Weak, buzzy G string

[detracti]

Okay, I searched and didn't find any good answers.

I just got a Stingray 4HH, beautiful bass, and plays great. But I notice that the G-string sounds kind of anemic. It is lower in volume but also seems to sound as though it has a mild overdrive/distortion effect on it... like buzzing or something.

I read one thread that mentioned going with aftermarket pickups, but the problem described there is slightly different.

I don't play a whole lot on that string, and noodling around on it, I don't really notice. But if I just hit it open and let it sustain, relative to the other strings, it just sounds kind of off.

Is this something that is fixable, or can someone post a link to a thread that has good information on this issue.

Thanks.

 

[detracti]

Okay, I have to revise this. It appears to be something about the string itself, in my case. Because I hear the same difference acoustically. The string sounds kind of buzzy, but not fret buzz.

Could this be something about the nut, or the string itself?

Thanks.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Most likely a setup prob. At this point, your better off going back to the store to have adjustments made.

 

[Big Poppa]

yeah...but you should also change the battery and strings just in case. If the problem persists get with customer service and we will be happy to help out.

 

[detracti]

Yeah, thanks. I tried changing the battery, there was no difference. I'll try strings next.

Also noticed, this morning, that it only does it when played open.

 

[oli@bass]

Okay, I have to revise this. It appears to be something about the string itself, in my case. Because I hear the same difference acoustically. The string sounds kind of buzzy, but not fret buzz.

Could this be something about the nut, or the string itself?

Thanks.

Well, that's interesting. In about 25 years of playing bass I had once a very similar experience... it turned out to be the inner winding of the string (the one directly on the core) which was broken and sounded similar to a loose spring on the bridge.

BTW, it could also be a spring on the bridge...

 

[Big Poppa]

if its open it is usually the nut

 

[Paul_C]

Another possibility could be that the string is wound such that the break angle over the nut is shallow. If so then it might vibrate toward the back of the nut, or even bounce in the nut - pressing down on the string behind the nut would confirm it.

 

[tkarter]

Lots of wraps on the G and D strings. Sounds like it only has two wraps to me.


tk

 

[detracti]

I'll try strings first. Its the optimistic thing to do. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[Freddels]

Try raising the pickup on the G string side a little bit.

 

[detracti]

Changing strings seems to have cleared it up. And I have my preferred string on there now - Rotosound Swing Bass 66's (nickel plated).

I've always used them on my Fender P.

This is such a different animal tho, with all that shiny, sparkly top-end to play around with, I might try some half-rounds on her at some point.

For now, problem solved.

 

[Big Poppa]

stick with the roundwounds just back of the treble a notch until they wear in

 

[armybass]

This is a friggin great thread. Great suggestions for the OP, knowledgeable posts from others, no attitudes AND the boss man posted directly to the consumer's problem with excellent advice and the problem is resolved........and I learned something. I need to get off of the internet now, my quest has been officially completed. This was the Holy Grail Post of internet bass threads.


Word!

 

[detracti]

Yeah, one of the coolest threads I've ever started on any board. Makes me feel extra good about the buy!

And the more I play her the more I love her. Plays beautiful, sounds amazing... or is that the other way around?

 

[Big Poppa]

we are happy you are happy...inm fact im going to eat a bowl of ice cream to celebrate

 

[detracti]

oh that sounds good, think I will too. lol.

 

[fireyshadow08]

hi, i have a similar problem with buzzing on the G string on my SUB 4. I noticed that when played open, there was a very loud buzz coming from the string. when played on any of the frets, the sound went away and also if pressed down on the headstock side of the nut the buzzing would go away. just to see if it is the nut, i put a small piece of cotton between the string and the nut and it went away. Im assuming the nut needs to be filled a little to raise the string/give the string more support inside the nut. how would i go about doing this properly?

 

[hankSRay]

when played on any of the frets, the sound went away and also if pressed down on the headstock side of the nut the buzzing would go away.

That right there makes me automatically have to ask, how many wraps of the string is around the tuning post? and is the last wrap at the bottom or the top?

If you dont have enough wraps around the tuning post, or if the last wrap is on the top, theres not enough downward angle from the nut, which could cause buzzing. I'd say the string should be wrapped around the tuning post at least 2 times.

 

[bovinehost]

how would i go about doing this properly?

First, try what the right honorable Hank mentioned.

If that ain't it, then you can build up the nut slot with super-glue. Or do what I do - stick a little piece of paper under the string.

Probably better to build it up with super glue, though, really.

Um, take the string off first, I should say.

Jack