• Ernie Ball
  • MusicMan
  • Sterling by MusicMan
Joined
Mar 5, 2025
Messages
2
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
I purchased a new Music Man Stingray 5 HH Special in February 2025 and I can't eliminate the fret buzz. I have tried adjusting the neck and saddles but the only way to eliminate the fret buzz is to set the action high that the note run sharp as you play up the fret board.
I usually play Fender 4 &5 string American Pro Jazz Basses and Washburn 6 string Bantum series. I don't have any problems with fret buzz on those Basses. The fret buzz is mostly on the B & E strings while the G string doesn't have fret buzz. What direction should I try next?
 

nhbassguitar

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
127
While the instrument is in tune, sight down the neck from the headstock end toward the bridge. Does the fretboard look twisted? Can you see a "ski jump" at or near the neck heel?

Are the bottoms of the strings the same distance from the fretboard at any given fret?

Are you using strings that are a different gauge than stock or have more tension than stock?
 
Joined
Mar 5, 2025
Messages
2
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
The neck looks straight. I put Super Slinky bass strings on the bass (125 instead of 135) and seemed to have helped the fret buzz however, there is still buzz around the 10th through the 18th fret
 

nhbassguitar

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
127
I'm assuming you're not trying to run an unreasonably low action. I'm also assuming the buzz is happening on all or most strings at the same frets. Sounds like a warranty return is in order. Before you start that process, though, loosen all the strings so they have zero tension on them, and check that the neck bolts are snugged up properly (not socked down hard, just reasonably snugged up).
 

nhbassguitar

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2015
Messages
127
I just thought of something else you can try. Loosen all the strings so they're floppy, loosen the truss rod somewhere between 1/8 and 1/4 turn, then tune back to pitch. Then let the instrument sit for a day to let the adjustment take effect. The idea is to create a very very VERY slight bow in the neck. After the wait time has passed, sight down the neck to verify the very slight bow is there. You may have to compensate with string height adjustments and/or intonation adjustments. There's always been a debate going on among well-qualified luthiers whether a neck should be dead straight under string tension or have a slight bow. Anyway, can't hurt to try.

If you decide to make the neck straight again, loosen the strings again, move the truss rod adjuster back to where it was, then re-tighten the strings.

(Side note: My procedure for truss rod adjustments is to 1) decide, with the strings tight, how much and how far the adjuster needs to be turned to achieve a particular result, then 2) loosen the strings, then 3) turn the adjuster that amount, then 4) re-tighten the strings. This is the original Fender method and it carries zero risk of truss rod damage, such as thread stripping.)
 
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