O/T: Set up question

[ptg]

Sorry to ask a stupid question, but after all these years of playing I never adjust my instruments as I'm useless with tools.

But I may jump in this time and I need some sage advise.

I play a fretless SR4. My problem is that when I play the E string it has started making a "clacking" sound as if the string is hitting the pickup. (Which it's not.)

I do play very hard with my right hand but this is a recent development.

I was going to raise the action a bit, but it only does it on the E.

I've read a lot of posts that say to not fiddle with the saddles unless you have to and I wouldn't do that on my own.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Grand Wazoo]

Have you got a spare not so valuble bass you can use as guinee pig to experiment change settings such as action / trussrod / intonation etc? If you do then that is the best thing I suggest you do, raise the saddle see what happens, turn the truss rod one way see what happens then turn it the opposite way and again see what happens, this is the best way to learn and understand what does what on a bass.

If you want to read an elaborate explanation of those terms before you start, have a look through this link: http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/akcndfr54jdhrei567/Ultimate_Guide_ver100.pdf

 

[ptg]

I see what you're saying but experimenting on a different bass is not going to help because I can't duplicate the problem.

I just don't want to start messing around without having some sort of a game plan.

For instance, I know what raising the action will do in general terms, but if someone else has had a similar problem they may save me a lot of time and headaches if they have a remedy.

Thanks!

 

[maddog]

GW is suggesting you work at performing a setup so you can understand how the neck dynamics work. Understanding the neck dynamics would then lead you to better understanding how to fix your problem, if you are able to do so.

While basic principles of force and tension apply, every neck is different. Other than starting from the beginning and walking thru a complete setup, I have no clue how to fix it. If you are unwilling to walk thru the steps of a setup, take it to a luthier.

And, yes, I never touch the saddles until I know the neck has the proper relief.