My Rattly Stingray

[aussie]

Hi guys,

Just took my 2 year old Stingray in to get a fret level. I'd never been able to get the action below 3mm above the 12th fret without some serious fret buzz going on (and I play with a fairly light touch these days), no matter how I had it set up.

Took it into a pro that came highly recommended, he gave the frets a level, set it up, and it's still no better. He wasn't sure what's wrong with it but did say he's had a couple of 'rays over the years like this. He was good enough to not charge me, but he really was quite stumped.

Anyone have an idea what could be going on with it? I'd love to have a lower action, but at this stage I'm feeling a bit down about this bass. Which sucks, because I do love it - sound and feel are amazing.

 

[tbonesullivan]

did he check the neck angle? all bolt-on guitars have the possibility of requiring a shim to get the proper angle. Without the proper neck angle getting a good low buzz free action is very hard. I have a SR5 that with the B saddle bottomed out I can get just about .100 (2.45mm) action at the 12th fret. I've considered putting a shim in so I can have the B saddle raised a bit or so I would have the option to drop the action a little if I wanted.

However, that should be part of a pro-setup. I don't see how it would come back after a level and crown AND setup, and the guitar guy wouldn't know what's wrong. It should be obvious whether it's a neck angle issue, or a neck warp issue.

 

[rutgart]

As the first cost you nothing, take it to another repair person. Ask in your local Music Store for a repairer or Luthier they would recommend.

It maybe just that your first guy wasn't so good with Basses, they are a little different to guitars and lets face it Basses generally need less that a 10th of the fussing about Guitars do !!!

 

[TWISTEDSTRINGS]

Hi guys,

Just took my 2 year old Stingray in to get a fret level. I'd never been able to get the action below 3mm above the 12th fret without some serious fret buzz going on (and I play with a fairly light touch these days), no matter how I had it set up.

Took it into a pro that came highly recommended, he gave the frets a level, set it up, and it's still no better. He wasn't sure what's wrong with it but did say he's had a couple of 'rays over the years like this. He was good enough to not charge me, but he really was quite stumped.

Anyone have an idea what could be going on with it? I'd love to have a lower action, but at this stage I'm feeling a bit down about this bass. Which sucks, because I do love it - sound and feel are amazing.

Yes, same exact problem on my 2012 SR4 HH Pblue burst..after many failed attempts and money not well spent at trying to get it right I finally called customer service and found out that they are having some problems(humidity problems) with their neck buckling(not noticeable by eye, also check for a twist in the neck) at @ the 12th- 15th fret causing a buzz. My E,A was really bad D,G not as much. They suggest you send it back to SLO or have your luthier confirm the problem and send the neck back for a new one. ....I was so bummed out but CS made me feel better. Mine is still under warranty though..Hopefully they can make things right for you, especially because it`s probably not that far out of warranty...Hope this helps you ?

 

[aussie]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. There's another guy on the other side of town that's also been suggested (that is a bass player), I could always take it to him, or send it back to the guys I bought it from in Melbourne I suppose. The bass is definitely still playable and still my number one bass, I'd just like to get it playing as good as possible!

Do EBMM Customer Service deal with international customers? Or do they suggest you go through the local distributor?

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

I had my '89 Ray fret levelled by a luthier on the Gold Coast. Super low action. Let me know if you need details.