Fretless - buzz on 1st "frets" - what can I do?

[Colonel_Claypoo]

hello,

I've got this fretless 5 and it buzzes on the first "frets" (I know, there are none, really, only fretlines on my bass) on the lowest 3 strings.

the strings sit pretty high on the nut meaning it requires quite some strength to fret the C on the low B-string, the F on the E-string and thee A# on the A-string.

the problem is, whenever I fret I get that horrible buzz and I can't get rid of it. it doesn't buzz on the second "fret" anymore.

is there anything I can do about it myself like file the nut so the strings sit lower? I reckon that would only have an effect on the amount of strength it requires for me to fret the note.

thanks for your help

[Turnaround]

First check to see that there is a proper amount of relief on the fingerboard. Stop the A string ("fret" it) at the point where the first fret would be and simultaneously at the point where the neck meets the body. At the halfway point between the stopped locations see if there is enough clearance between the string and the fingerboard to slip a business card in there. If there's not enough clearnace, you will need to loosen the trussrod a bit. Adjust until a business card will just fit.

When done, check that the instrument plays cleanly from the 12th "fret" up the board. If you are getting buzz there you will need to raise the saddles a bit.

If there already is enough relief, you probably have a slight hump in the fingerboard. That's a job for a good tech.

It sounds as though your nut slots are too high regardless. Adjusting the nut slots will not fix the buzzing problem, but it will make the bass easaier to play in the first position. Not much clearance is needed between the bottom of the string and the fingerboard at the nut. If there's more than a business card thickness there on the open string, it's too much - in which case you should file the slots lower. Be sure not to widen the slots, just deepen them.

[Colonel_Claypoo]

thanks.

I checked and the relief is good so I suppose it's a bump or something. I'll see what I can do or have somebody else do about it.

thank you.

[bunnykeeper]

I've got the same issue going on.

[grendle]

Sounds like the nut might be a little high or you might not have enough string wraps around the tuners. Also be sure the strings aren't twisted. Sounds crazy but it will Definatly cause wierd buzzes on that end of the neck

[basssist]

Just slip somthing thin under the string
This will prevent vibration