Fender Jazz Fret Rattle

BassBob185 · #1 10-27-2007, 06:04 AM

Hello,
I have an new Fender American Jazz and noticed on the E and A strings that when pressing (not playing) the string at 12 -17 frets there is a string/fret rattle not a buzz. Pressing the string causes the string/fret rattle On low amp volume the rattle is heard through the amp. When the volume is up the rattle is not heard. I know Fender Jazz is notorious for fret buzz but just curious if I should not do anything about it or what may be causing the rattle. To remove most of the rattle requires I raise the saddle for those strings very high.

Other than that the bass is great!

Suggestions/comments

Vincent P · #2 10-27-2007, 06:21 AM

Is this something that just started to happen or was it after changing strings, on that note how old are the strings. Is this a newly purchased bass, if so take back and have the techs look at it. I own Fender Jazz basses including Americain Deluxe USA and notice with the actives on this one you can get some really funky things to happen depending on setting on the bass and the amp. Experiment and see what you find. If not have a tech look at her and see what they say.

BassBob185 · #3 10-27-2007, 08:24 AM

Thanks for the reply.
The fret rattle happened when I first got the bass, about a month ago. I changed the factory Fender strings, which also had the rattle, with some new T-I Superalloys and the same rattle. The rattle is only when you first press the string. After the initial pressing of the string then there is no more rattle and the notes are clear and rattle/buzz free. It is not a huge problem as it goes away when the amp is up but on low volumes it is there.

BassBob185 · #4 10-27-2007, 04:48 PM

As posted earlier, I have a fret buzz/rattle on the E and A string when first fretting them below the 12 fret. I did a straight edge test and it appears the 10 fret is a tiny bit high meaning the straight edge seems to rock slightly on that fret. The result is a brief buzz or rattle as the E and A string briefly strike that fret before a full fretting on the lower strings. Does my synopsis seem sound? If so what is involved removing the slight hump? I do a lot of woodworking as a hobby and have done some setup on guitars and basses but no fret work. Suggestions?
Thanks

alexit · #5 10-28-2007, 02:43 AM

When you fret the strings up there, especially if you hit it hard and your strings are new, you usually get a little harmonic ring. Is this an overbearing noise?

BassBob185 · #6 10-28-2007, 05:03 AM

I backed the truss rod off a half turn (counter clockwise) and it seems to have corrected the problem. Thanks for the help