Sudden weird top-end overtones on E string

[Netballman]

Hi chaps,

All of a sudden my Stingray has developed a weird and extreme overtone on the E string, which becomes more noticeable the higher up you play - barely hear anything at low G but at high G it literally sounds like two notes half a semitone apart! 

Having done a bit of digging (didn't find much on here mind) and found a list of possible factors I'm guessing the most likely cause is some actual string issue, given the sudden onset, rather than something like string height (which may well have dropped in this weather, but I always have very low) or an electrical issue. 

I just wondered what opinions you chaps might have, before I go lashing out on a new set of strings which of course might not solve the problem?

Cheers,

 

Andy

[MoonBassAlpha]

First try dropping the pickup down a bit on the e side. Sounds like it could be powerful magnets pulling on the string, and the string will be closer to the pickup the higher you venture up the neck.

[Muppet]

Have you tried a new battery? 

 

[Lozz196]

On ‎27‎/‎07‎/‎2018 at 19:29, MoonBassAlpha said:

First try dropping the pickup down a bit on the e side. Sounds like it could be powerful magnets pulling on the string, and the string will be closer to the pickup the higher you venture up the neck.

Yep that could well be it.

[LITTLEWING]

Those pickups have a VERY strong magnetic pull. Anything less than 3/32" from pole to underside of string and it's already tugging it down. 

[Netballman]

Many thanks all - yep, dropping the pickup on that side did the trick. Just weird that is should suddenly manifest like that!  

Cheers

[coolhang]

I had the same experience with the G string on one of my basses, once.

Actually ended up being a bad string - and it was from a new set -