Another fret buzz question

AlBasser · #1 08-31-2006, 09:53 AM

I am aware questions similar to this have been posted many many times already (as became apparent when I did a search), but the threads I found in my search did not bring up any sure-fire answers to my problem. There was just too much information and no questions that specifically related to mine, so here's my question:

I am playing an EBMM Sub-Bass 4 string, that I got about 5 months ago, and at the time was virtually unplayable due to extremely high action.

I have since adjusted my bass to perfection (nearly), in terms of playability, and recently discovered the 'correct' way to set up my bass guitar. So after getting the neck relief correct, to just under one business card's width, and setting the action as low as i could play without excessive string buzz, i have the ideal set up for me.

However a new problem as arisen from this, there is excessive string buzz on the 19th and 20th frets on both the A and D strings. The note is extremely dampened and very buzzy, in fact on the 20th fret A string unless i fret the note extremely hard i get the same note as the 21st fret ringing out (and very buzzy as well).

From what ive searched on the forums I could attribute this to the 21st fret being too high, but I'm not sure (and I hope this isn't the case). All of the problems i noticed people had with this were also limited to just one string as well, adding more confusion with what may be the cause. I've tried taking off relief and adding it in reasonable amounts.

In a related matter, not long before I had the current setup (within the past month, with the same strings), under my previously misinformed knowledge i tightened the truss rod to get lower action, this resulted in more buzzing at the first few frets and high action at the higher ones, i know why that is now, but there was no problem with the 19th and 20th frets at that time.

I am using month-old Elixir nanoweb strings (standard gauge) 45 - 100.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to try and give as much info as i could. I appreciate any help offered.

The Dave · #2 09-01-2006, 08:41 AM

You could just play at the 14th and 15th frets on the D and G. Or, let your guitar player cover those wussy high notes!

I'm so not helpful... Seriously though, Joshua's right on the straight edge thing - check that sucker out. Also, I wonder if your neck angle is off. Maybe it's tilted back a little too much, but do you really ever play anything up there??? I don't mean any disrespect, but I don't think I've ever been past my 12th fret!

Regarding your sig, the bass is NEVER too loud!!!

zazz · #3 09-01-2006, 09:03 AM

i play over the 12th a lot......sounds like you need to shell out on some pro fret dressing....maybe because its a sub.

AlBasser · #4 09-01-2006, 03:19 PM

Thanks for the replies guys, I was hoping I wouldn't have to get my frets fixed up, seeing as how it's a bit of a drive to the nearest competent luthier.

I don't have a straight edge but I will pick one up this weekend and see if the frets are the case.

Also I do like to play over the 12th fret a bit, as I'm in a 3 piece and high-pitched harmonies go nicely with the guitar. Octave slides are also cool hehe

[Edit] To Joshua : I tried raising the action but to no avail, I'm pretty sure this means it is a problem with the frets, but I'll make sure after I've obtained the necessary equipment.

seansbrew · #5 09-01-2006, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dave

You could just play at the 14th and 15th frets on the D and G. Or, let your guitar player cover those wussy high notes!

I'm so not helpful... Seriously though, Joshua's right on the straight edge thing - check that sucker out. Also, I wonder if your neck angle is off. Maybe it's tilted back a little too much, but do you really ever play anything up there??? I don't mean any disrespect, but I don't think I've ever been past my 12th fret!

Regarding your sig, the bass is NEVER too loud!!!

You need a special 12 fret bass made just for you.

I use all 24.

The Dave · #6 09-02-2006, 12:45 AM

Alright, alright, I shoulda kept my trap shut. Now everybody's gonna make fun of me like I'm some kinda narrow-minded simpleton with a boring playing style. Well, actually, that pretty much sums it up. Never mind.

Nick Ioannucci · #7 09-02-2006, 10:14 AM

^its cool man. dont worry about it. and to the op, you may need the slightest of truss adjustments, when i set up my fretless i followed the fender measurements and used a spark plug gapper to measure, and i needed to adjust a little after i had that right, now i basically approximate as to how i se my truss, do the business card thing, but also will deviate if needed, what ever i need to get the lowest possible action.

pkr2 · #8 09-02-2006, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlBasser

I am aware questions similar to this have been posted many many times already (as became apparent when I did a search), but the threads I found in my search did not bring up any sure-fire answers to my problem. There was just too much information and no questions that specifically related to mine, so here's my question:

I am playing an EBMM Sub-Bass 4 string, that I got about 5 months ago, and at the time was virtually unplayable due to extremely high action.

I have since adjusted my bass to perfection (nearly), in terms of playability, and recently discovered the 'correct' way to set up my bass guitar. So after getting the neck relief correct, to just under one business card's width, and setting the action as low as i could play without excessive string buzz, i have the ideal set up for me.

However a new problem as arisen from this, there is excessive string buzz on the 19th and 20th frets on both the A and D strings. The note is extremely dampened and very buzzy, in fact on the 20th fret A string unless i fret the note extremely hard i get the same note as the 21st fret ringing out (and very buzzy as well).

From what ive searched on the forums I could attribute this to the 21st fret being too high, but I'm not sure (and I hope this isn't the case). All of the problems i noticed people had with this were also limited to just one string as well, adding more confusion with what may be the cause. I've tried taking off relief and adding it in reasonable amounts.

In a related matter, not long before I had the current setup (within the past month, with the same strings), under my previously misinformed knowledge i tightened the truss rod to get lower action, this resulted in more buzzing at the first few frets and high action at the higher ones, i know why that is now, but there was no problem with the 19th and 20th frets at that time.

I am using month-old Elixir nanoweb strings (standard gauge) 45 - 100.

Sorry for the long post but I wanted to try and give as much info as i could. I appreciate any help offered.

AlBasser, what it seems that you're describing is called a "ski ramp". It's a very slight thickening of the neck over the neck pocket.

It causes the frets in that area to slightly rise with the fingerboard and create fret buzz.

As Josh pointed out, the best way to be certain is with a straight edge. If that is the problem, it usually can be corrected without a complete fret redressing. It usually only affects two or three frets. Worst case and very unlikely, the frets will have to be removed and the fingerboard replaned.

I can nearly say for certain that it's not correctable with the TR.

There is another active thread going on now with some interesting discussion on just that problem. I Don't remember the title but it's been within the last few days. Check it out.