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FenderJazz A string twang

JazzyJuiceCombo

JazzyJuiceCombo

Oct 27, 2017
19
20
#1
I'm on my third fender jazz, a 2017 American Pro Jazz 4, and couldn't more pleased. But, maybe just a little bit more.
On this one and the two previous, I couldn't get rid of the initial twang on playing an open A string. It doesn't happen with the other strings. Adjusting intonation never got rid of it, nor string type, so I'm wondering if anyone else using the Fender JB has this twang on their open A? (more pronounced using a pick)
As for other bass models I've had (PBs Rickenbacker and Yamaha) it's not something that I detected; or tried to actually.
One thing I'm suspecting is the break angle at the nut. So if anyone has a thought on that, let me know. Adding another tree would sort that out, but I don't want to go there on my whims.
Maybe it's just a wolf tone?
Btw, this is on the bass un amped, so not coming from amp/cabinet.
Thoughts?
 
#2
This kind of problem typically comes from the rattle of the A string in the nut. The best way to ensure against it is to be careful to wind the A string to the very bottom of the tuning post. Additionally it is useful to set a clean witness point of the A string (and the rest for that matter) over the nut.
 
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#3
Own several jazz basses and other Fender style basses and this sounds like you may not have enough wraps of string around the tuning post. This helps keep downward pressure on the nut. I like more wraps than most around the post. I usually measure 5 to 6 inches past the post and that usually seats the string all the way to the bottom of the post.
 
#4
Thanks guys,
I've been going by a "3 winds no more no less" rule I was instructed on since the 80's. Well, learn it wrong, know it wrong.

So, I'll restring first. To the bottom of the post. Certainly a better angle.

As for setting witness points, that's always done on installation (and just now gave it a bend here and there) so I can rule that out, and the seating in the nut is actually quite good, tight and no lift on the fretboard side of the nut so...?
And just now, bass in hand, I'll correct myself and say it's making a sound not so much a "twang" as there's no vibration or rattling sound. It's more like a subtle "phaser pedal effect". Which is why I always thought it was an intonation issue.

So, I'll be getting new strings ASAP. And winding on. All the way down.
 
#6
Phaser...Twang...? Now my partner's telling me that "the attack pitch is just higher than the resonant pitch". She's an analog synth luddite, so much smarter than I at describing such things.
Anyway, my strings aren't in stock anywhere near, so waiting on an Amazon order.
 
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#7
New strings on two days ago. Wound to bottom of the post (see photo).

Yet the break angle of the A still isn't what I'd call "good" (see photo).

But It's the best angle possible, without screwing on another tree.

In a nut shell, your suggestion worked. Sounds better than before.
Thanks very much.

Plucking sound is good, with no spiking pitch on attack. With a pick there's still a very slight spike that decays almost instantly. Again, this is only on the open A and doesn't happen when fretted. It's just one of those things that I'll have to get over, like wondering if I left the iron on.
02EDB862-FD98-462B-9D53-B3C98793BF25.jpeg

8D22D2D6-6510-4637-AA57-6B076535FD18.jpeg
 
#8
Fender makes a stealth retainer that goes under the nut that holds the A string post together. Fixes the break angle problem.

y_aaf1168a-jpg.jpg


Or just replace the tree with a Hipshot 3 string version. They both run about the same price, $15-20 as I've observed.
 
#10
Put this "stealth string retainer" from fender on a few hours ago, and it's kind of???


Photos speak for themselves.


It can't take the tension of the string. Almost gets lifted to the angle of the string without it. And hasn't made much difference to the angle compared to photo above.

But perhaps the simple act of adding an extra point of tension will tame that strange attack timbre.

Anyway, just gonna give it a day alone with an occasional little stretch, before judging.
2DAD68D6-D5B7-4090-89C1-80CBCD3D7B7C.jpeg
846DA93E-221A-49A1-9F0D-505E0D04674C.jpeg
 
#11
JazzyJuiceCombo said:
I'm on my third fender jazz, a 2017 American Pro Jazz 4, and couldn't more pleased. But, maybe just a little bit more.
On this one and the two previous, I couldn't get rid of the initial twang on playing an open A string. It doesn't happen with the other strings. Adjusting intonation never got rid of it, nor string type, so I'm wondering if anyone else using the Fender JB has this twang on their open A? (more pronounced using a pick)
As for other bass models I've had (PBs Rickenbacker and Yamaha) it's not something that I detected; or tried to actually.
One thing I'm suspecting is the break angle at the nut. So if anyone has a thought on that, let me know. Adding another tree would sort that out, but I don't want to go there on my whims.
Maybe it's just a wolf tone?
Btw, this is on the bass un amped, so not coming from amp/cabinet.
Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I've had this issue on two new Fender basses; a AMST P and AMPRO J. The P bass I swapped out for a new one that did not have the rattle and the J I just returned and kept my money. The nut slot on the P was just cut too wide, there wasn't much to be done besides repairing it which for a $1500 bass was out of the question for me.

No real point to this post other than to say I've been there too.
 
#12
Wolfenstein666 said:
I've had this issue on two new Fender basses; a AMST P and AMPRO J. The P bass I swapped out for a new one that did not have the rattle and the J I just returned and kept my money. The nut slot on the P was just cut too wide, there wasn't much to be done besides repairing it which for a $1500 bass was out of the question for me.

No real point to this post other than to say I've been there too.
Click to expand...

If the bass was new, why didn't you use the warranty and get it fixed for free?
 
#14
It actually made that final bit of difference I was looking for !
Both the advice on winding to the bottom (on the other side of the photo the winding is lower than it appears), and putting this "stealth" gizmo on, each lent to eliminating that irksome "attack timber".

Even with the stiffest pick I have, the sound is gone.
Playing chords with an open A sound so good now.

Anyway, to Wolfenstein, sorry about your drama. I had a similar experience recently with a brand new Roland piano. They're excellent, but what I got was cursed by the voice of that guy who sang "Alainis Morrisett". So like you I said "repair? No way dood! New one thanks"

But I've never actually had a dud Fender. This one is my favourite and we'll never part. I'm just fastidious about sound, to the point where I spend thousands on headphones and high def music players (AK320). Listening to MP3's gives me a headache sometimes.

Way cool now, got my perfect tone.
:hyper:
 
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