Exceedingly Frustrated With My Setup

BassGod · #1 10-24-2006, 02:45 PM

MM Sterling. The neck is set properly, and the action is set to Ernie Ball's specifications, with the E string (.105 guage) at 3/32". Repair/tech guy told me that all of the frets were level. He said the nut was a bit too high, and shaved it down a bit.

And yet, I still get tonnes of buzz. The fifth to seventh frets are the worst, especially on the E string. The D string is also bad, but not as much. I don't have a heavy-handed attack either. I have no idea what's wrong with this thing, but I'm considerably frustrated. It cost about $1600 so you'd think it could handle low action.

I'm gonna post this at the EB forum too I guess. Anyone have any ideas? Would a few pictures (of the nut, bridge, action, etc.) help?

Thanks,
Graeme

joeyl · #2 10-24-2006, 03:28 PM

does it just buzz a little or does it atcually choke the sound of the strings. All MM I played were noticeably louder on the fret buzz, probably because it is such a bright resonant machine, do you have a maple neck?

All you could do is maybe raise the saddles a hair until less buzz

superjesus · #3 10-24-2006, 03:55 PM

please dont scare me like this....i'm waiting for a sterling i have on order.

Luis Fabara · #4 10-24-2006, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassGod

MM Sterling. The neck is set properly, and the action is set to Ernie Ball's specifications, with the E string (.105 guage) at 3/32". Repair/tech guy told me that all of the frets were level. He said the nut was a bit too high, and shaved it down a bit.

And yet, I still get tonnes of buzz. The fifth to seventh frets are the worst, especially on the E string. The D string is also bad, but not as much. I don't have a heavy-handed attack either. I have no idea what's wrong with this thing, but I'm considerably frustrated. It cost about $1600 so you'd think it could handle low action.

I'm gonna post this at the EB forum too I guess. Anyone have any ideas? Would a few pictures (of the nut, bridge, action, etc.) help?

Thanks,
Graeme

Forget specs... and kill your guitar tech. no... Seriously.

If you have more fret buzz on the frets you mention, then it means the neck has a backbow or its too straight.

Does it buzz past the 15th fret? what about between the 9th and 12?

if the answer is no... then just give a quarter turn counterclockwise to the truss rod.
Tune it up.. wait a couple of days.. recheck the buzzing.

I dont setup basses to specs (normally, unless I just cant get a good feel out of a bass), I rather play them, set them up.. play them again, and so on until it is just right.

PilbaraBass · #5 10-24-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luis Fabara

Forget specs... and kill your guitar tech. no... Seriously.

If you have more fret buzz on the frets you mention, then it means the neck has a backbow.

Does it buzz past the 15th fret? what about between the 9th and 12?

if the answer is no... then just give a quarter turn counterclockwise to the truss rod.
Tune it up.. wait a couple of days.. recheck the buzzing.

I dont setup basses to specs (normally, unless I just cant get a good feel out of a bass), I rather play them, set them up.. play them again, and so on until it is just right.

I agree completely...the only way to properly set it up is to either do it yourself or be there...I prefer the former...

and don't take your tech's word for it that the frets are level...most basses, even "good" basses like 'rays, sterlings, and MIA fenders can stand a good professional dressing.

bassmonkeee · #6 10-25-2006, 05:34 AM

If the frets are level, then the neck has a backbow if it is buzzing between the 5th and 7th frets. You need a better tech. Or, better yet, do it yourself. The MM trussrod wheel is great.

pkr2 · #7 10-25-2006, 06:22 AM

[quote=BassGod]MM Sterling. The neck is set properly, and the action is set to Ernie Ball's specifications, with the E string (.105 guage) at 3/32". Repair/tech guy told me that all of the frets were level. He said the nut was a bit too high, and shaved it down a bit.

And yet, I still get tonnes of buzz. The fifth to seventh frets are the worst, especially on the E string. The D string is also bad, but not as much. I don't have a heavy-handed attack either. I have no idea what's wrong with this thing, but I'm considerably frustrated. It cost about $1600 so you'd think it could handle low action.

I'm gonna post this at the EB forum too I guess. Anyone have any ideas? Would a few pictures (of the nut, bridge, action, etc.) help?

Measure as much as you like but if you've paid for a setup and you aren't satisfied, don't turn anything. Take the bass back and SHOW the tech what it's doing. Your bass can change considerably in the time from the shop to your home.

It sounds to me like the action is a bit too low for your touch.

It's not likely that the neck has a backbow because a backbow would choke all the notes between the nut and the apex of the backbow.

Try to play it with the very softest touch that you can play it with. If it's possible to play cleanly with a super light touch, You just need the action raised at the saddles.

In all fairness to the tech, don't change any of his settings before you take it back to him. Techs that do setup for a living are generally great guys but they have a name for people who monkey with thier adjustments.
You might even call him and ask him what he suggests. He may say bring it back but he may tell you to just raise the saddle yourself. Either way, you're covered.

good luck.