Double Bass Reducing string 'clatter' on the fingerboard

[Clarkybass]

My Kolstein Busetto has a pretty intrusive amount of string clatter when I lift my fingers on the A string, especially in the lower registers (C-D area). This is a buzzy, metallic vibration that occurs while the string is moving back up into 'normal' (unfretted) position. The strings are fairly low tension Kolstein Heritage (the stock strings on this bass). Changing the action doesn't seem to make any difference.

I have searched TB and while there are threads about buzzing strings these generally refer to either loose nut slots or other unwanted resonances - this is different and is simply the string as it lifts off the ebony board.

My question is therefore whether this would disappear with a higher tension string (as the string would presumably bounce back into position more quickly than a lower tension string) or whether it can be solved with bridge adjustment (I have the removable necked Busetto so the bridge can be shifted about without difficulty)? Or is there another cure? All thoughts appreciated

 

[Thumpie]

Could be a fingerboard dressing issue.

Different strings could really change this regardless of where the problem is.

(To avoid scorn, don't say "unfretted." I think "action" is also frowned upon. "Bridge height" is probably a better term.)

 

[Clarkybass]

Thanks Thumpie, I am nearly 50 years old and played electric bass only until a couple of years ago, so old phrases die hard!

 

[Phil Rowan]

+1 about getting the fingerboard checked by a certified double bass luthier. I had a real nasty buzz on the F# on the E string and a redressing did wonders.

 

[Clarkybass]

I fear you may be right about re-dressing the board. I swapped over last night for a Helicore Pizz A and a Velvet Garbo A and the clatter was there with both, even though they both have different tensions to the existing Kolstein Heritage A. I have, however, managed to reduce the clatter a bit by re-stringing the A very carefully so the windings are neat and nowhere near the other strings and by re-siting the bridge fractionally. The noise is still there but not as intrusive - its just a question of whether I can live with it or send the bass off to a luthier (harder than you might imagine in London, UK - very few good ones around and my established guy Malcolm Healey has just retired)

 

[Duckwater]

I use high tension strings mainly for this reason, it's not a guarantee fix though.

 

[Treyzer]

Sometimes there is lots of clatter when the strings are too close to the fingerboard. If you have bridge adjusters, you could try raising the string heights a bit.

 

[Hector Wolff]

When you play the open A do you get this clatter?

If you do then it sounds to me like your nut slot is too deep making your A string too close to the fingerboard.

 

[Clarkybass]

No, its only when fingering a note (see, I didn't say fretting!) and is especially noticeable around C and D - its there higher up on the A string but a bit quieter, but as I play a lot in the lower positions this is where it irks me

 

[arseniotall]

My bass does the same now. Only on the E however. My bridge is as high as it will go so I dont think thats the issue.

 

[Phil Rowan]

Clarky, are the strings extremely close the the fingerboard right where they leave the nut?

 

[Clarkybass]

Clarky, are the strings extremely close the the fingerboard right where they leave the nut?

They don't look unusually close compared with the other strings. I tried another experiment today - fatter strings (Spirocore Solo 3882's, tuned down to orchestral) - and the clatter is still there, although not quite as abrasive as the strings have a relatively soft surface. I then played around with 'action' - when I push the E/A side very high (>1cm at the end of the fingerboard) the clatter reduces noticeably, but it becomes unplayable for me.

I am thinking the only real option here - when I have time - is to take it to a luthier and get the ebony board checked over and dressed.

 

[Phil Rowan]

I am thinking the only real option here - when I have time - is to take it to a luthier and get the ebony board checked over and dressed.

I think everyone at TB would support you in making this decision.

 

[misterbadger]

I'm in the same boat with string clatter -Upton laminate, mid-register with A and E strings, Spiro Mittels. Thanks for all the advice. It's inspired me to haul it back to be evaluated by the luthier who did the original dressing to see if if it's a fault in my technique (most likely, since I'm new to DB) or if it needs some remedial work.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

They don't look unusually close compared with the other strings. I tried another experiment today - fatter strings (Spirocore Solo 3882's, tuned down to orchestral) - and the clatter is still there, although not quite as abrasive as the strings have a relatively soft surface. I then played around with 'action' - when I push the E/A side very high (>1cm at the end of the fingerboard) the clatter reduces noticeably, but it becomes unplayable for me.

I am thinking the only real option here - when I have time - is to take it to a luthier and get the ebony board checked over and dressed.

It sounds like the nut slots may be high. I like the slots to be cut to allow only a business card (no more than two) to fit between the open string and fingerboard. Have that checked when you have the fingerboard checked.