Weird problem with new Sterling bass waving in and out of tune

[Joey W]

This is a weird problem that I'm really hoping someone here has run into before.

I just got a new Sterling by MusicMan Ray35HH and when I play on the higher frets, the pitch seems to be waving in and out of tune. It almost sounds like there's a modulation effect on it, like chorus.

I tried putting different strings on it, but it had the same problem. I'm thinking maybe the strings aren't sitting right in the nut/bridge? That all looks fine though. I'm really hoping it's not an electronics thing.

Does anyone have any insight on this? Thanks!

 

[SteveCS]

Sounds like a classic case of the neck pickup poles being too close to the strings.

 

[alack]

^ Yup! Try lowering the pickup. The magnets may be pulling too hard on the strings.

 

[Joey W]

Sounds like a classic case of the neck pickup poles being too close to the strings.

Thanks, that helped. I had to go extremely low for it to go away though (much lower than my other basses). Does this kind of thing vary instrument to instrument?

 

[alack]

Depends on the strength of the magnets and the string’s gauge and flexibility.

 

[Joey W]

Depends on the strength of the magnets and the string’s gauge and flexibility.

Hm, that's interesting. I've been playing bass for 8 years and I've barely considered the effect pickup height has. Thanks for your help.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I’ve had about 3 different basses with dual MM pickups, it was a problem with all three of them. My Jazz basses or L2500, no problem.
I have a feeling that it has something to do with the huge pole pieces and perhaps their strategic placement with respect to each other.
The L2500 has super strong pickups and doesn’t have this problem.

 

[micguy]

Sounds like a classic case of the neck pickup poles being too close to the strings.

Ding ding - we have a winner. Happens most on the lower strings when played up high on that string, with low tension and proximity being part of the mix of variables as well. In general, alnico pickups are more prone to this than ones with steel pole pieces and ceramic magnets.

 

[Levin Hannaford]

I’ve gotten weird chorus effects from twisted strings.

That’s what I’d get for being in too big a hurry lol

 

[Bassamatic]

The magnetic pull is the REAL reason for Fender Pickup Covers - the covers are designed to reflect some of the magnetic energy back down to the strings to help compensate for the pull of the magnets. The covers are not for shielding.

 

[mikecd1]

Sounds like a classic case of the neck pickup poles being too close to the strings.

With string depressed at last fret I like to set my pickups 2mm on treble side to top of pole and 2.8mm on bass side. Seems to work with all pickups.

 

[micguy]

The magnetic pull is the REAL reason for Fender Pickup Covers - the covers are designed to reflect some of the magnetic energy back down to the strings to help compensate for the pull of the magnets. The covers are not for shielding.

I thought they we there so a bass wouldn't be easier to play than a guitar. You learn something every day.....

 

[Hounddog409]

Hm, that's interesting. I've been playing bass for 8 years and I've barely considered the effect pickup height has. Thanks for your help.

Part of any setup......surprised you never ran into this before.

 

[Hounddog409]

With string depressed at last fret I like to set my pickups 2mm on treble side to top of pole and 2.8mm on bass side. Seems to work with all pickups.

OEM has specs for this. I never had issue using the oem spec

 

[Fretless370]

I have a feeling that it has something to do with the huge pole pieces and perhaps their strategic placement with respect to each other.

This.. I have several MM's and Sterlings and it's the size of the poles. VERY strong on most. The lesser models like the Indo sub and such are not as strong.. Like a number are saying, lower the pup...