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G String second fret sharp

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by SeeBread, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Jul 13, 2013 #1
    SeeBread

    SeeBread

    May 12, 2013
    Fender MIM Jazz Bass

    When I play an A by fretting the second fret on the G string, it always rings slightly sharp before settling back to the right note. This is incredibly annoying. Is it a setup issue?

    Thanks, Seb
     
  2. Jul 13, 2013 #2
    RedLeg

    RedLeg Supporting Member

    Jan 24, 2009
    Kaiserslautern, Germany
    Nov Shmoz Ka Pop?
    how many cents?
     
  3. Jul 13, 2013 #3
    SeeBread

    SeeBread

    May 12, 2013
    Not a lot - 10 at most. Still enough to be nastily noticeable though.
     
  4. Jul 13, 2013 #4
    iiipopes

    iiipopes Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    Yes, if you pick too aggressively, this will happen. Have you had the nut checked to make sure it has the proper set up and the slot is not too high, although that would more often appear as continuously sharp, it can still have an effect.
     
  5. Jul 13, 2013 #5
    18eranaRic

    18eranaRic Inactive

    Mar 7, 2009
    Malibu, USA
    its not about the picking intensity, its probably the nut though. sometimes you get a nut slot that is a bit tight and the string slips in and out of tune as you fret in the lower notes (ie 2nd fret), have a qualified tech file out the nut slot for a proper string gauge, and problem solved. or try a lighter set of strings to fit the nut slot you have.
     
  6. Jul 13, 2013 #6
    Bruce Johnson

    Bruce Johnson Gold Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 4, 2011
    Fillmore, CA
    Professional Luthier
    Yes, the nut slot may be a little too high. Check that by pressing the string down lightly at the 2nd fret and looking at the clearance between the string and the 1st fret. There should be just a tiny bit of clearance, just barely the thickness of a piece of paper.

    The other thing is that you are probably pressing too hard. When you squeeze the string hard right behind the fret, you make it go sharp. Lighten up your touch. No need to mash the string down against the fingerboard. Just press it enough to contact the fret. Try it with your tuner hooked up. Watch how you can make the note go sharp by how hard you push down on the string.