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Clackity clack clack

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by Glen Thomas, Jul 25, 2021.

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  1. Jul 25, 2021 #1
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    Hi Bass brothers.

    I Bought my first music man style bass recently. The Sterling SUB 4 version. Have to say, I am quite impressed with the playability and sound thru the amp. However, there is one issue I can’t fix and it a clincher. When playing fast or aggressive around fret 3 & 4 there is a clacking sound. And I just can’t get rid of it. I have tried this so far - levelled, crowned and dressed all of the frets. Truss rod adjustment. Tried it with a slight bow straight and reverse bow. Full bridge set up. And nothing! Sorts it. Am thinking. Is this one just a dud? Should I take it to a pro or just flog it?

    Any one else had this before and solved it? Advice, ideas welcome?

    Thanks
     
  2. Jul 25, 2021 #2
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Who did all the fret work and why? That's just for starters...

    Riis
     
  3. Jul 26, 2021 #3
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    I did all the work. I am not a professional Luthier but I am not a novice either. I am confident that the work I have done would normally sort it. But not this time. I just can’t stop that noise. I think there is a harmonic sound in there too which makes it worse. :(

    Forgot to mention. I also set up the nut correctly.
     
  4. Jul 26, 2021 #4
    Gothic

    Gothic

    Apr 13, 2008
    Greece
    If you raise the action does it go away?
     
  5. Jul 26, 2021 #5
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    Hiya.

    No, tried the action at max and it’s still there sadly.
     
  6. Jul 26, 2021 #6
    SteveCS

    SteveCS

    Nov 19, 2014
    Hampshire, UK
    Maybe an audio sample might help?
     
  7. Jul 26, 2021 #7
    Gothic

    Gothic

    Apr 13, 2008
    Greece
    Is the clank there if you play with a pick? And what strings do you have on?
     
  8. Jul 26, 2021 #8
    Zooberwerx

    Zooberwerx Gold Supporting Member

    Dec 21, 2002
    Virginia Beach, VA
    Where's your set-up now (relief, string height, etc.)? #'s work wonders. Why did you trial a reverse bow?

    Detailed pics may help...can't have too many!

    Riis
     
  9. Jul 26, 2021 #9
    SteveCS

    SteveCS

    Nov 19, 2014
    Hampshire, UK
    If nothing in the setup leads to a solution then perhaps look for something in your technique. Have you checked pickup height? It can be surprising how easy it is to clip the strings against the poles. Or a microphonic housing?
     
    RSBBass likes this.
  10. Jul 28, 2021 #10
    bobdabilder

    bobdabilder

    Feb 5, 2013
    mississippi, usa
    Pickup height?
     
  11. Jul 28, 2021 #11
    Roxbororob

    Roxbororob Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2015
    Montreal
    Those come with bright light rounds if I'm not mistaken. I have had the same problem with my (new at the time) precision with rotos. I did similar setup adjustments and asked the same questions as you , turns out it was me and my technique. The only bass I had this trouble with. This is why Gothic asked about a pick. If the issue goes away with the pick your problem might be the same as mine was. Not a problem anymore, love them rotos. Have you heard some Geddy Lee isolated bass?

    Just thoughts YMMV.
     
    Gluvhand and Gothic like this.
  12. Jul 29, 2021 #12
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    Your not far wrong. I have fixed it now. I was using Roto sound 30 50 70 90 and have swapped to 40 60 80 100. Problem solved! Should of tried that first! To confirm I put the light strings on another bass and same issue. It was 100% the light gage strings.
    Thanks all for your input.
     
    Zooberwerx and Roxbororob like this.
  13. Jul 29, 2021 #13
    Gothic

    Gothic

    Apr 13, 2008
    Greece
    Well, it's not JUST the lighter strings. It's lighter strings with lower tension (=more movement=higher chance to hit a fret with lower action) combined with one's usual plucking force.
     
    Roxbororob likes this.
  14. Jul 29, 2021 #14
    Roxbororob

    Roxbororob Supporting Member

    Jun 8, 2015
    Montreal
    Good Stuff

    My heavy hand swears by the 50-110 set. Not only do I like the higher tension I hear more mid harmonics from the E string.
     
  15. Jul 29, 2021 #15
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    I have been working on my technique recently. Trying to get faster without aggression. I don’t think that helped either! Got some 50s roto steel coming tomorrow, hoping they help!

    Thanks again all for the advice. :)
     
    Roxbororob likes this.
  16. Jul 29, 2021 #16
    gebass6

    gebass6 We're not all trying to play the same music. Supporting Member

    May 3, 2009
    Hiding in the comet's tail
    Plucking down instead of inline with plane of the strings?
     
  17. Jul 29, 2021 #17
    Glen Thomas

    Glen Thomas

    Mar 1, 2020
    Thanks I’ll give that a go too