Strange tick sound from bridge?

[miecznik88]

Hello there!

I have a quite frustrating problem with my Custom 6 string bass.

There has always been (I don't even know how to name it) a "crack"/"tick" sound on E string that somehow transfers to pickups. I think it comes from the bridge.
Since description is pointless here's a short demo of what it sounds like. You can't miss it and it only happens on E string.

Here are two videos that show what I suspect as being the cause but still don't really know what to do.

Most of these "saddles?" move a bit but still only E string has that sound no matter how I play it.
I may have tried to tight the screws many years ago which resulted in bending the rails of the bridge...(perhaps I should do something about it too...? )
 I haven't cared about my equipment for many years but since now I do could you please provide me with some suggestions?

Thank you very much
I wish you all good health
Wojtek

[pauldo]

Without the strings off the saddle movement front and back could be considered ‘normal’ do to the space in the threads.

The side to side ticking with the strings on seems peculiar.  If it were me I would be inclined to disassemble the bridge and note if the hole for the E saddle’s guide pin is waddled out.  You may need to replace the saddle and then with everything apart you could straighten the rails. 

Paul (who knows there are certain things that I definitely will NOT disassemble)

[JimmyJ]

It's pretty subtle in the audio (nice bass sound) and I wouldn't think you'd hear that if any other instruments were playing.  But ... your diagnosis could be correct that it's the play in the saddle. 

If you are pulling the string hard enough to be lifting it 1/2 a millimeter off the rail, like pivoting the saddle on the adjustment screw and letting it snap back on release, that could be what you're hearing.  I wouldn't think the movement in the string's direction, as in your video, would translate to an audible sound.

If you want to experiment find a piece of wood you can wedge between the saddle and the back rail of the bridge.  You can clamp it into place using the adjustment screw...

Jimmy J

[bigredbass]

I once had a 'single-string-click' as you've described, could not find any of the usual suspects (bad bridge saddle slot, something loose in the bridge, any kind of mechanical loose-end ), and it went away with new strings.

[miecznik88]

Surely it isn't audible with the band but I wanted to make a record with only bass and drums and you can hear it all the way then...

Also unfortunately it isn't a string thing - I wish it was
 

[gtrguy]

Beats me. I record bass a fair amount and it is interesting how much non-musical sound can be produced by finger technique, especially how you attack, mute, and move over to play another fret or string.
Its also interesting how much you can get away with that ends up not being noticeable when all the other instruments are added. I sometimes put a bit of packing foam that I have cut into a rectangle under the strings to mute out some sound and noise. Also, I often record with a pick as well, which makes another type of sound. Then there is the flat-wound sound. Using compression can also pump up some non-musical noise.

My .02

[miecznik88]

I disassembled the bridge completely and put it back together - the clicking disappeared.

Turns out it was saddle's bolt (next to adjustment screw - I pointed it on the photo) which is just pushed into the holes of rails. E string's was a little bit loose - I had to rotate the bolt a couple of times to find the tight position.


Thanks for the replies
All the best
Wojtek

[pauldo]

Glad you fixed it!

Does the e-string ‘bolt’ have a splined/knurled end like the others appear to?

[miecznik88]

Yes it does. Perhaps previous owner wore it down. When I bought it 10 yrs ago I gave it to some luthier to adjust it since the bass was in awful condition - maybe he did something.

Anyways it didn't feel right having to find the proper "tight" position of the bolt. Maybe I should consider ordering spare parts for the bridge, if it's possible.

[adriaan]

Yes it does. Perhaps previous owner wore it down. When I bought it 10 yrs ago I gave it to some luthier to adjust it since the bass was in awful condition - maybe he did something.

Anyways it didn't feel right having to find the proper "tight" position of the bolt. Maybe I should consider ordering spare parts for the bridge, if it's possible.

There's a bridge rehab kit available from the on-line store. (Don't be alarmed by the shipping costs from the on-line page, you will receive an actual quote which should be more realistic.)

[growlypants]

Glad the problem got sorted out.  Always ask - super great folks on here.