Double Bass Bass Makes "clicking" or "creaking" noise

[Trade1953]

Hi,
Glad your forum is out there! Hope somebody can give me some ideas. Sometime, a clicking, or creaking noise comes from somewhere on my bass when I pluck a string. It happens on the G, D,and A strings. It doesn't happen every pluck. It could be 2 in a row, then 3 plucks with no creak, then 1 with, then 1 without, etc.. It's intermittent. I can also "pull" on the string (parallel to the fretboard width), as if I am going to pluck it, and get the same creak (sometime). It will also happen if I "push" the string. Again, it's intermittent.
At first, I thought it might be the bridge trying to slide out of place, but looking really closely, I don't think it's there. Too much pressure holding it down and the feet are solid as a rock.
It's definitely not the string hitting against the fretboard since the creak happens without plucking the string (will happen when simply pushing, or pulling the string).
Is it possible the groove in the bridge that the strings sit in is too tight? I used a file the exact diameter of the strings when setting it up. I set it up about 6 years ago, but haven't heard this weird creak until the past few weeks.
I've also thought about a loose brace, but it doesn't sound like one is loose when I thump on the base front and back. And a loose brace shouldn't creak, or rattle when just pushing or pulling on the string. Everything points to the bridge, but.....
The bass is a Christopher. Does anyone have any ideas where else I might check?
Thanks!
Joe

 

[aaronallen]

Do you have an adjustable bridge? If so, make sure the wheels are turned the same amount so that one side is not higher than the other.

 

[PRUNEFACE]

could it be the tuning machines?

 

[Big B.]

Hopefully not the case for you but make sure the neck joint is solid. A friend had an old Kay he picked up that was doing something very similar. The neck itself was loose and was just tightly wedged into the pocket. The creaking came from the slight amount of play in the neck pocket. I would suggest tugging on the strings with your ear close to the string. Follow the sound until you find where it is coming from.

 

[tstone]

I had the same thought as Big B, that it might be a loose neck joint. I would loosen the strings (but not so loose as to have the soundpost fall over, of course), have a friend hold the bass body really tight, and try to wiggle the neck from side to side, looking carefully at, and listening intently to the neck-to body joint.

Another possibility is nut slots too wide for the strings you are using, although that's more common on electrics than uprights, and usually causes more of a click than a creak.

 

[Dave Irwin]

I had the same thing and eventually figured out it was my knuckles cracking or snapping. I really didn't feel it and it didn't sound like any joint cracking I'd heard before. Almost like a finger snap.

 

[Cody Sisk]

What kind of tail wire do you have? It might be slipping..

 

[Trade1953]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I thought I'd get notified by e-mail when somebody replied to my thread, but didn't. I'll check my profile stuff.

1. Yes, I have an adjustable bridge. Both wheels are turned down nice and tight. No slop. Action is perfect.
2. I double checked the tuning machines. Everything is tight there too.
3. I haven't loosened the strings and check the neck setting yet. It's sure possible it's coming from there, but I hope not.
4. I'll double check the nut slots. It seemed like they were perfect when I set it up, but memory fades after a while. The sound is actually more of a click sound. I mentioned creak, but it's like a really fast creak (split second).
5. It's definitely not my knuckles. I know that sound. And remember, I get the click, fast creak when I push, or pull on the string without plucking it.
6. Tail wire.... I didn't think of that. I'll check it.

Thanks again for all your inputs!!! If I find the culprit, I'll definitely let everyone know.
Joe

 

[Trade1953]

Just a quick post so I can get subscribed to this thread. Now I should know when somebody replies. )

 

[MR PC]

You may have to much string tension on the top. Does the top visibly flex when you pull or push the string?

 

[Les Fret]

5. It's definitely not my knuckles. I know that sound. And remember, I get the click, fast creak when I push, or pull on the string without plucking it.

It might have to do with either the bridge slots or the nut slots.
I had this problem once with my sitar. I have put small piece of plastic under the string in the bridge slot and then it was gone. Maybe you can try that, just to check.

 

[Bill Bentgen]

A click or creak . . . are you turning the bass while you're playing? Sometimes the end pin tip on the floor will make that kind of sound.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

The first thing I would check is the fingerboard possibly coming loose at either end. Try wiggling the end of it and see if creaking occurs.

 

[bejoyous]

Maybe because the grooves in the bridge are so close to the diameter of the string, when you exert a bit of tension on the string, it slides in the groove a little bit and scrapes against the wood.

Try loosening the string off and lubricate the groove with a lot of pencil lead. Then bring the string up to pitch and see if it still squeaks.

 

[Tommyr]

Have you checked if your Sound Post has moved, or needs adjustment?

 

[gaelmckeon]

One culprit that I've encountered a couple of times has been that the fholes have a bead of finish in them, and are actually rubbing against the opposite edge (top plate). Maybe check around the rims or the fholes for loose finish or glue beads, and for narrow gaps in the carving.
Anything on that bass could be buzzing or clicking, and it could be really easy or really hard to find. The 'one click' you describe made me think of fhole or glue bead movement, along with the first and greatest agitation of the top plate, when you pull or release the string. I hope this helps.

 

[gaelmckeon]

The possibilities are endless, but is the fingerboard secure to the neck at the neckblock?