Buzz,when playing first 2-3 frets,or playing open strings..

Demon · #1 03-03-2007, 06:35 AM

Hey. My bass was all fine when i got it. Then i played around with saddles when i was gonna slap for a while, but now i turned them up a bit and the first frets, and open strings seems to buzz. Open D almost gets choked when played open. So anyone know what could have happened? I doubt its the saddle height since its all way up, and the saddles arent that low anyway. I did play around with tunings a couple a while, but dont think i went below 1 step drop.
EDIT: Ah yeah, reminds me, all strings seem to buzz at the 9th fret.

SGT. Pepper · #2 03-03-2007, 06:49 AM

You need a set up dude. and if you play in "D" tuning use heavier strings.

Demon · #3 03-10-2007, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

At the top of the forum is a sticky about truss rods and action containing links to 2 setup guides. I especially like the Fender one.

It sounds like your neck needs some relief, and then a re-adjustment of the saddle height (and intonation). I'd start by tuning up and measuring relief. Do you know how?

No idea:/ Ive never done this stuff before. Would it be costy to get some luthier get it setup?

Brass Nut · #4 03-10-2007, 09:05 AM

Hmmm, very interesting. Was this new when you got it? Was it ever set up by anyone?

Try taking a face cloth or a hand towel, double it and slide it under your strings 1/2 up your neck. Now "thump" the backside of the neck with the meaty part of the heel of your palm. Do it at the neck joint, 1/2 way up the neck, and again just below the nut.
Do you happen to hear any rattles, buzzing, maybe even a clunk?