Nothing fixes string rattle

[Hypnotaize]

I'm at my breaking point with my Bronco. The same problem has been persisting for years, and I thought I finally had it fixed.

As soon as my finger hits a string, there's this rattle. It only lasts for half a second, then I get a clear sound. It's most noticeable on the open strings, and as I move further up the neck, it gets quieter and quieter, but is still there.

At first, it was just the G. Now it's every string, and the loudest rattles are from the G and A. I've taken it down to the music store where they've done everything from truss rod adjustments to checking out the action to fixing some frets (which did get rid of the spanking up by fifteenth), and I'll play it there, it sounds perfect, get home, it sounds good for a day, then the next, it's back! From playing the bass and running my ear back and forth, it seems like it's coming from the nut, or around that area.

But now, I just want to give up. Unfortunately, I won't be getting my bass until late October or December, and my first performance with my school jazz band is the second week of October. I'd typically just ignore it, but it's getting so bad I can't pay attention to what I'm playing.

 

[96tbird]

Sounds like break angle over the nut. If the angle from the nut back to the tuner is too shallow it can rattle in the nut slot. The strings should be right down on the deck coming off the E and A tuners.

But you say the G too? Is there a string retainer on your bass? There should be, being a Bronco.

 

[Spectrum]

Are you sure it's string rattle? I thought I had a rattle on my Jaguar bass but it turned out to be one of the knobs was rattling against the control plate. Was an easy fix.

 

[Oren Hudson]

If indeed it is the string making noise, try putting a small piece of toothpick, pipe cleaner or such in the slot to give it a little height/angle and cushion. This has worked for me several times.

 

[Hypnotaize]

Are you sure it's string rattle? I thought I had a rattle on my Jaguar bass but it turned out to be one of the knobs was rattling against the control plate. Was an easy fix.

It might not be the string. I'll take it back in today, as I'm not sure how well I trust myself with repairs of any kind.

 

[Precision101]

Sounds like break angle over the nut. If the angle from the nut back to the tuner is too shallow it can rattle in the nut slot. The strings should be right down on the deck coming off the E and A tuners.

But you say the G too? Is there a string retainer on your bass? There should be, being a Bronco.

I'm with 96tbird. Sounds like the strings might be slipping up the tuning post and there's not enough pressure on the nut causing it to "rattle" a string retainer should do the trick.

 

[JLS]

It could be the tuners. Have someone hold the tuning keys while you're playing it, or vise-versa; I've found mystery buzzes on customers' instruments this way, most often with large clover type gears. Q&D fix: a little CA glue, wicked into the joint of the key & shaft.

 

[Hypnotaize]

Thanks, JLS. I've figured out it is the tuning keys. I'll try the glue, but if that doesn't work, I'm not even going to bother replacing the pegs. I'm not putting anymore money into this POS, I'll save that for my new bass.

 

[dannster]

Might be the truss rod. If it's loose it will rattle. I can't hear it to know one way or the other but I've come across that.
just need to be snugged.

 

[GregBEL]

Thanks, JLS. I've figured out it is the tuning keys. I'll try the glue, but if that doesn't work, I'm not even going to bother replacing the pegs. I'm not putting anymore money into this POS, I'll save that for my new bass.

Might be the same issue I had which also took me a while to realize: the clover leaf of my E tuner peg was the culprit! I applied tiny drops of superglue (using a toothpick) in between the joint of the cloverleaf and the stem. Wait patiently for it to dry and recheck!