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Ringing sound on open A

Larbacca

Larbacca

Mar 2, 2014
62
8
#1
Hi,
I have a 92 p bass that is getting an odd noise when I play an open A note. It was perfectly set up and I love where everything is set. This is different than a fret buzz sound. It's almost like a ringing noise, like the ringing in your ears after a concert. It's only on the a string. I thought it could be something with the bridge saddle, but listening closely pointed towards the nut/tuner area as the epicenter. There's nothing loose or out of whack visually. Any ideas?
 
#7
bassliner50 said:
Could very well be a bad string. Replace that A string and see if it sounds normal. A similar peculiar sound happened to me once. Turned out to be a bad E string. It almost sounded like reverberation. The string had to go.
Click to expand...

Before you replace the string,

Push down on the A string, between the nut and the tuner. Does the noise go away or change?

Then try tuning the string down--- about a whole step--- the string might get too floppy, but does the noise change pitch?

Then tune it up about 1/2 step above A, does the noise change pitch? You get where I'm going.

It could be a bad string---- but try an old A string (if you have one), before putting on a brand new one.

good luck
 
#9
Check to see the if the nut holding the A tuner onto the front of the headstock is tight. Sometimes the nut loosens up and "rattles" when you play it. While not the "ringing sound you're describing, certain frequencies can cause it to reverberate and sound like ringing if it's loose.
 
#11
Check the break angle from nut to post. As mentioned, make sure there are enough wraps around the tuner post to force the string as far down onto the post as possible. The third string is the most sensitive to break angle on basses with Fender-type headstocks.

If that doesn't fix it, report back. There are some other items on the check list, but a weak break angle is the most common culprit.
 
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#14
In addition to all the above... loosen the string and pull the ball end away from the bridge. Re-tighten the string allowing the ball end to be pulled back to the bridge. This straightens out a twisted string. Also re-witness the string at the bridge and nut. Sounds crazy but it has worked for me. A strings are notorious for this problem.
 
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#15
I have a warwick that does the same thing and it is a resonance issue, ie dead spot....check the other a notes on the bass to see if they die out quickly. I could be a string issue etc like others have said, but if you change the string and it is still there, it is likely a resonance issue. you could also add mass to the headstock to see if it makes the problem go away, or less obvious.
 
#17
If all the above doesn't work, check to see if your truss rod is in the neutral position. I've had that happen before to me, and after tightening up the hardware on the tuning machines and saddle screws that was the culprit...
 
Last edited:
#18
I also agree that it's likely a problem in the slot of the nut. Over time the friction can wear the slot slightly just enough to cause the unwanted vibration you're hearing. In addition to everyone else's suggestions, try this.

As a test, lift the A string and tuck a small amount of scotch tape between the string and the slot. Then put your ear right next to the nut and pluck the string before and after adding the tape to see if the ringing has been reduced. If so, I would have a new nut cut for it.
 

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