Strange Sound on Open E

fgnbtz · #1 09-09-2011, 05:59 PM

Hey everyone,
I just got a Squier VM Jaguar SS bass and I am noticing a small issue when I play the open E string. It sounds as if the sound is either echoing or it is distorted to some degree. The pickups do seem high. Could that be the issue?
I am not sure how to go about fixing it!

SurferJoe46 · #2 09-09-2011, 06:16 PM

Twisted string?

Rocky McD · #3 09-09-2011, 06:18 PM

Many times a strange sound coming only from an open string is the result of a problem with the nut or tuner. Push down on the string around the nut and tuner to see if it has an effect.

rodneyat · #4 09-09-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McD

Many times a strange sound coming only from an open string is the result of a problem with the nut or tuner. Push down on the string around the nut and tuner to see if it has an effect.

+1 It sounds like the string is not seating on the nut and rattling. Make sure the string is wound down low on the post.

fgnbtz · #5 09-09-2011, 06:58 PM

i tried putting my finger down on the nut while playing it open e and it still kind of does it. its kind of a synth like effect. very strange sounding

Rob_F · #6 09-15-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky McD

Many times a strange sound coming only from an open string is the result of a problem with the nut or tuner. Push down on the string around the nut and tuner to see if it has an effect.

Just to touch base deeper on this - I've got the same type of issue with the open A string on TWO different P-Basses - more of a vibration or buzz sound only when playing the open string. To Rocky McD's point, when you push down on the A string between the nut & tuner, it stops. Never hear it when playing through an amp, but incredably annoying none the less & just can't figure out exactly what's causing it ( everything seems OK, nothing loose, etc. ). Just seemend strange they BOTH do it - same sound, same string .......any insight would be WONDERFUL!!

mikezimmerman · #7 09-15-2011, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_F

Just to touch base deeper on this - I've got the same type of issue with the open A string on TWO different P-Basses - more of a vibration or buzz sound only when playing the open string. To Rocky McD's point, when you push down on the A string between the nut & tuner, it stops. Never hear it when playing through an amp, but incredably annoying none the less & just can't figure out exactly what's causing it ( everything seems OK, nothing loose, etc. ). Just seemend strange they BOTH do it - same sound, same string .......any insight would be WONDERFUL!!

My guess is that you're not stringing the A string with enough wraps around the tuner, and there isn't enough downward pressure to hold the string firmly in the nut slot. This sometimes happens on the A string with Fender-type headstocks, because there's not traditionally a string tree to hold it down like there is on the G and D strings, but it's not as close to the nut as the E string tuner. You have to compensate by being careful about how you wrap that string.

Mike

96tbird · #8 09-15-2011, 01:07 PM

Especially with these concave tuner barrels. Straight or tapered work better. IMO.

Rob_F · #9 09-15-2011, 01:10 PM

Thanks Mike! - I'll definitely pay attention & give the "A" a couple more wraps next time I restring & see if it does the trick!!

tdub0199 · #10 09-15-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikezimmerman

My guess is that you're not stringing the A string with enough wraps around the tuner, and there isn't enough downward pressure to hold the string firmly in the nut slot. This sometimes happens on the A string with Fender-type headstocks, because there's not traditionally a string tree to hold it down like there is on the G and D strings, but it's not as close to the nut as the E string tuner. You have to compensate by being careful about how you wrap that string.

Mike

^This