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E string oscillates past 5th fret on Squier VM Jazz... Why?

Joshbazz

Joshbazz

Mar 3, 2016
165
197
Kelowna, BC Canada
about.me
#1
I have a sunburst vm jazz bass that I picked up for peanuts a while ago, loved the playability and tone in-store, however I have noticed a weird oscillating thing that happens to held/sustained notes past the 5th fret on the E string. It's like the note warbles in and out of tune. No other strings are being played, and I tried it again yesterday with headphones and it was there again, only the E string. Again, the E string is isolated, not going out of tune played with another string, though it sounds like it's going out of tune with itself - if that makes any sense...

I did change the bridge to a higher mass with saddle grooves, maybe I should switch back to the old bent one and see if the issue is still there. I'm not sure if this is a neck thing, or maybe a setup issue - though it's not happening on any other strings.

I also have a 5 string maple Squier vm jazz, also switched to a higher mass bridge with saddle grooves, and I don't think it has the issue.

Anyone have any ideas? Please help...
 
#4
Without witnessing the issue firsthand, it will be hard to determine the exact cause and fix. However, troubleshooting is your friend. You mention that you changed the bridge; it may be worth it to slap the old bridge back on and see if the issue persists. If so, then you've ruled out the bridge. Some other ideas to try:

  1. Check the truss rod. Is it possible that it's loose and it's rattling around inside of your neck?
  2. Examine all screws and nuts. Are they all tight or are any of them loose and rattling?
  3. Put a different set of strings on the bass and see if the issue goes away.
  4. Is your 5th fret (or any other fret) not properly secured to the fret board?
  5. Is your 6th fret (or a higher-up fret) slightly too high? Maybe you need a fret file/setup on the bass?
Make sure to only troubleshoot one item at a time so that you can narrow-down the source.
 
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#6
Warpeg said:
Without witnessing the issue firsthand, it will be hard to determine the exact cause and fix. However, troubleshooting is your friend. You mention that you changed the bridge; it may be worth it to slap the old bridge back on and see if the issue persists. If so, then you've ruled out the bridge. Some other ideas to try:

  1. Check the truss rod. Is it possible that it's loose and it's rattling around inside of your neck?
  2. Examine all screws and nuts. Are they all tight or are any of them loose and rattling?
  3. Put a different set of strings on the bass and see if the issue goes away.
  4. Is your 5th fret (or any other fret) not properly secured to the fret board?
  5. Is your 6th fret (or a higher-up fret) slightly too high? Maybe you need a fret file/setup on the bass?
Make sure to only troubleshoot one item at a time so that you can narrow-down the source.
Click to expand...
I was wondering about whether the frets needed to be filed... Was considering trying this out, not sure if someone does that in my town... Will try your suggestions though, thank you!
 

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