Strange Vibration-Buzzing Issue. Not Fret Buzz on Viola Bass.

[MoreBeer]

I had this Epiphone viola bass for a while and all of a sudden, when playing the A string open, I'm getting this vibration-buzz type of noise. Its not fret buzz as I checked for that, plus the sound is nothing like a fret buzz.

The vibration itself seemed to emit from the tail piece as if it was vibrating like a tuning fork? So I loosened up the A string and moved the ball end around a little, thinking it could be that, but no dice. Its like once I get close to getting the A in tune, there's this annoying vibration which makes its way right through the amp.

I then noticed that putting a little pressure on the string above the nut stopped the problem. It didn't matter if the slight pressure was placed above or below the string. So for now, I just stuck some folded paper towel under the string above the nut and the vibration is gone and it doesn't affect the sound or sustain of the open A. I find it odd how this stopped the vibration?

What do you guys think? Could it be the string itself? I don't have a new set on hand so I can't try it. The strings on the guitar are Chromes Flats, medium scale maybe 4 months old.

 

[sissy kathy]

You have as 0 fret, maybe the nut is staring to come loose?

 

[96tbird]

Yes, Or the A slot in the nut is too wide and it's slapping back and forth in the slot. Jam some foil or paper on both sides of the string and see if that stops it. If yes, a minor nut repair with ca or a new nut is in order. Or leave whatever you jammed in there.

Have you gone from a .085 A to a .080 or similar?

 

[MoreBeer]

Have not switched to lighter gauge strings. Had the same strings in there for about 4-5 months and the problem just now started. Nut is not loose, I checked that.

I may try the foil as I did that on an old acoustic guitar but for a different reason...to raise the action closer to the nut. But it might work here, who knows. If not, I'll look for a small piece of black foam to get rid of the eyesore white paper towel which is just a temporary fix.

Granted, its a cheap bass, my cheapest by far, although fun to play. Weird problem though...as I said, seems the tail piece is making the noise, which is odd since putting pressure on the string between the saddle and tail has no effect whatsoever on the vibration.

 

[sissy kathy]

Check the nuts on the tuners, make sure they are tight. Your tail pieces has bendy pieces that are welded, make sure none of the welds are broken.

I have my Hofner apart for rewiring right now and was playing with it, you vibration thing, and the control plate is loose, the strings cause it to vibrate, maybe you should check everything even if it doesn't appear to be related.

 

[Precision101]

Looks like the nut is a bit too wide for the A. Make sure there's lots of pressure on the nut. (The strings should be at the bottom of the winding post).

 

[Orpheus55]

I have the exact same problem on the exact same string and I fixed it the same way--tiny, invisible pieceof cardboard beneath the string. I think this is common to the Viola, as it was the same with my last one.

 

[Orpheus55]

I finally went and thoroughly trouble-shot the problem; the solution was to raise the bridge about 1/16-1/8 by turning the knurled wheels counter-clockwise (a small needle-nose pliers makes this easier) and move the bridge slightly forward--exactly 5/8 of an inch from the black edge of the pickup. I think the problem may have developed over time because the knurled bridge adjuster may have been turned. Anyway, this fixed the problem and no material needed beneath the strings. These are D'Addario medium scale, standard gauge strings. I will be switching to the Hofner Labella flatwound strings next (the older .50 gauge). Hope this helps other Viola owners, as it is not at all uncommon.