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

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Joshbazz, May 18, 2018.

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  1. May 18, 2018 #1
    Joshbazz

    Joshbazz

    Mar 3, 2016
    Kelowna, BC Canada
    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...
     
  2. May 18, 2018 #2
    Chuck M

    Chuck M Supporting Member

    May 2, 2000
    San Antonio, Texas
    The string may be too close to the pickup. The pull of the magnet in the PU can cause that. Try raising the string.
     
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  3. May 18, 2018 #3
    Mark76

    Mark76

    Dec 1, 2015
    Leicester
    Or lowering the pickup on that side?
     
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  4. May 18, 2018 #4
    Warpeg

    Warpeg

    Jun 20, 2005
    Ohio
    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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  5. May 18, 2018 #5
    Joshbazz

    Joshbazz

    Mar 3, 2016
    Kelowna, BC Canada
    Oh wow, didn't even think of that, ok, will try that out, thanks!

    I'll update with results :)
     
  6. May 18, 2018 #6
    Joshbazz

    Joshbazz

    Mar 3, 2016
    Kelowna, BC Canada
    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!
     
  7. May 18, 2018 #7
    SteveCS

    SteveCS

    Nov 19, 2014
    Hampshire, UK
    Hey you! Don't do that ^^^, do this...

     
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  8. May 18, 2018 #8
    Joshbazz

    Joshbazz

    Mar 3, 2016
    Kelowna, BC Canada
    Yes, will lower the pickup on the bass side (E string) and see if that fixes it, otherwise I'll start troubleshooting...

    Cheers!