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tomiv9
New
Username: tomiv9

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2015
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 10:45 am:   Edit Post

I have noticed the back plate on my Distillate rattles a little bit on some notes when i play unplugged. Anyone else have this issue? I was thinking of trying to insulate the inside somehow, anyone have any suggestions?
5a_quilt_top
Senior Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 475
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 11:02 am:   Edit Post

Yes. My Spyder was so resonant that the back control cavity cover plate rattled. I placed some small strips of thin cotton cloth between the cover plate and the wooden edge of the cavity and that stopped the rattle when I replaced the cover and tightened the screws.

It took me quite awhile to figure out what was causing the rattle. I originally thought it was a string, or the bridge or a loose pickup screw.

These basses are so resonant that everything vibrates, which can sometimes make it challenging to track down the source of a rattle.

You might also want to check to make sure the cover plate isn't warped slightly - if it is, it won't make good contact with the edge of the cavity. You'll want to correct this as much as possible prior to doing anything else.
keith_h
Senior Member
Username: keith_h

Post Number: 2182
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Monday, March 30, 2015 - 1:44 pm:   Edit Post

I would also check the ferrite core and battery to see if they might be rattling. To fix just use a bit of foam.

Keith
tomiv9
New
Username: tomiv9

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2015
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 4:18 am:   Edit Post

Thanks guys! Not sure what a ferrite core is though?
jacko
Senior Member
Username: jacko

Post Number: 3654
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 6:18 am:   Edit Post

It's the grey metal tube that the pickup wires go through - cuts down on RF interference.

Graeme
pauldo
Senior Member
Username: pauldo

Post Number: 1468
Registered: 6-2006
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 9:42 am:   Edit Post

My Distillate's cover will rattle also.

I do not over torque the screws as stripping them out could be a real bugger . . . so when she starts to rattle I will just snug up the screws a tad.

<edit>
Thomas, I see you are new here - we really enjoy pictures of others instruments. You should go here:
http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/419.html?1422414448
And start a thread for your Distillate.
David's suggestion is wise, the cloth would act like a gasket and probably assist with holding the torque of the screws.

(Message edited by pauldo on March 31, 2015)
5a_quilt_top
Senior Member
Username: 5a_quilt_top

Post Number: 478
Registered: 6-2012
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 12:10 pm:   Edit Post

Just make sure the cloth, or other chosen material, is thin, otherwise it will cause the cover to protrude slightly above the surface of the bass (also undesirable).

And - Pauldo is correct - take care that you do not over-tighten the screws. "Screwed" THAT up trying to fix a rattling PRS Custom 24 truss rod cover several years ago - ouch.

Ahhh - the price we pay for resonance...
lidon2001
Senior Member
Username: lidon2001

Post Number: 545
Registered: 4-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 - 7:39 pm:   Edit Post

Stash the brass, make yourself a cover from single ply pickguard material, and lose one half a pound off your shoulder.





bal-k
tomiv9
New
Username: tomiv9

Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2015
Posted on Wednesday, April 01, 2015 - 6:50 am:   Edit Post

Awesome thanks for the help guys. I actually just loosened a few of the screws a bit and presto, problem solved. I think 1 or 2 were just too tight. I didnt notice any ferrite core though, is that something that should be on a 1981 Distillate? I'll try and post pics soon too, but it's this bass : http://alembic.com/club/messages/395/145489.html?1357078537

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