Fret or Neck Issue, Can't Figure Out

cjb1200 · #1 12-29-2009, 01:27 PM

I just picked up a used Yamaha RBX 760 4 String bass guitar. I put new round wound strings on it and had the neck adjusted. The only problem is when I play the G string on the 12th fret, it sounds like it is muted, it does not ring like the other notes. I can play up and down the neck on that string and it is only muted on the 12th fret. If I press down lightly, I can get it to sound. But if I use regular finger pressure, it stays muted. Just wondering what the issue may be? Thanks.

JLS · #2 12-29-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjb1200

I just picked up a used Yamaha RBX 760 4 String bass guitar. I put new round wound strings on it and had the neck adjusted. The only problem is when I play the G string on the 12th fret, it sounds like it is muted, it does not ring like the other notes. I can play up and down the neck on that string and it is only muted on the 12th fret. If I press down lightly, I can get it to sound. But if I use regular finger pressure, it stays muted. Just wondering what the issue may be? Thanks.

Low 12th fret, or high 13th fret.

cjb1200 · #3 12-29-2009, 02:54 PM

Is this repairable? Can I do it myself? Thanks for your help!!

fenderfunker · #4 12-29-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Low 12th fret, or high 13th fret.

I suggest a luthier, to be on the safe side. It is a very small/inexpensive job. The local music shop usually knows of one; if you don't know one already.

PBass101 · #5 12-29-2009, 03:09 PM

Make sure after a fret dressing that it actually plays well. I just spent quite a bit of cash on a fret job that definitely did not fix every problem area, and I had it done in another State that I'm just visiting and I can't take it back to the guy to get it looked over again unless I want to pay to have my bass shipped back home.

JLS · #6 12-29-2009, 06:38 PM

Is this repairable?

Yes.

Can I do it myself?

If you have to ask, probably not.

Thanks for your help!!

You're welcome.

Benjamin Strange · #7 12-29-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Is this repairable?

Yes.

Can I do it myself?

If you have to ask, probably not.

Thanks for your help!!

You're welcome.

Bingo.

JLS · #8 12-30-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Bingo.

Yep.

blipndub · #9 12-30-2009, 12:47 PM

In short you would take the strings off, straighten the neck by adjusting the truss rod and then use some kind of straight edge to determine if you have a high fret. I use a 6' diamond file that has perfectly flat edges and by rocking the straightedge on the troublesome area you can start to narrow in on which fret/s is causing the problem.

Once you've identified the high fret you need to file it level with the frets around it, there are ways to do this and some are better than others. I use the diamond file from Stewmac.com and level the whole fretboard, others will just level the individual fret.

Check out the stewmac.com site for lots and lots of information on fret leveling.