Unknown problem! Please help!

ClaytonMUSE · #1 02-13-2010, 03:18 PM

OK, so I use a squier vintage modified fret-less jazz bass, and recently I changed the round wound strings that came with it to some new flat wounds. It was a bit of a shoddy job but it worked fine and i had no problems with it. Then today I picked it up, and the action was suddenly really low, so I adjusted the bridge a little bit because I thought I might of done something whilst changing the strings. And when I play, all I get is rattling and buzzing. Anyone know what this could be and how i could fix it?

CPplaysBASS · #2 02-13-2010, 03:24 PM

That's totally normal when changing the type of string ... rounds to flats, a different gauge, often even a different brand. All has to do with the tension of different types of strings. You need a truss rod adjustment, and it's highly recommended you take it into a store to have properly set up. You didn't notice it right away since it takes some time (but a day at most) for the neck to adjust to the different tension.

RavynWolf · #3 02-13-2010, 03:24 PM

Could be a couple things. Were the saddles knocked loose or off balance? Check to see they haven't moved; as well as seeing if the strings are in the saddles properly.
Are the strings a new gauge? If so you most likely need to adjust the truss a touch to accommodate. Just do a runthrough, and if everything looks like it should, then try fine adjustments.

ClaytonMUSE · #4 02-13-2010, 03:29 PM

Just gave it a once over and everything looks fine, I'm not an expert though so I'll have it taken into a shop as soon as. Thanks for the help guys

RavynWolf · #5 02-13-2010, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPplaysBASS

That's totally normal when changing the type of string ... rounds to flats, a different gauge, often even a different brand. All has to do with the tension of different types of strings. You need a truss rod adjustment, and it's highly recommended you take it into a store to have properly set up. You didn't notice it right away since it takes some time (but a day at most) for the neck to adjust to the different tension.

Also this, plain and simply, new strings almost always require some kind of adjustment.
(inb4 I've never had to!!!!11. I know, I said almost.)

Jaco who? · #6 02-13-2010, 04:31 PM

Oddly, roundwounds usually have lower tension than flatwounds, but in your case, they apparently had more, so your neck is straighter than it was with the rounds, assuming your bridge saddles didn't all get moved lower than they were before, which is unlikely if every string along the fingerboard is lower by the same amount.

You need to scare up a 3/16" inch allen wrench some where and loosen the truss rod an 1/8th of a turn so that the strings pull as much relief into the neck as they did before with whatever roundwounds you were using.

You may need to turn it another 1/8th of a turn if it's not enough, but you should loosen it in small increments at a time so the neck has a chance to settle.