Slight problem with bass

jonnyboone · #1 07-03-2008, 06:04 AM

Hey people, I was wondering if someone could help me out with a problem i'm having with my bass.
While I'm tuning the fourth string up to a E as the string gets to about D# it clicks and loosens the string down to a C so i turn it more and as it gets to D# again it clicks and the string goes back. Does anybody know what the problem is and the solution because it just won't go to an E and it's getting very fustrating.

Cheers Jonny.

tom once dead · #2 07-03-2008, 06:05 AM

somthing to do with the tuner, try replacing it

thenextbigthing · #3 07-03-2008, 06:19 AM

I sounds like the string it slipping on the tuner, it happend to me aswell when I i strung a guitar wrongly. Other than that it may be a problem with the tuner itself like tom once dead said. If u're a begginer get someone who knows more to look a it, should be easy to sort out.

jonnyboone · #4 07-03-2008, 06:20 AM

Wow quick replies, thanks guys.

Buskman · #5 07-03-2008, 08:27 AM

It sounds like you might not have enough string windings on the tuner post. It's standard to have at least two full windings for each string.

Sahm · #6 07-03-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buskman

It sounds like you might not have enough string windings on the tuner post. It's standard to have at least two full windings for each string.

That's what I was thinking.

Ric5 · #7 07-03-2008, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom once dead

somthing to do with the tuner, try replacing it

+1

staindbass · #8 07-03-2008, 08:41 AM

NO.NO. NO. replace the tuner? eek. if it makes a pop noise then the string is looser, that means it was stuck in the NUT. you string is binding in the nut. maybe the string is a larger gauge than the nut was cut for. take the string off. place it in the nut, try to slide it, is it sticking? if it is, a few rubs with some 400 grit sandpaper until it slides freely, and color it gray inside where the string rests with a pencil, the graphite will make it slide (tip from eddie van halen). i usually put the sandpaper around the string, one layer, and use that to sand it to the right size. dont use anything rougher than 400 grit. you could also roll up the sandpaper to fit tightly in to sand it. be sure to put masking tape on the fretboard and headstock to protect from the sandpaper. . johnny a.

Bassamatic · #9 07-03-2008, 08:48 AM

If it was stuck in the nut, it would go UP in pitch as it slips instead of down, getting tighter instead of looser.

I believe that the problem is that the gear is slipping inside the tuner one notch as it gets to peak tension. Replace the tuner, AND be sure the end of the string is stuck in the hole inside the post before winding it 2-3 turns around the post.

whitedk57 · #10 07-03-2008, 08:56 AM

To summarize...

Probably not the nut since it detunes once it make the popping noise.
Strings could be cut too short and not getting enough windings on the tuning post.
Tuner could be bad.

Try cheaper first - get a new string. Then, if that's not it, try a new tuner.

Pilgrim · #11 07-03-2008, 09:36 AM

Another (possibly redundant) summary.....I suggest this sequence....

- Add graphite at the nut to eliminate very small possibility of string hanging up
- Re-string and make sure string is both inserted into the center hole in the tuner, AND has at least two full wraps; if not, replace string.
- If neither of the above work, inspect and prepare to replace tuner

Solarmist · #12 07-03-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitedk57

Probably not the nut since it detunes once it make the popping noise.
Strings could be cut too short and not getting enough windings on the tuning post.
Tuner could be bad.

Try cheaper first - get a new string. Then, if that's not it, try a new tuner.

+1 - Also some tuners have a small screw that tightens up the amount of friction in the center of the peg - maybe it's a little loose too.