• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Distortion Sound on E and A Strings

A

AccolaStudios

Nov 24, 2011
103
0
Chicago
#1
I recently set up my MIM Fender Jazz and installed some new Basslines SJB-3 pickups. However, I'm experiencing a slight "distortion" type sound when I pluck the E and A strings with decent force. It's more apparent on the E string, but I need to pluck very, very lightly to avoid it. The bass has an extremely small amount of fret buzz, but I can tell that's not the problem. Any suggestions?
 
#4
Actually, I just discovered that this is occuring on my Ray34 as well. It occured through two different amps as well. Pickup heights are at the settings in the manuals. It only occurs when I pluck nearly as hard as I can (which was only fooling around), so that's when I noticed it.
 
#5
AccolaStudios said:
Actually, I just discovered that this is occuring on my Ray34 as well. It occured through two different amps as well. Pickup heights are at the settings in the manuals. It only occurs when I pluck nearly as hard as I can (which was only fooling around), so that's when I noticed it.
Click to expand...

Have you tried different speaker cabinets? The chances of this happening on both basses is low, I'd imagine. I'd eliminate everything in your signal chain. Plug from your bass into your amp and then test out another cabinet besides the one you normally use.

Check cables as well. Try and narrow it down in any way you can.

With all that being said, you say you pluck really hard when this happens. Any chance your EQing your amp in such a way that it is overloading your speakers? What is your current setup with amp and cab?
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back