Bongo E string Buzz

Philthy · #1 01-09-2009, 06:58 AM

I'm trying to set up my Bongo 4 HH, and for the life of me, I can't get the E string to stop buzzing. The other strings are fine but, all up and down the fret board, the E string has fret buzz. I tried loosening the truss rod and still buzz.

I use EB Regular Slinky strings (105-50) and I tune down a 1/2 step then from there I use my hipshot d-tuner to occasionally tune the E string down to Db.

I'm mostly a finger player but I will use a pick on occasion. I play pretty hard sometimes but I don't like my action too high.

Anyone else out there experiencing this with there bongo? Any ideas what the culprit might be?

Thanks.

rockinrayduke · #2 01-09-2009, 12:46 PM

Try a different E string. Maybe it's just a bad string.

Bassorama57 · #3 01-09-2009, 01:01 PM

- Is it a new instrument? Used to you or a bass you've had a while? It buzzes from the nut all the way down the neck?? If it's new, obviously take it into GC or whomever and get the new instrument set up; if it's 'new to you' go to a good local luthier and pay the $50 or whatever for set up.

Things that could be causing this (imho as a Bongo owner) in order of severity might be:
- bad string
- bridge saddle height out of whack (remember, to accomodate different string thicknesses and the neck radius, you need a radius gauge and saddle height tool to check this).
- Nut's been worn through and the channel's too deep.
- The neck is warped twisted in the pocket such that the "E" string side sticks up.

Of course this presumes you're trying to set it to factory specs - if you try to set it too low (as I'm sure you've figured out) the larger diameter of the E will make it start buzzing first..

Rendog92 · #4 01-10-2009, 07:18 PM

Im having the same issue on my Geddy Lee jazz bass with my e string. I got some nickelwound extra light 95 gauge E string that has buzz. Is there a chance that I just need to get the saddle height for my E string adjusted?

elBandito · #5 01-10-2009, 08:11 PM

If the e string is buzzing up and down the neck, your action may be too low, and shouldnt mess with the truss rod to adjust your action. Does it buzz when it's tuned normally?