Strange rattling from the nut

chef_tater · #1 03-03-2011, 06:56 AM

A few days ago my VM Jazz developed this strange rattling up near the nut with the open A string only, there is no rattling from the other strings. If I place my finger on the nut the rattling stops.

My question is, how did this issue develop? I put fresh strings on last month, the same brand and gauge as old set. I know I need to replace the nut, but why did this occure?

If anyone can shed some light on what could be the cause I would be very happy.

Thanks!

LilloEsquilo · #2 03-03-2011, 07:05 AM

They wear with time. I can only assume things here since I don't have any details otherwise, like the age of the bass, types of strings used and nut material, etc, but they do wear over time and eventually need replacement. If this one is relatively new, it may not have been optimally cut from the factory, and you could possibly 1. file the slot 2. put some kind of filler in the slot and work with that or 3. shim the nut and file the other 3 slots, though if you are going to do that you might as well replace the nut.

So with what I have as far as information to go on, I can only tell you they do wear with time, and apparently that's what has happened here.

**joinercape** · #3 03-03-2011, 07:11 AM

The nut slot may simply need to be cut so that it bevels back toward the tuning post slightly. Or it may be a bit too wide. Both are easy fixes. See your tech if you are unsure how to proceed.

Kirkowitz · #4 03-03-2011, 07:21 AM

Could be the nut, but also check your strings to make sure there are enough windings around the A string tuning post to keep downward pressure on the nut.
I usually wind plenty of string on the post- so that the string coming onto the post is pretty close to the base of the tuning post/almost touching the headstock... YMMV, IMHO, IME, ETC....

pathdoc2 · #5 03-03-2011, 07:22 AM

Could also be a loose truss rod vibrating. Saw that on a strat once.

fenderhutz · #6 03-03-2011, 07:33 AM

Almost 100% of the time it's the winding. Press down on the string behind the nut and see if it does it. If not you need to push the winding down (rewind) as a temp fix and going forward wrap it around the post at least 4 times when stringing up.

4001 · #7 03-03-2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pathdoc2

Could also be a loose truss rod vibrating. Saw that on a strat once.

Seen (or heard actually) this a few times myself on guitars that I've worked on.

georgestrings · #8 03-03-2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirkowitz

Could be the nut, but also check your strings to make sure there are enough windings around the A string tuning post to keep downward pressure on the nut.
I usually wind plenty of string on the post- so that the string coming onto the post is pretty close to the base of the tuning post/almost touching the headstock... YMMV, IMHO, IME, ETC....

Yup - fairly common on Fender-type A strings...

- georgestrings

wshines1892 · #9 03-03-2011, 10:40 AM

I had this happen and it was the winding. It turned out I had been winding strings on the posts upside down because no one ever told me otherwise. Once I flipped it, the rattle went away, and I felt a bit sheepish because it seemed obvious.

If it just recently developed, it probably is just the winding slipping up the tuning post due to not being wrapped enough times. a plucked strings vibrates vertically from the fretboard. The wrapping provides downward pressure that prevents the vibration of the strings from popping the string out of the slot and causing general rattling.

I'm assuming that this is a fairly new bass though and the nut probably hasn't had time to wear down. My assumptions could be wrong of course.

chef_tater · #10 03-03-2011, 12:15 PM

I rewrapped the string, which had five winding, and the buzz is now gone, for now. Yet looking down at the head the A string seems to not have any downward pressure on it. The G and D have the string tree to help with the downward force but the A is straight with very little downward tenison on it. Is this a desing flaw of the jazz basses or am I not stringing it correctly?

FYI the bass is 2010 VM Jazz and the strings are rotoswings 66's. I bought it new last summer.

fenderhutz · #11 03-03-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef_tater

Yet looking down at the head the A string seems to not have any downward pressure on it. The G and D have the string tree to help with the downward force but the A is straight with very little downward tenison on it. This is an unintended feature of the jazz basses and am I not stringing it correctly.

Fixed it for you.

georgestrings · #12 03-03-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

Fixed it for you.

Yeah, I think you're onto something there - if strung properly, I don't think it's possible to get 5 wraps on a Fender A string:

Those posts have 3 wraps, and there really isn't adequate room for a 4th wrap - with an .085 A string(medium)...

- georgestrings

chef_tater · #13 03-03-2011, 03:22 PM

Would it be possible to get a second string tree and put the A string under it to help with the downward pressure?

FretlessMainly · #14 03-03-2011, 03:36 PM

Fender actually addressed this problem on some basses; they have a modified string tree that extends to the A string and puts some downward pressure on the string. It is possible to try a second tree, but you may have some problems getting it in a good position and not putting too much pressure on the A string.

I've always been able to eliminate this problem by wrapping the string fully around the A post to induce some downward angle between the nut and the post.

DeivoxCarnal · #15 03-03-2011, 08:19 PM

I had this problem on an old Squier, it actually was the nut, it was just barely wider than my A string.
Rather than replace the nut I just put a small folded piece of paper inbetween the string and nut. It worked pretty well for me.

prd004 · #16 03-03-2011, 08:24 PM

I had a similar odd rattling on the G string of my Lull many years ago. Turns out it was the tuner, Mike replaced it and all was well