"Dead spot" on string

[EADG]

So lately whenever I slap my E string (or even pluck or pick it agressively), it makes a funny sound. The best way I can describe it is the sound of the string being pushed into the pickup.

I'm going to get this out of the way: the string is not hitting the pickup. I have watched the string while I play, and it doesn't even come close. I lowered my pickups just in case, and I still got the sound.

Basically when I play slap I have to hit over the 20th fret (instead of the usually spot just beyond the end of the neck). It's the only way to avoid this.

One more thing, my strings are pretty old, about 6 months I think.
Will this go away with a string change?


My setup is fine too, I do a touchup on it every month or so. Any ideas?

[Spazzout22]

You should slowly move it around. See if you can identify what's actually making the sound. It could be that it's like slightly slipping on the bridge or something crazy like that. Honestly, I've had my strings on my bass for 8 years and they don't do that, so I'm thinkin a string change won't do it. But, on the other hand, it couldn't hurt to try if you have another E string lieing around. Sorry, that's the best advice I can give you.

edit: I don't always have to use the quote button.

[EADG]

You should slowly move it around. See if you can identify what's actually making the sound. It could be that it's like slightly slipping on the bridge or something crazy like that. Honestly, I've had my strings on my bass for 8 years and they don't do that, so I'm thinkin a string change won't do it. But, on the other hand, it couldn't hurt to try if you have another E string lieing around. Sorry, that's the best advice I can give you.

edit: I don't always have to use the quote button.


I can't identify it, I havn't changed my slap technique for a good 3 years, it's still the same spot as ever, only now it makes this sound. I guess I can try another E.

[WHoRRID]

try pushing the string down with your hand. i know u said it not hitting the pickups but its still possible as the string might hit it faster than ur i can see (less that a 60th of a second if i remeber correctly) if that the case i would suggest u get a thicker gauge string cuz if u lower ur pups too much ur out put will be crap. also try listening to it unpluged if u dont hear anything simillar the pups are most likely the problem.

[EADG]

try pushing the string down with your hand. i know u said it not hitting the pickups but its still possible as the string might hit it faster than ur i can see (less that a 60th of a second if i remeber correctly) if that the case i would suggest u get a thicker gauge string cuz if u lower ur pups too much ur out put will be crap. also try listening to it unpluged if u dont hear anything simillar the pups are most likely the problem.


But why would it be hitting the pickups now? Like I said, I've never changed my pickup height or slap technique. It only does it on the E string too, shouldn't it happen when I slap the A?

Also I can hear it unplugged.

[WHoRRID]

no idea as to y it just started out of the blue. but i get that on my B and E on my one bass but no other strings.

no idea if this would work but u could but a peice of electrical tape on the pup. wait does it have exposed pole pieces?

[basgitarist]

maybe the last fret needs replacing? if you hit it just after the 20th fret, the string will collide with a different fret then slapping it just below the neck, think about it. Check to see the state of your fret.

[muthafunkabass]

But why would it be hitting the pickups now? Like I said, I've never changed my pickup height or slap technique. It only does it on the E string too, shouldn't it happen when I slap the A?

Also I can hear it unplugged.
well, maybe you dont have your pickups right. you are supposed to put them down farther where your E is and have them slowly go up, like a slant. one reason is because the E is a thicker guage, so htiitng the pikcup is easier. another reason is that it will make your output even, and not too loud on the E.



i know you probably know, but im just making sure.

[EADG]

no idea as to y it just started out of the blue. but i get that on my B and E on my one bass but no other strings.

no idea if this would work but u could but a peice of electrical tape on the pup. wait does it have exposed pole pieces?


Yes, they are exposed.

[EADG]

well, maybe you dont have your pickups right. you are supposed to put them down farther where your E is and have them slowly go up, like a slant. one reason is because the E is a thicker guage, so htiitng the pikcup is easier. another reason is that it will make your output even, and not too loud on the E.



i know you probably know, but im just making sure.


I can adjust them a little more.

[EADG]

maybe the last fret needs replacing? if you hit it just after the 20th fret, the string will collide with a different fret then slapping it just below the neck, think about it. Check to see the state of your fret.


That does make sense in theory, but I don't see what could be wrong with my fret. I'll check anyway though.

[mikethecoug]

On my d string, i get a terrible noise out of the 17th --> 20th frets. I think it might because the strings need cleaning or something but i never have got down to it.