I got the mantis green Bongo 5 brand new. The bass is awesome. It sounds fantastic and it plays great except for a buzz I can't get rid of in the B string. Particularly between about frets 4 and 9. Action is set at a little over 5/64 at fret 12 (which I have no problem getting on other 5 strings I have or have had). I have played with differing amounts of neck relief with no luck. I have lowered the pickups substantially to rule a magnetic pull out. The neck is dead straight. The frets are level. The saddle height is good and both saddle feet are planted. I have tried different B string sizes (130, 125, 118). I just don't get it and I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? Thanks!
- Thread starter Clyde
- Start date
Do you have a fret rocker? If so, you could check to see if there's a high fret somewhere. While this is not super likely with a new bass, (Music Man fretwork is top notch in my experience) It's possible that one could have wiggled a bit with a weather change?
I bought a new Lakland 5 string a couple years ago with what sounds like the same issue. Took it to a luthier and sure enough, it had a few high frets that were causing the B to buzz. Had them address the issue and it was good to go. A bit annoying to need to do with a new instrument, but worth it for the bass to play perfectly.
I bought a new Lakland 5 string a couple years ago with what sounds like the same issue. Took it to a luthier and sure enough, it had a few high frets that were causing the B to buzz. Had them address the issue and it was good to go. A bit annoying to need to do with a new instrument, but worth it for the bass to play perfectly.
Hey thanks for the reply! I do have a fret rocker and I also have a straight edge from Philadelphia Luthier Tools that is nearly the entire fretboard length. Both indicate that the fretwork is perfect. I have notched straight edge that shows that the neck is super straight as well. It's why I don't get it.
At least not too much of it is coming through the amp. Still, I'd love to figure it out if possible.
I wish that were it. I have tried five different strings with varying string gauges.
nebadon
Well-known member
Nut slot for B to low? Usually buzzing from frets 4-9 would indicate neck is to straight needs a tad more relief or Fretwork but you addressed that
This is a tricky one may need help from a Pro; can try setup/luthier threads on Talkbass
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I took the neck off and found a shim. Is that common for them to do at the factory? I don't really understand why they would have installed it in the first place because when I removed it, the saddle heights seemed to be more of the norm I see at my preferred action. They certainly aren't in any danger of bottoming out without the shim.
I think the buzzing has gotten a little better without the shim but it's still there. I need to continue to tweak the setup to see where that gets me. The buzz is bad at the 13th fret but I think that may be because the nut is a little low. When I put a finger behind it so that I'm fretting both the 11th and 13th fret, it goes away. That doesn't fix the buzzing at the lower frets though.
So I'm curious about the neck angle now. Can someone tell me if their measurements are similar to mine? I measure 11mm from the bottom of the B string to the pickguard just behind the fretboard. I measure 13mm from the bottom of the B string to the base plate of bridge right at the saddle.
It's probably not an issue but the bottom neck pocket fit is not super tight on the treble side. Both before and after the shim was removed.
I think the buzzing has gotten a little better without the shim but it's still there. I need to continue to tweak the setup to see where that gets me. The buzz is bad at the 13th fret but I think that may be because the nut is a little low. When I put a finger behind it so that I'm fretting both the 11th and 13th fret, it goes away. That doesn't fix the buzzing at the lower frets though.
So I'm curious about the neck angle now. Can someone tell me if their measurements are similar to mine? I measure 11mm from the bottom of the B string to the pickguard just behind the fretboard. I measure 13mm from the bottom of the B string to the base plate of bridge right at the saddle.
It's probably not an issue but the bottom neck pocket fit is not super tight on the treble side. Both before and after the shim was removed.
strummer
Enormous Member
Yes it is common
nhbassguitar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 31, 2015
- Messages
- 127
Sorry, I'm late to this.
When you fret those buzzing notes, is the string being fretted on or perilously close to the fret bevel?
This is a very long shot, but you could try placing a tiny folded in half (or even x4) strip of paper between the string and the nut. The suspicion being the buzz is happening between the fret point and the nut, not between the fret point and the bridge. This is a variation of what nebadon said above.
When you fret those buzzing notes, is the string being fretted on or perilously close to the fret bevel?
This is a very long shot, but you could try placing a tiny folded in half (or even x4) strip of paper between the string and the nut. The suspicion being the buzz is happening between the fret point and the nut, not between the fret point and the bridge. This is a variation of what nebadon said above.
I sure appreciate the ideas. I agree that the buzz was likely between the nut and the fretting point. I actually already returned that one and got another one though. The new one is perfect. I love it.
