Weird G string sound.

parkerd · #1 07-20-2006, 04:36 AM

Hey guys, I just noticed something weird happen on my bass when I picked it up today.

Whenever I play an open G, a harmonic chime-type sound forms. It doesn't seem to come through the amp, but it's quite annoying anyway, and this is a new bass (ESP LTD F-104), with new strings (D'Addario XL165 Nickels) on it.

I can't seem to put my finger on what is, but I think it might be the bridge (which is similar to the bridge on a Fender Jazz Bass).

Hmmm... it also seems to happen on the first fret of the G string too.

Does anyone here know what might be causing this?

parkerd · #2 07-20-2006, 11:05 AM

Hmm... investigating it more, its not as much of a harmonic sound, as it is like a high-pitched rattle.

Somewhat like fret buzz, but with a metallic hissing/chime sound.
It doesn't appear to be fret buzz, as the strings aren't touching the other frets.

SherpaKahn · #3 07-20-2006, 12:24 PM

I've heard that twisted strings can make some weird harmonics. Try loosening the string until the ball end is loose, then gently shake it around and see where it settles, in terms of rotation.

SherpaKahn · #4 07-20-2006, 12:25 PM

Then bring it back up to tension, of course.

parkerd · #5 07-20-2006, 08:59 PM

I've tried destringing... and I noticed while tuning up, the buzz is gone unless you sound the same G or G# notes. So if I tuned to semitones down, then the 2nd and 3rd frets would have the buzz.

While I was chatting on the ESP chat last night, someone mentioned it may be because of a burr in the saddle. I noticed there does seem to be a burr in the saddle. So I'll file that off, and see if that works.

parkerd · #6 07-21-2006, 03:00 AM

Ok... about the saddle burr.

I can't tell whether its actually burred. Since the saddle is black, it could easily be just paint scratched off. Would a saddle burr even be able to cause a problem like this.

I also have noted that one my current bass, and my older one, they both had a problem where plucking open strings or sometimes specific notes produces a rattle/hiss sound (not high pitched, more of a buzzing sound). Is this something normal with basses?

Theonestarchild · #7 07-21-2006, 03:28 AM

Pluck the string... and hold your tuning machine. Viola! Or at least that was my problem.