Dead Area On Fretless Jazz Bass

[IanB]

I've just bought a s/h late 70s fretless Fender Jazz Bass and there is a dead area around the line of the fifth fret of the G string and some slight attendant buzz between the 4th & 8th fret lines on the same string that I can't seem to shake with any kind of traditional adjustment to the bridge etc.

I figured the set up would cure the problem but I am stumped. In every other way the guitar is beautiful to play.

The buzz I can live with - the dead 'fret' I can't.

My other fretless (a 1981 Aria) has never had anything remotely similar to contend with.

Anyone have a similar problem they solved or a bright idea that might help?

Cheers
IB

[Phalex]

It could just require a truss rod tweak. If the truss rod is pressing against the back of the fret board in that particular locale, it'll give you a dead spot.

[Figjam]

5th fret on G string is a common dead spot for those instruments. Not much you can do to help it. Search for "fat finger" .