OLP MM2 setup blues

[kennoath]

Okay I know the answer to any OLP issue is "get an SR4" but this is my first bass and I just don't have the dough.

My 3-month old MM2 has pesky fret buzzing and, though I've done my homework, I can't seem to get it set up right. The height is now 5/32 at the 12th fret in order to limit the buzzing, but it sure feels high. Buzz is worst at 10, 11 on D & G plus 4, 5 on E. Have adjusted the relief (to SR specs and all around) but buzz at certain frets just persists -- except with really high action from the bridge.

Took this to the seller and they said it was an easy fix, and under warranty. It came back from their tech 12 days later looking pretty abused, having clearly had some fret work, and still with the same buzz. The shop then cranked the bridge waaay up and said 'seems okay!".

Can I ever hope for a clean, low action on an MM2? Where to go from here? The shop will trade over to another bass; the OLP Spector and Yamaha bb404 and -snif- the SUB I played had nice-feeling low actions. My MM2 has grown on me and has a nice growl to it... BUT. Any ideas?

- - - can't wait to get a real one! - - -​

 

[sandaas]

get an SR4

I'm sorry couldent help it, tired at work bing silly..

Hope everything works out for you!

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

IMO, it needs a proper fret dress.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but from my experience, I haven't yet come across a luthier here, in Australia, who can do a competent job.

If I'm attacked, I can give a full rundown (which I'd dearly love to do) but perhaps not the appropriate forum.

.

 

[kennoath]

Esteemed Sir Trussbroken,

Even if I could find a godlike luthier, the dilemma remains:
--Spend almost as much $ on a professional fret & fingerboard job as the bass itself cost to buy?
--Be saved by amazing technical guidance from an EB forum guru?
--Trade it for a different bass altogether, maybe adding a bit more dough?
--Ask the shop to order another MM2 (would it be significantly different)?
--Live with it and hope for the best?

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[vonfog]

Hi kennoath,

I got your email, thanks. I would ask the shop to get you another. No reason you should have to go through this with a new instrument. I've bought a bunch of used OLPs, and they varied from basically brand new to very used. The fretwork on all of them was excellent. Sounds like you just got a bad one.

Adam

 

[TheDirtyMoocher]

mine (which i recently jaco-ed) has a little bit of weird buzzying near the 9th fret on g but i was told i could just sand my neck down alittle more and it would be ok...then again you cant really do that if there's frets on there..but mine was a defect in the neck/fretboard (i think) not from me...my action was just so high that i couldnt tell...you might also need a shim cause mine did when it finally got set up