New Nut or Not ?

[Tom Albano]

OK, I think I already know what I need to do but wanted to see if anyone else has had similar trouble....

On my Smith BSRJ5 I get the action setup fine no problem low and sweet ... BUT.... the A string is giving me "Clack" (for lack of a better word) all the other strings are solid all the way up and down the neck except the A... It is not too bad but it bothers me that it will not play like the other strings.

I just recently setup the bass with a new set of Smith Burners (Medium) hoping the problem would go away but it hasint. Im not sure what the old strings were, but in comparison they were lighter gauge than the Burners.

Im thinking I will need a nut cut in the future???? I do not want to raise the action, any other ideas????

thanks
-Tom

[Tim Bishop]

Hard to say without seeing it and how it is set-up. Are all strings at reasonable height and with respect to the radius of the fretboard? Is it possible you need to adjust the A string saddle a bit higher? Did you change the string type to a to a taper core set of strings vs. non?

[Tom Albano]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Hard to say without seeing it and how it is set-up. Are all strings at reasonable height and with respect to the radius of the fretboard? Is it possible you need to adjust the A string saddle a bit higher? Did you change the string type to a to a taper core set of strings vs. non?

Hey Tim, The clack starts at the first fret and is fairly consistent all the way down to around the 12 or 15th fret... The strings are at a reasonable height the bass is not set super low (non taper). Maybe I can try fooling with the saddle height but I dont want the "A" to feel "out of place" to my fingers on the fretboard. Anyway Ill have it looked at next time Im ready to change strings Ill just pay for a real deal setup I guess and see what if anything can be done.

Any other opinions? Im listening ....

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Tom Albano

Hey Tim, The clack starts at the first fret and is fairly consistent all the way down to around the 12 or 15th fret... The strings are at a reasonable height the bass is not set super low (non taper). Maybe I can try fooling with the saddle height but I dont want the "A" to feel "out of place" to my fingers on the fretboard. Anyway Ill have it looked at next time Im ready to change strings Ill just pay for a real deal setup I guess and see what if anything can be done.

Any other opinions? Im listening ....

Did you have this problem prior to this? "Reasonable height" relative to the radius of the fretboard is the question in my mind.

You could also check the relief in your neck. Although, you did state you put heavier gauge strings on it: This would add a little more tension to the neck. At any rate, check the neck, do you have some or any relief? Or, is it flat or maybe even convex shaped? If you think the neck needs adjustment, it doesn't take much: Very slight adjustments. The necks on these basses are VERY stable. If you think the neck looks right, then I would say adjust your A-string saddle (Note: adjust each side of saddle evenly!) with slight adjustments and see if that helps you.

[Tom Albano]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Did you have this problem prior to this? "Reasonable height" relative to the radius of the fretboard is the question in my mind.

You could also check the relief in your neck. Although, you did state you put heavier gauge strings on it: This would add a little more tension to the neck. At any rate, check the neck, do you have some or any relief? Or, is it flat or maybe even convex shaped? If you think the neck needs adjustment, it doesn't take much: Very slight adjustments. The necks on these basses are VERY stable. If you think the neck looks right, then I would say adjust your A-string saddle (Note: adjust each side of saddle evenly!) with slight adjustments and see if that helps you.

I adjusted the saddle raised it a little bit, seems a little better but the A is not playing like the other strings and it is relative to the rest of the strings theres no massive change in string heights.... hmmm a little wierd, Im thinking just a high fret maybe somewhere down low. again the bass plays very well, really a minor complaint that Ill have to have a "pro" take a look at when the time comes.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Tom Albano

...Im thinking just a high fret maybe somewhere down low...

Ok, so you are ok with the relief (or lack of) you are seeing in your neck? It is possible you have a fret issue. Maybe you need a good fret dressing, leveling, or crown work. If you aren't comfortable with any of this, locate someone who is. How far are you from Ken?