That damned 8th fret!!

Poop-Loops · #1 05-22-2006, 04:55 PM

The 8th fret on my E string (4 string bass, SX) makes a buzzing noise when I play it. It's annoying because the action is ALREADY high. My teacher said that the action was a bit high and that my truss rod should be tightened by an 8th of a turn, so I did that and attempted to adjust my action via the bridge. All the other frets and strings are fine and I think I could go a lot lower on the action, judging by those other strings. Any suggestions?

jenderfazz · #2 05-22-2006, 05:18 PM

I'm guessing a high fret. Get a tech to file down your 9th fret a tad.

Poop-Loops · #3 05-22-2006, 05:21 PM

How much will that run me do you think?

jenderfazz · #4 05-22-2006, 06:15 PM

Depends... my tech usually does it for free since he just pulls out a file and goes over it very quickly. I don't think filing one high fret will run you much. A whole fretjob is another story.

Poop-Loops · #5 05-22-2006, 09:12 PM

I find that if I press the string down not right before the fret, but a bit before that, the buzzing goes away (with no sacrafice of tone). Is that alright?

Poop-Loops · #6 05-23-2006, 02:23 PM

Yeah, I've been playing around with it some more. I'll ask him if I did everything right next lesson. I don't want to do any permanent changes to it unless I'm sure.

steveb98 · #7 05-23-2006, 02:52 PM

Have you checked the string, maybe you have nicked it or worn spot. I'd take it to a good repairman and have it looked at. They should be able to tell you what's wrong and give you some options and costs. Maybe just getting the frets dressed could solve everything.