Clanky B string.

[spanndrew]

Hey folks,

So back in December I switched from a four to six string bass. I absolutely love my ibby btb, but I have an issue where fretting the B string causes a clank loud enough to be heard in recordings. I have attempted lowering the pickups, changing strings (still using a 130 B though), and lowering the treble on both my amp and bass.

Any recommendations to help fix this?

Thanks!

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Raise the B string and work on your technique my bet is you're anchoring you're thumb on it and unconsciously popping it into the fret

 

[spanndrew]

Raise the B string and work on your technique my bet is you're anchoring you're thumb on it and unconsciously popping it into the fret

I'll give it a try. However the problem is more when fretting notes on the B, it can be heard without plucking the string.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Again betting string is too low. The string is bouncing off the higher frets when you fret it with force using the inertia from that motion

 

[bholder]

Hate to say it, but your neck may need more relief or even a fret leveling. If you have the board really flat and the action low, almost any B is going to "clank" on other higher frets if the vibration has any vertical component at all. Careful picking can help, so can higher action or more relief. Could just be technique, or any / all of the above. Trying not to clank myself, was just asking about tighter B strings in the strings subforum, actually, for the same reasons.

 

[spanndrew]

Again betting sting is too low.

I'll try raising it tonight.

 

[spanndrew]

Hate to say it, but your neck may need more relief or even a fret leveling. If you have the board really flat and the action low, almost any B is going to "clank" on other higher frets if the vibration has any vertical component at all. Careful picking can help, so can higher action or more relief. Could just be technique, or any / all of the above. Trying not to clank myself, was just asking about tighter B strings in the strings subforum, actually, for the same reasons.

The clank does not have any movement, it's isolated to singular frets. I'm going to try raising the action and see how that goes. I'll work on the truss rod if that doesn't help. Any advice on string tensions from what you found out?

 

[bholder]

If only individual frets have the problem, some fret leveling is likely in order. I have some basses that get a little clanky on the upper frets of the lower strings if I have the action low - in that case, I either raise the action, sometimes just careful technique or a bit more finger pressure can make it stop as well. So which frets are clanky?

 

[spanndrew]

If only individual frets have the problem, some fret leveling is likely in order. I have some basses that get a little clanky on the upper frets of the lower strings if I have the action low - in that case, I either raise the action, sometimes just careful technique or a bit more finger pressure can make it stop as well. So which frets are clanky?

It's really all the frets when notes on the B are fretted. They perform fine with the e-c, but there is a nice clank/thump that rings unless the note is fretted incredibly softly.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Typically my B is higher than my E just a smidge regardless of neck radius. To avoid this very thing. my necks are all -but flat nearly 0 relief.
I like my action pretty low.

 

[bholder]

It's really all the frets when notes on the B are fretted. They perform fine with the e-c, but there is a nice clank/thump that rings unless the note is fretted incredibly softly.

Just has to be string height at the bridge, then.

 

[spanndrew]

Just has to be string height at the bridge, then.

I'll raise her up then. Thanks for the help!

 

[bholder]

Typically my B is higher than my E just a smidge regardless of neck radius. To avid this very thing my necks are all -but flat nearly 0 relief.
I like my action pretty low.

All but flat, low action, yup, that's the recipe for a clanky B, I'm afraid. Going higher than .130 might help, but that's already plenty big.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Or stiffer strings hex cores like Dr low riders.
I like Smith Compressors on my Warwick only a 125 B but STIFF...

 

[spanndrew]

Or stiffer strings hex cores like Dr low riders.
I like Smith Compressors on my Warwick only a 125 B but STIFF...

My teacher recommended a set of smiths, I think the balanced set with 120 B. I was thinking of trying one set or another of smiths next time I have the cash to blow on new strings.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

The compressors in particular are very nice
I get all my strings from bassstringsonline.com
Jason suggested I try them I did and I love them on this bass in particular. Warwick Dolphin pro 1 5 string. I liked them on other basses too ...

 

[bholder]

Or stiffer strings hex cores like Dr low riders.
I like Smith Compressors on my Warwick only a 125 B but STIFF...

I have a set sitting right here waiting for me to decide what 5er to put them on. Hmmmmm.

 

[bholder]

The compressors in particular are very nice
I get all my strings from bassstringsonline.com
Jason suggested I try them I did and I love them on this bass in particular. Warwick Dolphin pro 1 5 string. I liked them on other basses too ...

Yeah, I got some points goin' there too.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Do it I love the smooth almost flat feel. The taught springy response. The smooth highs and beefy midrange.
Lol while I was writing this Maralee says.... that better be a description of something about a bass.. lol
Maralee is - The lead singer of my band and fiance

 

[truebenjaman]

If you are not using a balanced set, then your B probably has significantly lower tension than your other strings (with D'Addario XLs e.g. the 130 goes together with a gauge 95 E). Thos could contribute to your issue.