Fret buzz & truss rod

[g00eY]

I recently started noticing a little fret buzz on my SR5 on the A and D strings. I don't know much about setup, but I've looked through the general setup and truss rod tweaking sites that are all over the web. My question is this, since I'm only getting fret buzz on the A and D strings, should I be focusing only on the saddle height, or is this still a truss rod issue? The fret buzz occurs, once again, only on the A and D strings from frets 1-4.

I did try adjusting the truss rod, but it is super stiff. I inserted a small screw driver, and the amount of force I was applying was enough to bend the truss rod. In the end, I couldn't get the rod to move any at all in either direction. What do you think could be the problem here? Is the truss rod broken?

For what it's worth, my SR5 is an 02.

 

[MrMusashi]

id call customer service and ask for advice!

MrM

 

[bdgotoh]

I did try adjusting the truss rod, but it is super stiff. I inserted a small screw driver, and the amount of force I was applying was enough to bend the truss rod.

I assume you mean the screwdriver bent.

Two things come to mind - #1 use something that's fairly strong, some of my screwdrivers are pretty easy to bend.
#2 - be careful how deep you put the tool you're using to turn the wheel, you don't want to come out the other side and have it jam against the body wood. That can make it impossible to turn.

Good luck!

 

[g00eY]

I was using a screwdriver from a set like this (something close to the second from the left):

I will try again tomorrow. Through an amp, it's barely audible, but it bugs the heck out of me. I've also shot an email over to EBMM customer support, and I'll probably hear back from them once the week starts again.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Waite untill customer service gets back to you but, in the meantime, buy yourself a baby screwdriver like in the pic above.

 

[Elad_E]

I was using a screwdriver from a set like this (something close to the second from the left):

no wonder the screwdriver broke - these screwdrivers are meant for very delicate tasks such as working on small clocks and watches or openning small electrical devices. on the bass I only use them for adjusting pickup height, saddle height (on basses that have saddles with flat screw heads) and taking off control plate/PG screws.

for the truss rod wheel I use a suitable Allen wrench.

 

[oli@bass]

no wonder the screwdriver broke - these screwdrivers are meant for very delicate tasks [...]

I always use the largest phillips driver of that set, and never have a problem. On a good set, they're made of steel and not any less sturdy than a 3mm allen wrench.

 

[g00eY]

I used an allen wrench and I was able to move it in both directions. It was definitely very stiff compared to my other basses, but at least it moved... right?

I contacted EBMM via email and Dan told me to call EBMM for a RA, but hopefully it won't have to come to that. Is there a way to make the rod a little smoother?



What is the deal with this, though? From the EBMM Bass FAQ:

Turn clockwise to raise the fretboard action, counter clockwise to lower it.

...

If you are getting fret buzz (plugged in only, of course) raise the action by turning the trussrod wheel counter-clockwise, to lower the action turn it clockwise.

So if I am getting buzz from frets 1-4 on the A and D strings (slight when plugged in, but audible) I need to raise the strings, right? If I need to raise the strings I should go clockwise, but the FAQ contradicts itself by saying to turn it clockwise at first, and then counter-clockwise. Should I go counter-clockwise or clockwise?

From the picture above, it looks like I need more relief, so counter-clockwise, right?

 

[g00eY]

Nevermind! I missed the recent thread that was posted about the same issue. I also mentioned the FAQ error to Dan, and he has fixed it.

Hopefully now I will be able to fix my action a little and all will be good. Thanks for the help, everyone.