2nd fret buzz!!!???

[mathewcanhaz]

My ray 34 has developed a nasty buzz on the second fret on the A string and I can't take it anymore. What's wrong is it my action my nut or maybe my neck has a bow. What do you guys think. It's only on the 2nd fret and its only on the A string

[SoonerMatt]

I'd guess it's the action. Have you tried adjusting the bridge saddle?

[mathewcanhaz]

I havnt in a bit but it was fine for a while and it just kind of developed

[MuzikMan]

It sounds like a worn 2nd fret. If it was the action it would be on all of the frets, not just one. That's not to say that raising the action wouldn't make it better though. A better option might be to add neck relief first, then set the action.

[onemorebass]

Take a close look at the 2nd fret at the fretboard, is it seated properly, raised out of the slot? I had a Marcus Miller that the 5th or 6th fret was a bit high. Took it to a luthier, he applied some thin glue to the edge of the fret (very thin, applied with a needle type applicator) and then pressed the fret down... or seated it. He said the cause could have been lack of adhesive during the build, slot cut a little too large, humidity changes or maybe an impact to the end of the fret.

I never had any issues with it after that, and neither has the next owner.

Good luck.

[MuzikMan]

That's a very good thought but wouldn't it be a raised 3rd fret that would cause buzzing while fretting the second fret?

[onemorebass]

Good point.. guess I just assumed it was happening on an open A.

[mathewcanhaz]

So I've never adjusted a neck before. How do I go about giving it more release?

[MuzikMan]

Hmmm. After reading it again I think YOU might be right! OP, is the the open A or the fretted note that is causing the buzz?

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

So I've never adjusted a neck before. How do I go about giving it more release?

Check for a raised fret first before getting into setup.

[mathewcanhaz]

It's a fretted note.

[MuzikMan]

http://www.tunemybass.com/bass_setup/

Here's a link that will guide you through the entire setup process. Keep in mind there is a particular order to it. Relief, action, intonation, pickup height, in that order.

[mathewcanhaz]

So do you think it's as simple as a set up

[kb9wyz]

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

So I've never adjusted a neck before. How do I go about giving it more release?

I admit it. I thought something naughty when I read this. You know some people don't just love their bass; they LOVE their bass.

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

So do you think it's as simple as a set up

If you only have one note on your entire bass that is buzzing there is a very good chance that one of your frets is causing the problem. However, a setup will hide the problem to some degree. The buzzing might even go away completely, but the problem will still be there (just hiding).

[mathewcanhaz]

Ok thanks a bunch for all your help. I'll report back with my findings

[GlennW]

Originally Posted by mathewcanhaz

It's a fretted note.

As others have said, it sounds like a worn B fret on your A string.

First thing I'd do is loosen the A string enough to take it out of the nut slot, then slide the string off to the side and see if the 2nd fret looks obviously worn. If it does, you might be able to re-adjust your relief/action, or get a new fret.

[mathewcanhaz]

So I'm home now and I raised the action a little a it did definitely lower to volume of the buzz but it is still there. I was looking at my neck and it looks pretty straight.

[Chrisk-K]

The 3rd fret is raised or the 2nd fret is worn.

[mathewcanhaz]

just looked and my 3rd fret does feel a little higher than my others. how do i fix it?