Distortion on Stingray - a-string...

[Scarbee]

Hi,

When I play a c#2 (on a-string) the pickup creates a slight distortion during the sutain. First I thought it was my speakers - then tried headphones - result is same.

Then I thought it might be a little sting buzz - so I tuned the a-string to G# and played the C# on 5'th fret instead - as i knew there was no buzz at all here.

Now it distorted here too.

What is this? If I play a C2 or D2 there is no distortion? Is pickup bad?

Battery is brand new. Tried change that too.

 

[martin shane]

Maybe try a new battery, and check your amps input level ??

 

[mynan]

The problem is the string. Change the string and your problems will disappear.

 

[strummer]

Most likely it's the string, swap it and check

 

[Scarbee]

I tried new strings result was same. One interesting note - it seems that problem is biggest if I play direct over the pickups.

Mystery is still why C# note distort and not D or C. Sound like PU doesn't like the frequency of that note?

 

[strummer]

I tried new strings result was same. One interesting note - it seems that problem is biggest if I play direct over the pickups.

Mystery is still why C# note distort and not D or C. Sound like PU doesn't like the frequency of that note?

Ummm, a longshot, and I've never heard of it on a MM, but there could be something wrong with the potting of a coil, so that at the C#2 frequency a coil resonates?That would make any C#2 played distort in the same way, though, does that happen?
****, this is Dudley territory, I should probably shut up

 

[Scarbee]

That would make any C#2 played distort in the same way, though, does that happen?

Yes. That is what happens.

 

[strummer]

Yes. That is what happens.

Then I'd suggest dropping customer service a note, see if they can help in any way.
I have never dismantled an MM pu, and I don't know what they're potted with, so I won't try to tell you how to fix this yourself...

 

[Scarbee]

Then I'd suggest dropping customer service a note, see if they can help in any way.
I have never dismantled an MM pu, and I don't know what they're potted with, so I won't try to tell you how to fix this yourself...

Problem is I live in Denmark... so I hope there is a fix for it.

 

[strummer]

Problem is I live in Denmark... so I hope there is a fix for it.

I bet there are luthiers in denmark too
But seriously, talk to customer service anyway, they are the greatest people! I once had a problem, and they went out of their way to solve it for me, even though I live in Sweden

 

[Scarbee]

Here is a sound clip that shows the distortion. Notice that distortion is not on the d- or c-note.
In midle I have turned up full for treble so it is easier to hear.

At end I have tuned string down and played a C#2 on fret 5 - also distort here.

www.scarbee-downloads.com/bass/mmsr4_distortion.wav

 

[oli@bass]

Are you sure it's not the speaker?!

Because: Listening over my USB Sound Sticks (Harman Kardon), depending on volume, all notes have a slight distortion in the uppers mids. Over my high quality USB Headset (Logitec), none of the notes distort!

Try a different set of speakers and/or headphones.

 

[strummer]

Here is a sound clip that shows the distortion. Notice that distortion is not on the d- or c-note.
In midle I have turned up full for treble so it is easier to hear.

At end I have tuned string down and played a C#2 on fret 5 - also distort here.

www.scarbee-downloads.com/bass/mmsr4_distortion.wav

Weirdness, I have no idea what that is???
But, it's definitely not his speaker, as the distortion is way noticeable through my very nice soundcard and head phones

 

[oli@bass]

Weirdness, I have no idea what that is???
But, it's definitely not his speaker, as the distortion is way noticeable through my very nice soundcard and head phones

This is really weird. I downloaded it and listened to it again. Same effect. If listened to at low volume I cannot hear any distortion at all, if made louder all notes distorted. Also loaded the soundfile into Logic and checked it with the Sample editor. The wave pattern looks very smooth. Gotta find a way to listen to this soundfile on a hifi system... (I hate it, if I can't hear something others can )

Sorry if may post wasn't helpful!

 

[mynan]

Took a listen. I hear it, but it doesn't sound like distortion. It sounds like something rattling, which kinda makes sense because the C# could be the "tone of resonance" for something that might be loose.

I had a Peavey Cirrus 5 and the tuners would rattle like that on some notes. You could even hear it on recordings.

 

[Scarbee]

Acoustically somthing rattles if bass is in playing position - but that is on 1.st fret.
I can't loacate that rattle - but it disappears if bass lies down on back.

C# does not rattle acoustically.

I talked to a luthier who is educated at Tobias and he said it may be the body that resonate - in this case I'm screwed as he said it would be very costly to locate problem and that you may had to drill holes in bass to get rid of.

I realize I have a bit of "supersonic" ears - but on the other hand that is what have helped my career so far... the bad thing is that I hear the "errors" easily.

 

[tegzsa]

Definately sounds like a sympathetic rattle whenever C# is played. Saddle height screws and saddle springs, and string tensioners (trees) at the headstock are usually the prime suspects.

The low B on my Bongo made a similar sound when I dropped the action because one of the height screws kept vibrating loose with the reduction in break angle. Raised it up a little bit-no more noise.

 

[Scarbee]

Definately sounds like a sympathetic rattle whenever C# is played. Saddle height screws and saddle springs, and string tensioners (trees) at the headstock are usually the prime suspects.

Have tried different things trying to locate ratlle like the springs and height screws - but with no success.
Hope it's not preamp or pickups that is broken.

Haven't heard from support yet..

Could the springs under pickup make distortion like this?

too me this sounds more like the preamp is broken..

cheers

Thomas

 

[mynan]

too me this sounds more like the preamp is broken..

Not sure what you mean by broken, but if it were a malfunctioning pre-amp there wouldn't be a problem with just one note It's not a keyboard. Besides, it really sounds like a rattle and not distortion.