Buzz on G string (D note)

[peterchui23]

Hi All,

I have a Hamer bass, Fender American Deluxe Precision & Ibanez SR. I have trouble with the D note on the G string for all my three basses. They all have buzz on the G string (D note). How can I solve this issue ?

[202dy]

Interesting symptoms. Here's a few questions:

1. Do they buzz acoustically?
2. Is there a noticeable rut in F5 on each bass?
3. Is F6 popped (seated higher) on each bass?
4. Do you notice this when plugged into any amp, or just the one you normally use?

The only other thing would be a technique issue. Let's assume that technique is not the problem.


It doesn't matter much if they buzz acoustically, since they're meant to be played through an amplifier. The chances on having the same fret popped on three basses is unlikely, but possible. Rutting would make more sense, especially if you play a lot of tunes in the keys of C, G, D, and A (blues/rock/jazz). Still, it's pretty uncommon. The most likely culprit is a sympathetic vibration somewhere in the speaker cabinet.

Check these items and post your findings. Someone will help you.

[peterchui23]

Hi 202dy,

Good points !! Really thanks for your advices !! When I said buzz, it means the sustain is not as good as other notes or unreasonably short. Also, the Hamer buzzed on the G string C note (not the D note). The buzz actually happened when playing through amplifier. I am certain it is not related to the playing technique & speaker cabinet. I will try to check frets shortly....

[202dy]

Is this a problem with buzz i.e. a string contracting a higher (or lower) fret than the one being used to stop the string and causing a rattling or "buzzing" noise? Is this a problem with sustain? Or is this a complaint about a dead spot?

[sevenyearsdown]

This sounds more like the dead spot scenario than anything. I have a mild one on my MIA p-bass.

[peterchui23]

I believe I should say it's dead spot. So, does dead spot happen on the G string usually ? I didn't find dead spot on other 3 strings. Is there any ways to get it improved. Not sure if it happens due to the setup. Million thanks!!

[202dy]

Dead spots are not unusual. There are various remedies. Some work, some don't. It depends on the instrument.

Some will suggest changing the bridge to one with higher (or lower) mass can help. Others will suggest using a "Fat Finger", a device that is clamped to the headstock. Others will suggest a heavy plate that is placed between the tuners and the headstock. All are attempts to add to the mass of the body or the neck in an attempt to change the resonant frequency of the neck/instrument. In theory, this will work. In practice, maybe. It is dependent on the individual pieces of wood. Even in the same species, some pieces are denser than others. So each remedy will have a different effect on each individual instrument. Sometimes they work. Sometimes they don't. And sometimes they just move the dead spot to a different position.

Old timers will tell you the best remedy is to pluck that note harder.

[peterchui23]

Thanks for your suggestions, 202dy !!
By the way, can I buy the "fat finger" or the heavy plate in music store ? Sorry for the question, but this is really new to me...

[202dy]

Fat Finger

Fathead


Click and ye shall find.


Bridges: Search TB data bass. The posts are exhaustive (exhausting?).

[drnknmstr]

Really, almost every bolt-on bass has certain deadspots that are common where you pointed them out. Even my Modulus has an interesting dead note. It's just the nature of instruments. I had a lesson with Michael Manring and some of his Zons had them, but he just shrugged and said again, it's what stringed instruments do.

I personally wouldn't worry too much about it. Some of the most iconic instruments (i.e., any Fender bass that has a signature model, like Jamerson, Jaco, Marcus, Geddy, etc...) had those common deadspots. No big deal. Making a minor adjustment to your technique is part of being a musician to me. Of cours some deadspots are REALLY unreasonable, but rarely.