When I'm playing I hear a tap every time I hit a string. I hit the strings a little harder than I should but I've never had this happen with my other basses. Will adjusting the string height help me fix this?
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Will adjusting string height help me?
- Thread starter Wootenjr304
- Start date
+1.
If it's localized to a small area it's fret specific you may need a fret level but that is unlikely
Mainly it's just clacking even with an open string. Every once in awhile there is a slight rattle but no constant buzzing.
Check the string isn't touching exposed pickup pole pieces when playing. I had a similar issue with the exposed rail on my old RBX4A2. Fixed it with a strip of insulation tape.
- Jan 17, 2002
- 1,249
- 23
- Disclosures
- I paid for all my gear myself. Well, me and MasterCard.
I've found this happens on my basses when I set the relief really low (i.e. tighter truss rod). It's a tradeoff: string clack, or low action.
I just got it yesterday from fender and none of my other basses had places to adjust truss rods. So I'm not sure exactly how to set it up right. The strings are about a quarter of an inch above the pickups not sure if that's the normal height.
Here's Fender's take on setup:
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Assuming you have new strings it might take a while for them break in and lose their zing.
fnord!
If you want to watch Canuck setting up Fenders:
http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557/search?query=fender+bass+set+up
might as well learn set ups now it is easy; you can't hurt anything unless you get real stubborn and crank the truss rod until it snaps
fnord!
http://www.youtube.com/user/davey4557/search?query=fender+bass+set+up
might as well learn set ups now it is easy; you can't hurt anything unless you get real stubborn and crank the truss rod until it snaps
fnord!
I realized the rattle came from the headstock or the bridge... But there was a "rattle" every note I played on that string...
Had something similar- was driving me crazy until I realized what was causing it. The nut that held the tuner post to the headstock was loose and vibrating every time I played the string. It was more apparent playing open fret on that particular string.
So to the op, a few things you can do, check all the screws and nuts on your bass to make sure nothing is loose, make sure the neck is straight, check the saddle for that string- sometimes it's the spring that might be too loose as it has no tension (or lost it's tension) causing it to vibrate. You can also try to lower your pickup height- perhaps it's too sensitive and too close to the strings. If all fails, a tech should perhaps look at it and try to isolate the problem.
Many things will help with this. A good set up will most certainly be the best place to start. Also, (I did not see what bass you have) check your mid control. Sometimes dialing it back a hair will pull some of that out as well. Also, some work on your finger technique couldn't hurt. Sounds like you are pushing the strings down (hammer type motion) when you play. All of it goes into that sound. Good luck,
