Is clarity across the entire fretboard too much to ask?

[pedalguy1]

Hey guys. I have an Ibanez Sr506 that I bought new and have had for a little of two years now. I remember pulling it out of the box and the bass being barely playable since its action was too low. The strings were literally sitting on top of the fretboard. I did a little tweaking to get it playable and off i went. Fast forward to today. I like to play post rock jammy stuff by myself using a looping pedal, and i find myself dabbling on the higher spots on the fretboard for melody lines and stuff and have noticed that I have a lot of dead notes approaching and after the 12th fret, plus a lot of buzzing from what sounds like the bridge. I tighened the bridge down, but theres still a buzz somewhere. It doesnt bother me playing amplified because you cant hear it, but its just always a slight annoyance. I want to add that I'm still using the stock Elixer strings and i plan to get new ones soon (still deciding on which ones) My question to you guys is.... Do you think most if not all of my problems could be eliminated with a new set of strings and a few more tweaks? I like the bass, but it is a "budget" 6 string, and am wondering if quality is also an issue here.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

While Elixir strings tend to last longer than uncoated ones, they have their limit as well. Whether those strings are the reason for the "deadness" is possible but Your line:

"I did a little tweaking to get it playable and off i went"

sounds like the bass is in a dire need of a good setup, possibly fret levelling and re-crowning.

Regards
Sam

[fretlessguy]

I'll second T-Bird on his recommendation. A set up with new strings is in order here. Find a really good tech in your area and decide what string set you are going to go with and have him do a proper setup.
Although I do not have any Ibbys in the stable, I have found them to be really good basses, especially for what you pay for them. The 506 is exceptional for a budget bass.

[Diogenes]

There are very few 'production line' basses regardless of price (including those costing >$1,000) that have level frets which, IMHO, is a necessity for optimal performance. It's one of the details I attend to that transforms my cheap basses into professional level instruments.

I have to agree with fretlessguy concerning Ibby's... they're usually of high quality and my ATK700 is the only bass that I can remember that only needed a setup to be perfect, AFAIC.

[bassbully]

Originally Posted by Diogenes

There are very few 'production line' basses regardless of price (including those costing >$1,000) that have level frets which, IMHO, is a necessity for optimal performance. It's one of the details I attend to that transforms my cheap basses into professional level instruments.

I have to agree with fretlessguy concerning Ibby's... they're usually of high quality and my ATK700 is the only bass that I can remember that only needed a setup to be perfect, AFAIC.

I agree. On production basses the fretwork even when done well is rarely level or polished. A good setup, level and polish with new strings will help. Also intonation issues ,dead spots, happen on a stringed instrument and is never perfect and never 100%. You can only get it as close to perfect as you can.

[pedalguy1]

Thanks guys. I really wanna save some money, but looks like I cant do fret leveling myself. I'll try a string swap and sit down and give the best set up I can (I shouldnt rush these things) If that doesnt help I guess a luthier visit is in order.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by pedalguy1

I'll try a string swap and sit down and give the best set up I can (I shouldnt rush these things) If that doesnt help I guess a luthier visit is in order.

That's the spirit.

You can try to determine whether the frets need levelling by adjusting the neck to be dead straight, and with a long straight-edge, go through every fret. Having issues around and up from 12th fret is not uncommon, sometimes it's easily remedied, sometimes not at all.

Fret leveling is easy enough to do for a handy DIYer, but it takes quite a bit of reading and learning to have it dead on. It also requires a few tools: some files, a jig of some sort and a special straight-edge that will make things easier, but I've done quick levelings with just a long file and a lot of elbow grease.

Regards
Sam