scalpy Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 I recently got a G&L LB100 with the intention of it being my ultimate soul machine. It came string with GHS boomers 45-100, and yesterday I restrung it with LaBella low tension flats, 42- 100. Sounds blinking marvellous but the D string is rattling behind the nut. It doesn't make a difference to the amplified sound but I don't want it to be a warning sign of anything else going wrong. The rattle goes away if I rest my finger on the string between the nut and the string tree. Any suggestions on how to get rid of it please? Thank you in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 Perhaps Rewind the string aroumd the tuning post with the string terminating as close to the bottom as possible. ( If not done so already). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev Posted April 25, 2017 Share Posted April 25, 2017 Is the tuning peg nut tight? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 25, 2017 Author Share Posted April 25, 2017 Thank you, I'll check both things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 26, 2017 Author Share Posted April 26, 2017 Both things are correct, in my estimation. I'm fearing truss rod, which I've always avoided on my previous bass, mostly as there was never any need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 Losen the relevant strings a check if the string tree is secure? Might be worth a tweak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben4343 Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 The only time something like this has happened to me is when I reduced string gauge (your G has dropped, D too?). The nut notch was therefore too large, and I guess the string could vibrate past the nut when I dug in. I used a half-collar of paper under the string in the notch to fill it out, and the buzz stopped. Was a bit ugly, but I didn't want a new nut. Eventually it somehow settled down and I could take the paper out which was a relief. Might be worth a try? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M@23 Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 It could well be the string. I've recently had the same thing with La Bella DTF. It's where the windings aren't 100% tight. For me, I need a new A string, which they supplied. The rest still buzzed a touch but have become better with Fast Fret and being played. Apparently this is fairly common on double basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 If the rattle goes when pressing on the string, it seems to me that the string is not being pushed with enough force into the nut: the break angle is likely insuficient. Although the string retaining tree should do the trick, maybe it's slightly too tall? Either that alone or combined with the new string being a bit smaller than the previous and with a slightly too large nut slot, it vibrates there. You could try cutting a new nut, if you think the slot is too big for these strings. Personally, I'd consider fitting a new string retainer, the ones that are a bar across all strings: if pressing down on the string behind the nut solves your issues, then the bar retainer will also remove the rattle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 26, 2017 Author Share Posted April 26, 2017 All good advice, I shall attempt some of this when I get home. Thank you Harry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 26, 2017 Author Share Posted April 26, 2017 Just jammed a piece of paper in the nut slot (ouch!) and the problem is resolved. I'll have a think about getting heavier strings, although it seems a shame as I thought these were would be on for life! Thanks for the help everybody. Harry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 (edited) [quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1493228212' post='3286761'] Just jammed a piece of paper in the nut slot (ouch!) and the problem is resolved. I'll have a think about getting heavier strings, although it seems a shame as I thought these were would be on for life! Thanks for the help everybody. Harry [/quote]see below Edited April 26, 2017 by Grahambythesea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted April 26, 2017 Share Posted April 26, 2017 If the paper works you don't have to change to heavier strings. Take the string off and carefully line the offending nut notch with super glue. May be as well to put masking tape either side to catch dribbles. Let it set and try the strong again if too tight, ease the notch open a bit with a fine file. Should do the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 26, 2017 Author Share Posted April 26, 2017 [quote name='Grahambythesea' timestamp='1493232617' post='3286813'] If the paper works you don't have to change to heavier strings. Take the string off and carefully line the offending nut notch with super glue. May be as well to put masking tape either side to catch dribbles. Let it set and try the strong again if too tight, ease the notch open a bit with a fine file. Should do the trick. [/quote] Great idea, might get a few Harley bentons to practice on mind! Much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jus Lukin Posted April 27, 2017 Share Posted April 27, 2017 (edited) - Edited February 28, 2022 by Jus Lukin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 I'd assume that you've already had the screwdriver's out and tightened everything you can. My old L2000 had a seriously annoying rattle, turned out that there is a grub screw in the bridge that pushes all the saddles together. Tightened it, and the rattle went away. My old Tokai Love Rock (LP clone) had a similar rattle, and the only thing that sorted it out was a change of strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prowla Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 I once had a guitar where the truss rod nut came loose and rattled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 29, 2017 Author Share Posted April 29, 2017 [quote name='Skybone' timestamp='1493452284' post='3288373'] I'd assume that you've already had the screwdriver's out and tightened everything you can. My old L2000 had a seriously annoying rattle, turned out that there is a grub screw in the bridge that pushes all the saddles together. Tightened it, and the rattle went away. My old Tokai Love Rock (LP clone) had a similar rattle, and the only thing that sorted it out was a change of strings. [/quote] All is in order with the screws, and that little grub screw is one of the little touches G&L use I love so much. Not the most competent person in the world with regards to repairs etc so trying to find the stomach to superglue the nut or just buy a heavier gauge, £36's not the end of the world is it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 I've been hankering after an LB100 for a while now. Are you generally happy with it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scalpy Posted April 29, 2017 Author Share Posted April 29, 2017 [quote name='gary mac' timestamp='1493454689' post='3288404'] I've been hankering after an LB100 for a while now. Are you generally happy with it? [/quote] The nut issue is my naivety. That apart I'm totally made up. I'm a dyed in the wool G&L fanboi so don't expect a rational answer but it kicks ass. I find Fenders a bit sterile and bland, I played a custom shop on the insistence of the producer on a session and this had much more personality. The only trouble is USA G&Ls are hard to come by at the moment as the distributor is changing. Mine was the last new one in the country apparently. I'm hoping to post some phone vids of it this weekend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted April 29, 2017 Share Posted April 29, 2017 Yes I'm a G&L fan too. My gigging bass is an old 80s SB1. Will look forward to seeing the pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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