2

I have a MIM Fender Jazz bass from the early 2000s that has sounded ridiculously good... until just last night. I noticed that now when I play the A string open there is a very strange acoustic noise coming from seemingly the whole guitar (though it’s louder at the body). It is best described as a metallic, high-pitched ringing noise. Seems to be the only string / note with this problem. The guitar itself is very resonant, if I tap a screwdriver to any of the screws on it I can hear the whole guitar make a gentle metallic ringing sound...

I have attempted to “dampen” various points where the string is transferring energy to the bass (IE tuners, but, bridge) but nothing seems to completely eliminate the problem. The bass has been well kept, apart from the few typical “dings” to a headstock that’s too far away for its own good...

Anybody have any experience with this problem? Or maybe some tips on how to further troubleshoot it?

Improve this question
4
  • Have a quick line at our posts here on "wolf tone damping." That's most likely your problem.
    – Doktor Mayhem ♦
    Jul 7, 2018 at 18:53
  • Plugged and/or unplugged? All screws tight?
    – Tim
    Jul 8, 2018 at 6:43
  • Very apparent unplugged, couldn’t tell when plugged in. All screws nice and tight. Wolf tones sounds like it might be a plausible cause, but my situation still seems different than what others have described.
    – Maxwell Whitney
    Jul 9, 2018 at 1:41
  • My main fretted bass (cheap china-built Warwick) has been doing this for ages. Sounds great in the mix...
    – leftaroundabout
    Jul 12, 2018 at 12:45

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

It could be the truss rod that makes the noise. You could try tightening the nut a bit (you'll most likely have to take off the neck). Or loosening it, depending on what relief it has now.

Another possibility is that the nut slot for the A string is not good, or that the angle of the string leading to the tuning post isn't steep enough.

Improve this answer
2
  • Already tightened up the truss rod a little bit, setting the amount of relief I usually keep it at. Also have tried applying downward pressure behind the nut already, to no avail :(
    – Maxwell Whitney
    Jul 13, 2018 at 13:36
  • I'm sorry to hear that, Maxwell. Hmm . . . what can it be?
    – matsb
    Jul 22, 2018 at 19:20

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.