An odd sound from E String?

[JustSomeDude]

I have had a set of Dean Markley nickel steel on for a couple weeks.... Sounded great.
Left town and didn't play for a week.

Now the E string sounds like it has a slight Chorus on it. Almost some phase cancellation.
If I pick close to the neck it goes away for the most part.

I've never heard this before.
I'm changing strings any way but thought I'd ask about it.
Ideas?

 

[PortlandBass77]

I'm guessing a problem with the bass electronics? I guess we'll find out after you switch strings.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Hope not... It's a ' 69P

I've got a show tonight and didn't want to change strings until after

 

[fourstringdrums]

Does it happen while the bass is unplugged? I've had new strings do this and once I pressed down before the nut and saddle to set witness points, it went away.

 

[JustForSport]

++ ^^
Also, loosen the string at the tuner enough so that the ball end can rotate freely if it's twisted a little, and tune back up. Then check the witness points again.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Will do.
I only played it at a quick rehearsal. It does seem like a mechanical issue

 

[JustSomeDude]

Interesting...acoustically there is a harmonic in the E string that isn't in the other open strings .
I think that's what it is.

When I get it an amp I will try reseating the string.

 

[hasbeen]

++ ^^
Also, loosen the string at the tuner enough so that the ball end can rotate freely if it's twisted a little, and tune back up. Then check the witness points again.

this was my thought too.

 

[JustSomeDude]

Finally got home...
I loosened and reset the string and did get more even low end out of it.

What's going on is an odd overtone on the E String when played with a PICK.
If I downstroke an open E and let it sustain, there is a definite harmonic ringing...a high C#.
Weird huh?

I think the overtones were phasing out with some of the Low end.
I think it is just an oddity from how these strings are aging.

Thanks for the tips.
I've been playing a long time (and on THIS Bass) and hadn't heard that sound before.

 

[Reservoir Dog]

Glad I read this , I just got back a bass I puchased new in 1979 , Ibanez MC800, put on new strings and its doing the same thing, weird overtones and harmonics , instead of a good low thump its kind of a" boing "