Howling feedback noise

[lexxmexx]

I had posted this question previously but did not get any answers, so I thought of trying my luck here again.

I keep getting that loud howling feedback noise when I play long holding notes. I would describe it as the sound will, instead of fading off, it will get louder and louder gradually and eventually turn into a high pitched howl.

This problem had been observed at a couple of the jamming studios which I've played in. Thus, I guess it should not be due to faulty amps, the problem could be from my bass pickups or tone settings...I'm not sure. However, I don't get such issues on my little practice amp at home. Due to the small size of the studios, I have to stand right infront of the amp with my back facing it.

The howling noise was present whether I use a Zoom mutli-effects pedal or not, but it is more pronounced when the pedal is used and at higher volumes. I am not sure if I should send my bass to the service center to have the pickups checked but I have a feeling that the techs will say that there is nothing wrong with my bass.

Bass: Yamaha BB415 (fully stock)
Amps: Marshall, Peavey etc...happens everywhere
Effects: Zoom B2.1u

This is really plaging me as I can't play any holding notes without getting that unpleasant feedback and I need to mute all the strings get rid of it. Please help me

 

[fetfet]

Maybe one or both of your pickups is microphonic.

Do test. Solo your pickup(any one) and tap the plastic part, and around it. If you hear audible clicks, your pickup is microphonic, and you should have it checked out.

 

[4Mal]

maybe you're playing too loud, too close to the amp ? The pedal probably adds gain which just adds fuel to the fire ...

Microphonic feedback isn't typically what I would describe as
'howling'. Squealing, maybe ...

 

[EclecticElectrk]

maybe your bass isnt properly grounded? if you were to remove the bridge, there should be a small grounding wire running from the electronics compartments through a cavity, and then touching the bridge so the bass is properly grounded. just a thought. you could loosen all the strings and then unscrew the bridge to see, takes about 5 minutes

 

[lexxmexx]

maybe your bass isnt properly grounded? if you were to remove the bridge, there should be a small grounding wire running from the electronics compartments through a cavity, and then touching the bridge so the bass is properly grounded. just a thought. you could loosen all the strings and then unscrew the bridge to see, takes about 5 minutes

Need your clarification here, when you mentioned the bridge, were you referring to the bridge pickup or the real bridge that holds the other end of the strings?

Thanks

 

[lexxmexx]

maybe you're playing too loud, too close to the amp ? The pedal probably adds gain which just adds fuel to the fire ...

Microphonic feedback isn't typically what I would describe as
'howling'. Squealing, maybe ...

I have to play loud or my sound will drowned by the guitars. I have seen that every bassists who jams at these studios were standing at the place as I do and these guys are way louder than us. So I doubt that it could be due to these factors. But I wll experiment by standing further away to see if this is really the cause. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Bass_masta16]

Need your clarification here, when you mentioned the bridge, were you referring to the bridge pickup or the real bridge that holds the other end of the strings?

Thanks

Hes talking about the actual bridge, that thing that holds the strings.

My bass used to do that alot, I used to use a Zakk Wylde overdrive pedal (intended for guitar) on my bass, and whenever I held an E, it would do exactly what you described (Continuously get louder and louder instead of fading out)
(Try standing far away from the amp aswell, could be feedback).
So if your using any kind of pedal, try not using it and see what it does.
But if your not using any kind of pedal, then I don't know what it is, it could be a grounding problem (the bridge thing described to you already) or it could be the pickups or any other kind of hardware.

Rock On,
Bass Masta

 

[lexxmexx]

Thanks guys, I think I have found the root of the problem. I had connected my bass and multi-effects to the passive input and the signal might have gotten too hot. Things went back to normal after I switched it to the active input instead.