Strings for EB3 Copy w/ Fret Buzz

[ZippyButton]

Hi all. Been lurking a while, but this is my first post:

Since I think my solution lies with strings, I've posted here, but it also has to to with a set-up, so I hope I've put this in the right place...

I recently got a late 70s MIJ copy of an EB 3. It hadn't been used for quite a while so I took it to a good local shop for a neck reset (desperately needed) and a general set-up. It came back to me with the neck looking great and a nice low (but not super low) action. The problem is fret buzz all over the fret board.

I think the problem could be one of two things:

1. Strings are too light. After searching these forums and seeing the myriad discussions of "floppy" short scale strings requiring a lighter touch, I think I may have received the floppiest short scale strings of all time! Unfortunately I don't have a micrometer to test their gauge, but I can tell they are much thinner than the medium flats I have on my Schecter Stiletto 4. They almost feel like guitar strings though. I think the lightness is causing the fret buzz because if I play really lightly, most of the buzz goes away.

2. Action too low. Time to bust out the ole screwdriver and raise it up.

On a lark, I tuned the bass up from EADG to ADGC which tightened the strings and eliminated most of the fret buzz.

As this novel of a post draws to a close, I guess I have two questions:

First, do you think new strings are the answer? If so, any EB 3 (or copy!) players our there with some thick string recommendations?

Thanks!

[davelowell2]

When I had an EB3 copy, I liked LaBella short scale flats.

[srsteve]

Bear in mind that when you tightened the strings by tuning up, you also effectively created more relief (more pull against the truss rod.) Is your buzzing in standard tuning literally "all over the fret board" or is it more pronounced around the 6th-10th fret area (and less so near the nut and the highest frets)... ?

[funkytoe]

Short scale basses will buzz if the action is too low (below 2 mm or so). I have never played one that could be set lower than that without buzz when digging in. Birdsong addresses this very issue on their webpage Q&A section.

I would raise the action a little or add some relief with the truss rod. Play around until you can play up and down the neck with a medium light touch and no fret buzz.

As for strings, it really depends on the sound you want. I also like Labella Flats for roots and classic rock/R&B. But my favorite short-scale roundwounds (and the strings I keep on my Gibson SG bass) are the Ken Smith custom balanced set (short scale) .044 -.106. http://www.juststrings.com/kensmithe...mbalanced.html Great strings with good tension and strong mids. About $20 a set and last a good while too.

[ZippyButton]

Thanks for the suggestions!

The buzzing is pretty much all over the fretboard and not just between the 6th and 10th fret. That makes me think it's not a truss rod issue...

I'm going to raise the action some and try some higher tension strings this evening to see what happens. I've been reading good things about the Labellas, so I'll probably try them.

[stflbn]

Good fret leveling and then whatever strings you like.

[ZippyButton]

@Funkytoe,

Thanks for the suggestion to check out the Birdsong Q&A. I'm quite heavy handed, so I think raising the action is definitely the way to go.

[funkytoe]

I find Scott's (Birdsong) website to be pretty darn good. Happy to recommend the F.A.Q. section to another T.B.er.