Fret Buzz

[Joronamo]

Hey guys,

I am getting some fret buzz on the first 3 frets of the top strings of D and G. I was wondering how I get rid of it? Do I need to adjust the truss rod or adjust the action on the bridge saddles? I dont know too much about setting up an instrument and would appreciate it if someone could walk me through it and explain to me. I am abit hesitant to experiment myself as I dont want to break anything or ruin anything. My bass got professionally setup by my luthier a few months back but I think weather has moved the neck hence the fret buzz. I would prefer to fix this minor problem myself instead of taking back there and risk getting charged for it. Thanks.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Joronamo

Hey guys,

I am getting some fret buzz on the first 3 frets of the top strings of D and G. I was wondering how I get rid of it? Do I need to adjust the truss rod or adjust the action on the bridge saddles? I dont know too much about setting up an instrument and would appreciate it if someone could walk me through it and explain to me. I am abit hesitant to experiment myself as I dont want to break anything or ruin anything. My bass got professionally setup by my luthier a few months back but I think weather has moved the neck hence the fret buzz. I would prefer to fix this minor problem myself instead of taking back there and risk getting charged for it. Thanks.

It sounds as though you need a little more relief in your neck; read the setup stickies.

[Jay2U]

This link might help you understand a little more of setting up a bass: Lakland Bass Setup With Carl Pedigo (Part 1 of 2) - YouTube

[XylemBassGuitar]

+1 to needing more relief, many times that is the issue when the first few frets are buzzing.

To get more relief you need to (slightly) loosen the truss rod BUT, before you do so, record what your relief is currently. You need to press both the first and 17th frets at the same time (or you can capo the first frets and press the 17th), then look at how much space is between the string and top of the seventh fret. I would recommend buying a set of feeler gauges (available at most automotive repair stores) and using them to measure the relief.

As a very general guideline, you want about .010" - .015" of relief on most basses. If you have less than this, too little relief is probably the culprit of your buzz.

Like the other guys said, read up on the setup threads and information on the internet. Also, go slow, especially when adjusting the truss rod. It can be easy to really screw things up if you know just enough to be dangerous.

Finally, though relief probably is the issue, keep in mind that it could be something else. Read the relief, if it's about where it should be, you might want to post again with more info.

[XylemBassGuitar]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Here is a link to Fender's setup guide for basses. It's not the most thorough setup guide, but it's not bad either:

Fender® Support

[Joronamo]

Hey guys,

Good news I fixed it all by myself. I figured, I cant break anything so why experiment. Anyways I have a truss rod adjustor stick and I remember someone tought me righty tighty, lefty loosy. After reading/watching some of the material you guys sent me, I knew I needed to relieve the truss rod. So I did about 3 holes to the left and managed to get all 4 strings buzzless. When I moved it one hole to the left, the top strings stopped buzzing but the bottom strings started to, so got abit worried and loosened two holes more and it sounded ok (does that sound normal or have I ruined my bass???). Then I fixed the intonation by adjustig the screws on the bridge and yeah seems to be all good now.

[Jay2U]

Nice to read! It appears you solved the problem. Always treat the truss rod with care. Turn it bit by bit and don't force anything. After re-adjusting the truss rod, the bass needs some time to settle. It's good practise to check the settings the next day.

[Joronamo]

Okay will do, thanks.