Diagnose My Buzzing Problem - And How to Fix?

[98dvl]

I have a minor problem with buzzing on the 14th fret of my G string...

This is the only fret that seems to have any problems, if I play the G string on the 13th fret, it sounds fine... so does playing on the 15th fret, but once I hit that 14th fret... it buzzes like crazy...

I imagine that maybe the 14th fret is filed too low? Although, I just changed the strings (not sure what I had before, because this bass - MM SUB5 - was bought used, and these are the first strings I put on). I also tweaked the truss rod a bit to help lower the action a bit.

Is there any easy way to fix this, or should I take it in to have it looked at? Can I raise the height of the G saddle a bit to help things out?

Like I said, there wasn't a problem with the old strings, but, the action was higher before, and the only other difference was that the strings are new (not sure if the strings or the truss rod adjustment caused the buzzing as I basically did them at the same time).

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by 98dvl

I have a minor problem with buzzing on the 14th fret of my G string...

This is the only fret that seems to have any problems, if I play the G string on the 13th fret, it sounds fine... so does playing on the 15th fret, but once I hit that 14th fret... it buzzes like crazy...

I imagine that maybe the 14th fret is filed too low? Although, I just changed the strings (not sure what I had before, because this bass - MM SUB5 - was bought used, and these are the first strings I put on). I also tweaked the truss rod a bit to help lower the action a bit.

Is there any easy way to fix this, or should I take it in to have it looked at? Can I raise the height of the G saddle a bit to help things out?

Like I said, there wasn't a problem with the old strings, but, the action was higher before, and the only other difference was that the strings are new (not sure if the strings or the truss rod adjustment caused the buzzing as I basically did them at the same time).

The truss rod cannot cause a problem specific to the G string on the 14th fret. Nor can the bridge adjustments.

It's more likely that the 15th fret has lifted on the treble end just a smidgen. The string could be faulty. Look at the string where it contacts the 14 fret. Bumping the string into something can dent the string and cause your prob.

I'm assuming that the frets are smooth. It doesn't take much wear to create a buzz, but a string change and routine setup shouldn't make an existing prob just pop up.

You should be aware that the truss rod is definitely not an action adjustment, although it can be misadjusted enough to affect the action, thereby, obscuring the original action problem.

[62bass]

Because you adjusted the truss rod the strings are lower and that's causing buzzing. To get the action as low as possible without buzzing will mean a very careful set up with truss rod adjustment and possibly fret levelling. It's possible your 14th fret is too low, or your 15th fret is too high. String tension and flexibility plays a part in it too.

There is a limit to how low you'll be able to get the action and will also depend on how hard you pluck or pick the strings. But it will require a good set up as above to get rid of that problem.

You'll have to decide if you have the skills needed to do it yourself, or if you need to take it to a tech.

[.:chuck:.]

I'm having a similar problem, except my buzz only occurs in the 16th fret of the 2nd (or D) string. I didn't notice this after about a month after using dean markeley "blue steel" roundwounds...then again i usually don't play that low on the fretboard...and i used to use nylon tapewounds before i noticed this on the roundwounds. any suggestions?

[.:chuck:.]

Originally Posted by .:chuck:.

I'm having a similar problem, except my buzz only occurs in the 16th fret of the 2nd (or D) string. I didn't notice this after about a month after using dean markeley "blue steel" roundwounds...then again i usually don't play that low on the fretboard...and i used to use nylon tapewounds before i noticed this on the roundwounds. any suggestions?

FIXED IT! i just loosened the truss rod by about 1/5 of a turn and no more buzz!

[SGT. Pepper]

Gotta have some relief guys! The super low action thing isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Your better off with a medium action. Nice clear notes, and no string buzzes!

[DJ-Jazzy-Jay]

I had the same problem on the 6th freat on my low B a day or two ago. I just loosend the truss rod a bit, and it was perfectly fine after that.