Spector Euro 4LX weird "chorus" sound

[Jarkko Tapano]

Hi,

I have a new Spector EURO 4 LX bass with EMG p/j pickups. I have noticed that when played with fingers, it has strange chorus effect on sound. I have tried to adjust pickup height but no change. What could it be?

 

[Mastodon2]

Pickups out of phase, perhaps?

 

[Jarkko Tapano]

Pickups out of phase, perhaps?

Hmm, It sounds normal otherwise, like using chorus pedal with low settings.

 

[Reedt2000]

Does it only happen when amplified? If so it points to the electronics as the source of the issue. If it happens when you're not plugged in it is probably something to do with the nut (if so it would only happen on open strings) or the bridge saddle. Search whiteness point here on TB and there are a TON of threads about making sure you have the proper mechanical connection between strings and saddles. You may also want to check that the set screw which keeps the saddles locked in place is tightened down.

 

[Reedt2000]

Should also mention the tone pump preamp is crazy hot. At one point in production Spector added a master output control inside the control cavity, might be it is making your amp do strange things because the output is really high.

 

[Jarkko Tapano]

Does it only happen when amplified? If so it points to the electronics as the source of the issue. If it happens when you're not plugged in it is probably something to do with the nut (if so it would only happen on open strings) or the bridge saddle. Search whiteness point here on TB and there are a TON of threads about making sure you have the proper mechanical connection between strings and saddles. You may also want to check that the set screw which keeps the saddles locked in place is tightened down.

Yes, the effect is strongest with open strings. I'll investigate the nut and look at bridge as well. Is it normal that when I tighten the set screw (on the side of bridge) the saddle rises a bit? Without touching the saddle screws

 

[Jarkko Tapano]

Should also mention the tone pump preamp is crazy hot. At one point in production Spector added a master output control inside the control cavity, might be it is making your amp do strange things because the output is really high.

I have already lowered it down was almost the first thing i did.
Thanks for the tips. I thing it could be the nut.

 

[Reedt2000]

Yes, the effect is strongest with open strings. I'll investigate the nut and look at bridge as well. Is it normal that when I tighten the set screw (on the side of bridge) the saddle rises a bit? Without touching the saddle screws

Not enough to notice, you don't want to over-tighten.

 

[rockdoc11]

I've heard of similar issues being resolved by moving the pickups down, closer to the body and further away from the strings.

 

[somebrains]

Get the factory setup specs for your bass and zero it.
Check that your nut and string combo are fine.
Change your battery, adjust preamp gain if applicable, change batt, give the circuit a once over.
Check intonation, my Spector NS2-A has few adjustment options but I've seen a lot of whacked out string height relative to fretboard radius.

Tweak for your play style, strings, and etc.

 

[matante]

If you have active EMGs, they are designed to be as close to the strings as possible without touching them. Having them super close to the strings does not cause problems unless they're defective.

 

[Robert B]

I've heard of similar issues being resolved by moving the pickups down, closer to the body and further away from the strings.

Yup. You might also check if the strings are twisted.

 

[68Goldfish]

I’d say unwind the string a see if it twists around when you take it off the post. If it does then back the ball end out of the bridge and turn the string to where the windings line up with the tuning peg. Put the ball in back in the bridge and tune it up. This really should be done every time a new set of strings is put on. Especially with the lower B and E strings.

 

[Jarkko Tapano]

Thanks for the advices.
I played the bass yesterday and sound was suddenly distorted. I changed the battery but same sound.
Checked the battery box and it had loose wire. It seems that wires are soldered really tight and wires are too short. Didn't expect that from Spector.

 

[India_Sierra]

If you have active EMGs, they are designed to be as close to the strings as possible without touching them. Having them super close to the strings does not cause problems unless they're defective.

Where is this stated? I had not heard this before and I had assumed they would exert the same magnetic pull over a string as would any other pickup (active or passive) if the string was too close to the magnetised pole?

 

[matante]

Where is this stated? I had not heard this before and I had assumed they would exert the same magnetic pull over a string as would any other pickup (active or passive) if the string was too close to the magnetised pole?

It's in the installation instructions. EMGs were the first active pickups, I believe. The idea behind them is that because of the built-in preamp, the coils can be designed with lower magnetic pull than passives, and this increases clarity.

 

[Jarkko Tapano]

Thanks for all the answers. One more question, because it feels strange with EMG's.
Is it normal that pickups pick up the sound if I gently tap their plastic covers. Same thing if I tap the body.
This occurs when played with higher volumes.