What's that noise?

[Greggo]

Noticed today that when plucking the strings quite hard that there is a weird vibration in sympathy with string (like a loud rattle) but this seems to go when clamping the neck quite hard near top of headstock around first fret or behind nut.

The sound isn't coming from Bridge or nut itself or any of the frets so wondering if anyone might know what it could be if they've had something similar. Truss rod rattling?

When amplified it doesn't pick up rattle but it does dampen the notes to some extent and affect tone.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Greggo

[icastle]

Machine head collar?

[Greggo]

Unfortunately not no, just checked.

I notice it disappears when bass is lying flat but occurs in playing position. I'll try and get a recording of it - the string (seems to affect low E most) still vibrates, but whatever is is vibrating loudly does dampen the note.

[Number6]

How do the stings sit in the nut? Could be worn??

[Woodinblack]

Truss rod vibrating in its channel - I believe that is what I have in my ibanez 5 string

[Greggo]

It does seem that truss is the only thing it could be after process of elimination. Anything that can be done or just live with it?

[Woodinblack]

I was told by the guy at crimson guitars that if it didn't go away if I just fiddled with the slack a bit (if there was any), there was very little.

[brensabre79]

+1 just tighten it a bit. If it's rattling loose it's not doing anything, so a little bit of tension, just enough to stop rattle, will not do much either. My Telecaster did this when I put lighter strings on.

[MoonBassAlpha]

+1 that will be it.

[Greggo]

Thanks for replies seems it was the rod needed a bit of tightening.