String problem! :(

Geddyleefan30 · #1 08-25-2009, 03:36 PM

I've got a problem with some strings I just purchased. I bought some DR High Beams ( I heard they last forever and have a bright tone ), and I put them on, tune them up, and they are giving a lot of fret buzz. Its fine around the 7th fret area and up, but when I play an open string or around the 1-5th fret it buzzes a lot. Is it the strings? or does it have something to do with the way my bass is set up? I apologize if whats wrong is something obvious. Been playing for a year and half now, and never had this problem until now.

If its something that has to do with the way my bass is set up I'd love it if someone could post a link or tell me how to fix it up.

JTE · #2 08-25-2009, 03:53 PM

It's most likely a set-up issue. Changing strings will alter the way the neck settles. The truss rod should be set to balance the string tension, and if the new strings have different tension than the old ones, the neck is going to move.

Check out the sticky posts in the "Hardware and Set Up" forum of TB for good information on what a good set up is. Even better, get a copy of Dan Erlewine's "Complete Guitar Repair".

John

Stampy · #3 08-25-2009, 04:13 PM

I noticed when I got my SR300 i replaced the stock strings with DR Hibeams of the same gauge there was some more fretbuzz than with the old strings. I just rose the action a tad a smidge and it went away.

Geddyleefan30 · #4 08-25-2009, 05:01 PM

I'd give it a shot, but I sadly have no idea what the " action " is when it comes to knowing things about the physical bass itself I'm clueless, sadly

EagleMoon · #5 08-25-2009, 05:27 PM

Sounds like you need some relief in your neck. Usually when you get a buzz on the bottom frets, it's either the nut or the neck is too straight. Probably about a 1/4 counter-clockwise turn (or less) of the trussrod would take care of it.

dmusic148 · #6 08-25-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

Sounds like you need some relief in your neck. Usually when you get a buzz on the bottom frets, it's either the nut or the neck is too straight. Probably about a 1/4 counter-clockwise turn (or less) of the trussrod would take care of it.

+1. Hi Beams have less tension than some other strings. This allows the neck to flatten out more than before, causing the buzz.
So you must loosen the rod a little, to allow it to bend forward a bit, creating more room between the strings and neck.

Geddyleefan30 · #7 08-25-2009, 07:41 PM

Finished loosening the rod about an hour ago, and it sounds much better thanks guys!