Weird low E string harmonics on new bass. Help!

[marsh9292]

Hey there,

I just got a brand new Hofner Ignition Beatles Bass. I love the tone but there is something really strange going on with the low e string. There are harmonics that peak out past the 5th fret and get louder and louder the higher I go, even overpowering the fretted note, creating an out of tune harmony.

I can't see the string touching the frets anywhere.

I also adjusted the bridge for intonation as I thought this was the issue but it persists.

I've attached a recording comparing the same notes played on the A and then the E string.

Audio Example: Post info | SndUp

I'm thinking/hoping it is just a bum E string. Any ideas?

 

[Zooberwerx]

How did your eval your intonation? The second (E string?) sounds just a tad sharp but maybe that's just me.

Riis

 

[marsh9292]

How did your eval your intonation? The second (E string?) sounds just a tad sharp but maybe that's just me.

Riis

Hi there! I set it by adjusting the bridge. It is definitely not perfect but it was more so the high harmonic that was bothersome. The intonation would adjust with the bridge but no matter what that high harmonic was sticking around. I'm trying to solve that issue before perfecting the intonation.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hi there! I set it by adjusting the bridge. It is definitely not perfect but it was more so the high harmonic that was bothersome. The intonation would adjust with the bridge but no matter what that high harmonic was sticking around. I'm trying to solve that issue before perfecting the intonation.

*Could be a bad string. Is it the original?

*Routine stuff: Remove string or at least the tuner coil in case the string is twisted. Re-position / tune to pitch / set the witness points.

*Is that a floating (movable) bridge? IIRC, you move the small saddle inserts to set intonation.

Riis

 

[Pimpernel Smith]

In my opinion, the round wound strings that come on the Hofner Ignition bass are not of a very good quality. I'd call them rubbish. I , and many others on this forum, have an Ignition with La Bella light gauge flat wounds for Beatle bass on it and it sounds very good.

 

[wvbass]

Bad string? Maybe. Also maybe lower the pickups just a little.

 

[marsh9292]

Thanks for the input! I just ordered a set of La Bella's and a setup kit. Hopefully this will solve the issue!

 

[bbh]

Sounds like the string could be twisted. Pull it and reinstall using the machine to tighten it instead of hand wrapping it around the post by hand as I do. It's always possible the string is bad. You could test with an old string from any old string change where the string is known good.

 

[TomB]

I encounter similar issues when the string to pickup distance is too small (too close). Try lowering your pickup and see if that helps.