Hello, my bass has started making a weird buzzing noise when I play the 8th fret on the A string. Its not normal fret buzz, its hard to explain what it sounds like. I've been looking around and found that I may need a few frets redone. But could this buzz be caused by the neck not being at the right angle? And also, does anyone know how much it costs to replace a few frets? Thanks for your help
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Aussie Mark
Well-known member
Unless you've played the beejesus out of the bass in question, and can see obvious issues with fret wear, it's unlikely to be a fret problem. It is likely to be a setup issue, which may involve brdige saddle and/or truss rod adjustment. If you've never setup a bass, I'd recommend having it professionally done.
Rod Trussbroken
Moderator
It may be what I call a ghost buzz which can happen between the fretted note and the nut....rather than the normal buzz from the fretted note up to the higher end of the neck. After playing the note, touch the string just before your fretting finger (on the nut side) to see if it stops. This happened to my Bass on D string at the 10th fret with a brand new string. I replaced the string and all was ok.
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Bluesbob
Well-known member
Buzz
I have a weird buzz that happens whenever I play a low E on my Sterling. I discovered that the volume control is not completely tightened, but it's a minor issue in that I only hear it when I'm practicing at low volume. I'll fix it tomorrow.
I have a weird buzz that happens whenever I play a low E on my Sterling. I discovered that the volume control is not completely tightened, but it's a minor issue in that I only hear it when I'm practicing at low volume. I'll fix it tomorrow.
Hey all, thanks for the replies. Rod - my buzzing also stops when I touch below the fretted note, and also if I bend the neck forward slightly.
It seems the fret needed pushing back in so I gently knocked the fret with the end of a screwdrive (with the fret covered by cardboard) and it has greatly improved it. So I think its either that or the neck needs a bit of relief. There is still a buzz when I bend the string, so I will check the other frets later.
It seems the fret needed pushing back in so I gently knocked the fret with the end of a screwdrive (with the fret covered by cardboard) and it has greatly improved it. So I think its either that or the neck needs a bit of relief. There is still a buzz when I bend the string, so I will check the other frets later.
Rod Trussbroken
Moderator
You may, or may not, have a loose fret but I don't think that's the cause of the problem. A high fret between the nut and the fretted note would have muted the string vibration....just as it was muted when you touched it.
Which fret did you tap?
How old is the Bass?
IMO, relief adjustment wont fix the prob either (albeit, flexing the neck helped).
Place a sock or a bit of rag under the strings (to stop the strings hitting the fret board). Grab hold of the neck around the nut and lift the Bass vertically off the floor. Tap the back of the neck with your hand and listen for rattles. If all's ok, then, IMO it has to be the string.
Either the string has an irregular winding or it has a micro-sized bur underneath which is buzzing on a fret. Even one of the frets between the nut and fretted note may have a minute bur...rub your finger along the frets and check. The string could also have a kink or indent in it from constantly depressing it on one of the frets.
The first thing I'd do is put on a fresh set on strings and then a setup.
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Which fret did you tap?
How old is the Bass?
IMO, relief adjustment wont fix the prob either (albeit, flexing the neck helped).
Place a sock or a bit of rag under the strings (to stop the strings hitting the fret board). Grab hold of the neck around the nut and lift the Bass vertically off the floor. Tap the back of the neck with your hand and listen for rattles. If all's ok, then, IMO it has to be the string.
Either the string has an irregular winding or it has a micro-sized bur underneath which is buzzing on a fret. Even one of the frets between the nut and fretted note may have a minute bur...rub your finger along the frets and check. The string could also have a kink or indent in it from constantly depressing it on one of the frets.
The first thing I'd do is put on a fresh set on strings and then a setup.
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Rod Trussbroken
Moderator
Ok then.
Straight to a luthier is the prob the best solution now.
Good luck.
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Straight to a luthier is the prob the best solution now.
Good luck.
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