buzzing on frets 1,2,3 on E string

doshinski · #1 09-17-2007, 11:31 AM

I have just had a takamine EG512CFG acoustic bass. i have been playing it a week and the G,D and A strings seem to be worn in nicely now, but the E still is really rattly, especially on the 1st 2nd and 3rd frets.

Is there any way I can fix this myself or do the frets need shaving down?

please help!

thanks

202dy · #2 09-17-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doshinski

I have just had a takamine EG512CFG acoustic bass. i have been playing it a week and the G,D and A strings seem to be worn in nicely now, but the E still is really rattly, especially on the 1st 2nd and 3rd frets.

Is there any way I can fix this myself or do the frets need shaving down?

please help!

thanks

Slow down. Relax. There isn't enough data here to suggest fretwork or anything else, for that matter. Let's start at the beginning. Measure the string height at the twelfth fret and the amount of relief at F7 or F8. If you do not know how to do it refer to the sticky at the top of the page. Post the findings and someone will help you.

BTW, those little Takamines are nice basses. The quality is usually spot on. It would be unusual that fretwork would be called for on a new instrument. If there is a problem Takamine will take care of it.

Chasarms · #3 09-17-2007, 02:41 PM

The most common cause of fret noise close to the nut is too little relief. I'd suggest a full setup including a close check on the relief before filing frets.

doshinski · #4 09-18-2007, 03:17 AM

From what the stickies on this topic say, it sounds like i need to loosen my truss nut, but where the hell is it?! there is no nut at the head like all the articles say, any suggestions?! (Takamine EG512CFG)

John Wentzien · #5 09-18-2007, 03:21 AM

Look in the sound hole at the base of the neck.

doshinski · #6 09-19-2007, 07:58 AM

i measured the relief by holding the first fret and pushing down below the fretboard like the guide says, and the string was resting on the frets, does this mean it is the truss rod?

stedtale · #7 09-19-2007, 08:00 AM

http://garywillis.com/pages/bass/bassmanual/relief.html

202dy · #8 09-19-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doshinski

i measured the relief by holding the first fret and pushing down below the fretboard like the guide says, and the string was resting on the frets, does this mean it is the truss rod?

It would appear to be part of the problem. Relief is measured in thousandths of an inch in the USA. Typical relief is ~0.010-0.012" measured from the top of the fret to the bottom of a precision straight edge at the seventh fret. On TB, most people do what you have done and insert business card(s). The convention is one thin card. Loosen the truss rod. Check the relief. Repeat as necessary.

What is the string height?

doshinski · #9 09-20-2007, 03:31 AM

now im really confused, i loosened the truss rod slightly and it made the buzzing slightly better, but now there is a minute buzzing around the 14th frets as well as the slight buzzing in the 1st 2nd and 3rd (but only on the E string with those)

202dy · #10 09-20-2007, 05:55 AM

Sometimes it takes a while for a neck to "settle". Usually adjustments will be made at both the neck (relief) and bridge. If you are not measuring relief and string height you are working blind. It may be time to seek the aid of a professional luthier.

doshinski · #11 09-20-2007, 11:27 AM

from what i can tell the bridge height isnt adjustable, i cant see any bolts that would do this in my guitar (taka EG512CFG) well i have left it for almost 24hrs so i will see how it is and get back to you all in the morning, thanks for all the help!

202dy · #12 09-20-2007, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doshinski

from what i can tell the bridge height isnt adjustable, i cant see any bolts that would do this in my guitar (taka EG512CFG) well i have left it for almost 24hrs so i will see how it is and get back to you all in the morning, thanks for all the help!

It is adjustable. The saddles are removable. They can be shimmed up or cut down. Since there is a piezo pickup it is better to use a new saddle if the the string height is too low. Shimming saddles when there is a piezo pickup involved is territory reserved for those who are tool savvy and handy in the extreme.

You still have not posted measurements. This is a must.

String height: ???
Relief: ???