Argh! My Action!

Wolfpackleader6 · #1 07-17-2011, 12:14 AM

I recently got an Ibanez SR 706, 6 string bass, and I liked it a lot. The only problem is the action is super nice and low, but the fret buzz is terrible.

I took it to the Guitar Center and had a techie fix it up, and now the fret buzz is gone! But the action is unbearably high now.. Is there any way to get low action without fret buzz?

testing1two · #2 07-17-2011, 01:05 AM

There are many variables that can affect how low your action can be before fret buzz happens. My first suggestion would be to take the bass to a professional guitar tech and/or luthier. The folks at GC are usually not qualified to do much more then tweak your saddles and your truss rod. A good tech will be able to evaluate the bass more thoroughly and tell you if there are any issues prohibiting low action (like twists or slopes in the neck or uneven frets, etc.). Even the type and gauge of string will affect how low your action can be. Suffice to say there's no one answer to your question but in theory you should be able to expect reasonably low action with little to no fret buzz.

Epitaph04 · #3 07-17-2011, 01:19 AM

Don't forget to watch your technique as well. Lower action typically warrants a lighter touch on the strings in order to avoid buzz. Look at the setup stickies on the forum too.

frianbisher · #4 07-17-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by testing1two

There are many variables that can affect how low your action can be before fret buzz happens. My first suggestion would be to take the bass to a professional guitar tech and/or luthier. The folks at GC are usually not qualified to do much more then tweak your saddles and your truss rod. A good tech will be able to evaluate the bass more thoroughly and tell you if there are any issues prohibiting low action (like twists or slopes in the neck or uneven frets, etc.). Even the type and gauge of string will affect how low your action can be. Suffice to say there's no one answer to your question but in theory you should be able to expect reasonably low action with little to no fret buzz.

Objection! What your GC tech is qualified to do varies from store to store but many of us are qualified to do anything you ask of us.

testing1two · #5 07-17-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frianbisher

Objection! What your GC tech is qualified to do varies from store to store but many of us are qualified to do anything you ask of us.

The term "usually" was included in my statement because it was not a blanket condemnation of all techs at all GC locations. However, If we were to compare your skill set to every other GC employee performing in-store "setups" I would bet that your skills would stand out as the exception, not the rule. Personally, I would rather go to a specific tech with a proven reputation rather than take a chance the local GC may or may not employ a qualified tech at the moment.

As it relates to the OP, he had fret buzz and took the bass to his local GC. A "setup" was performed and the bass was returned with significantly higher action and no explanation or options for further improvement. Regardless of the skills of the tech who performed the work, the lack of communication (read customer service) immediately tells me that the OP should go to reputable tech/luthier that will take the time to make sure the customer is satisfied or, at the very least, has been presented with all the options.

Again, it's not meant as a slight to the skilled techs like you that happen to be employed by GC. But my recommendation to the OP still stands. Developing a relationship with a tech and being able to explain your needs and playing style will yield better results than dropping off your axe at a retail store with a tag that says "setup."

slaphappychappy · #6 07-17-2011, 06:15 PM

the dream bass every bass player seems to have is low action with no buzz. it is hard to get unless you have it properly fret dressed etc.
as long as it does not transfer to the amp a bit of buzz is fine, although personally i like a little bit coming through cos it gives a little more character.

chadhargis · #7 07-18-2011, 10:00 AM

As has been said, low action requires a softer touch. I'm a "soft" player, but on some songs I like to dig in a bit so I keep my action set to a medium setting. Not high, but not uber low.

FunkMetalBass · #8 07-18-2011, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadhargis

As has been said, low action requires a softer touch. I'm a "soft" player, but on some songs I like to dig in a bit so I keep my action set to a medium setting. Not high, but not uber low.

You also have my vote for the best avatar.

"I don't always dig in, but when I do, I prefer medium action."

bassphreak · #9 07-18-2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpackleader6

I recently got an Ibanez SR 706, 6 string bass, and I liked it a lot. The only problem is the action is super nice and low, but the fret buzz is terrible.

I took it to the Guitar Center and had a techie fix it up, and now the fret buzz is gone! But the action is unbearably high now.. Is there any way to get low action without fret buzz?

Funny...It must be part of the training for techs at GC (I mean this in jest). I just picked up a used Schecter at my local GC. I stopped in one day and played it. It buzzed on all strings and frets with any more than a light touch. Before I took delivery I told them they needed to tweak it. The response was a quick 'set up' that involved them raising the string height and giving it more relief.

It didn't buzz but the action was too high and there was too much relief. I knew I had 30 days so I took it home and am in the process of bringing the action down and adjusting the neck. Very slow baby steps. I'm getting there. It is more playable now, sounds great but I'll be changing the strings and then getting it the rest of the way.

I'm by not means an expert in set up but I've read a lot and used a lot of the resources here on TB. I can do a respectable job. At the end of the day it's a personal preference. My basses usually have a medium-low action and will have some buzzing when digging. But that works for me!

grendle · #10 07-18-2011, 04:06 PM

Most people don't want to her that their guitar really needs a $150 fret level and polish (as most do right out of the box for a "perfect" setup) , and it will be gone for 3 weeks, and that the service is not free or a warranty issue. So for $ 25 you get the action raised and relief added. It's one or the other. Spend your $ and be happy for a long time, or fight the instrument forever. Or you can learn to do it yourself once, take your time and have it perfect.