Vibrating Tailpiece

[noidea]

My wife plays bass and recently got a new bass. After setting up the bridge all seemed fine for a week or so then the tailpiece started vibrating when the strings are plucked.

Is the tailpiece supposed to be in contact with the saddle or should only the tail cords be touching the saddle.

Any ideas welcome as we really don't know anything about how to set up a bass.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by noidea

My wife plays bass and recently got a new bass. After setting up the bridge all seemed fine for a week or so then the tailpiece started vibrating when the strings are plucked.

Is the tailpiece supposed to be in contact with the saddle or should only the tail cords be touching the saddle.

Any ideas welcome as we really don't know anything about how to set up a bass.

The tailpieice itself should not touch the saddle. It sounds like you have the tail cord a little short.

[nicklloyd]

Technically speaking, the tailpiece is supposed to vibrate while you pluck/bow the strings. However, the tailpiece should not be touching the saddle; just the tailwire or "tail cords". Are you getting a buzzing sound while playing?

[iPlay15151515]

My wife never complains when her tailpiece vibrates.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Marty Forrer]

LOL!!!

[noidea]

Thanks for the responses. Suspect the tailpiece was set up hard against the saddle and with tension from the strings the cord has stretched slightly moving the tailpiece enough to let it vibrate against the saddle - hence the buzzing sound, which goes away if I simply touch the tailpiece. Will lengthen the cord to clear the saddle alltogether and try again. Will let you know the outcome.

iPLAY15151515 - hpw sad

[noidea]

Just to say thanks - lengtnehning the tail cord a little has stopped the buzzing. Now I can get back to watching the golf while my wife plays the bass.
Cheers