strange string noise

[lipancek]

Hi,
I have a strange problem with string noise on my Yamaha BB414 stringed with D'addario flats. When I pluck (and I tend to pluck fairly hard) the strings on some parts of the fretboard the sound coming out is almost distorted. It more obvious when plucking near the bridge and less towards the neck. And I can hear this with the bass unplugged. As I said it doesn't seem to be the classic string rattle.

I took the bass to the local luthier but it didn't help. I don't think he was even listening to me when i told him what the problem was. He just set up the bass the way he thinks it should be set up. Anyway, I then tried lifting the string action, tried lowering it, adjusted the trus rod...it didn't help eather. I doubble checked if everything on the bass is tightened (pickups, covers, etc.). I even changed the bridge to a highmass (gotoh 201).

Anyone encountered a similar problem or has a clue on whats going on?
I think I have to find a more skilled luthier...

Thanks, Marko.

[JB696]

I'm sure your luthier would have checked these items, so I'm second guessing here. Assuming that you have a neck in good condition and a slight amount of relief it could be a couple of things. If your nuts slots are too low because of wear you could be getting some "back buzz". The strings may be contacting the frets between the fretted note and the nut. To check, depress a string at the third fret and tap on the string at the first fret. You should hear a definite click as there should be some clearance between the string and the first fret. Another problem may be the strings not fitting snuggly in the nut slots, although this shows up more on the open strings rather than the fretted ones. There are surely some other possibilities that may be causing this problem and I'll bet you will be hearing about them shortly.