not a bug, it's a feature.

It also means you did a nice job of intonation and tuning.

Congrats!

togglehead · #10 10-04-2011, 09:47 AM

I have an XB600 also...that that particular bass has a ton of sustain. whatever they built it out of holds like steel, and properly set up...it was a sustain machine.

Like Pilgrim said...its a feature, not a bug. Learn to palm mute with both of your hands...especially on that six. Thumb on the low B string...palm knuckles on left hand on the high C...

Though if youre playing with a pick...then i cant help ya!