Concerning Fret Buzzing

blankstare77 · #1 12-30-2007, 10:12 AM

Hello. My bass is set up properly, but some frets seem to either cause notes to buzz a little or, in one case, A LOT.

How do I solve this problem? How do I make the sound as pure as possible without fret noise? (I know it's the fret, because I've tested it several times on other notes using the exact same technique, but the notes become buzzed out).

jinithith2 · #2 12-30-2007, 10:31 PM

it could be a problem with the neck angle. my bass has that and I need to get it reset also it might be a problem with the shape of the nut.

Pilgrim · #3 12-30-2007, 11:34 PM

Regardless of setup, it sounds like you have some frets that are higher than others. Use a straightedge to look for high frets. It doesn't cost much to have a tech level them.

202dy · #4 12-31-2007, 09:59 AM

More information is needed before a diagnosis can be made. Read the sticky concerning truss rod adjustments. Measure string height and relief. Post the statistics here along with information on which frets are buzzing and someone will help you.

stanger503 · #5 01-01-2008, 07:50 PM

well i dont mean to jack this thread, but i have somewhat a similiar problem. now i know for a fact some is going to come here and say( i know its already been said) "go have a tech do it"....well, thats not an option for everyone, i live in a ****** little town miles away from anything musical. so, for people who dont have any kind of a tech or luthier around, and doesnt wanna spend umteen thousand dollars on equipment to level frets....there absolutely has GOT to be a way to rig somthing to do it at home by yourself correctly and accurately without buying ever tool from stew mac. my buzz's with medium action are the g string around the 9th fret all the way to the 20th, and just about every other string fromt he 15th on up. and of course if the action gets any lower its just unbearable and not playable. i would love love love low action but ive never had it on my own basses simply for the fact of having my frets leveled. will someone please in detail explain an at home process for doing this. and one last question, is a crowning file absolutely neccisary? thanks, im sorry if this comes off very **** but im not in the greatest mood rite now. again thanks for reading my rant haha.

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stanger503 · #6 01-01-2008, 10:24 PM

well joshua if thats aimed towards me, i have done your basic setup, intonation,truss rod, and relief. i believe the nut is good too, i know that theres a couple high spots on the upper frets, but ill come out and say that it is an essex bass, so, im sure most people around here know that they are notorious to have a fret leveling done. i will say that i do dig in pretty hard on a few songs, so buzzing is bound to happen then, but even moderate play i get buzzing in the areas i stated.

202dy · #7 01-02-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanger503

well joshua if thats aimed towards me, i have done your basic setup, intonation,truss rod, and relief. i believe the nut is good too, i know that theres a couple high spots on the upper frets, but ill come out and say that it is an essex bass, so, im sure most people around here know that they are notorious to have a fret leveling done. i will say that i do dig in pretty hard on a few songs, so buzzing is bound to happen then, but even moderate play i get buzzing in the areas i stated.

What are the statistics on the set up? Relief at the seventh fret and string height at the twelfth fret? In this case, string height at the last fret might also be useful. Without data, it is impossible to advise.

Since you seem to be serious about the pursuit of advanced luthiery, all of the information you seek can be found by purchasing a copy of The Guitar Player Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine. Of course, anyone who is dedicated to the pursuit will want to purchase precision tools. At a minimum a fret leveler (file or a bar that abrasives can be attached) that is dead flat and a crowning device will need to be purchased or fabricated. One caveat, it is always best to approach this work with an even temper as it can be extremely frustrating during the first dozen or so dressings.

stanger503 · #8 01-02-2008, 11:28 AM

it would appear that the book has been discontinued....or at least the link you gave me haha go figure. is there any way to fashion a sanding bar, and a crowning file. i have a vague idea of how to go about this. what im thinking is you take the neck off, adjust the truss rod over a day or so so that it its perfectly straight, take the straight edge and find what frets are high, my plan from there was to tape off the fretboard, mark the top of the frets with a marker to see how much im taking off, then "sand" what needs to be sanded to get the frets all leveled. then of course somehow get ahold of a crowning file or another tool that would do the job....am i that far off?

202dy · #9 01-02-2008, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanger503

it would appear that the book has been discontinued....or at least the link you gave me haha go figure. is there any way to fashion a sanding bar, and a crowning file. i have a vague idea of how to go about this. what im thinking is you take the neck off, adjust the truss rod over a day or so so that it its perfectly straight, take the straight edge and find what frets are high, my plan from there was to tape off the fretboard, mark the top of the frets with a marker to see how much im taking off, then "sand" what needs to be sanded to get the frets all leveled. then of course somehow get ahold of a crowning file or another tool that would do the job....am i that far off?

The link was changed this morning. New link:

Repair Guide

Yes, tools can be fabricated.