Hopefully simple question...

[SoVeryTired]

Please forgive me for asking what is probably a very simple question - I've never done any saddle or truss rod adjustments before. But today I'm feeling brave after fitting new straplocks so here goes...

My B string is experiencing a fair bit of fret buzz from around the 7th fret upwards (all other strings are fine). The bass came with a nice low action but I'm thinking that, for the way I play, I need to raise the B a little. Is it as simple as raising the B saddle, or does that then lead to various truss rod and intonation adjustments, and does it have any impact on the other strings?

Thanks in advance, and if the answer is "look at this thread here, stupid", I'm okay with that.

[Mickey Mao]

It's pretty much as simple as raising the B-string saddle. Would be a good idea to check the intonation afterwards, especially if you end up raising it alot.

It won't effect other strings, nor the relief (truss rod).

[darius8]

Yeah, if its only the B string, I wouldn't mess with the truss rod.

[SoVeryTired]

Thanks guys - will give it a try in small steps.

Here's hoping the intonation isn't affected, because then I'm delving into the murky world of Buzz Feiten....

[SoVeryTired]

Yep, that did the trick. A bit of twiddling with the B, and then a very small adjustment to the E (which I'd not really noticed while the B was the main buzz culprit). And now I have a bass with a smooth action and no buzz.

Thanks for the help. I love TalkBass!

[96tbird]

Action adjustment doesn't affect intonation unless you jack a string way up; way up. Intonation is an easy fix. Learn how and remember, it is rarely perfect. Don't struggle to get it perfect using a tuner. Being a cent or two out is nothing. Use your ears.

[Vandy]

Perfect intonation on a fretted instrument is not possible. If a string is "halved" (producing an octave & a harmonic), how can you mathematically describe a 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 7th of what is effectively 12 "tones" within that "half"?
Et cetera . . .
Don't be bummed - revel in all of the overtones (that make us feel like we're "out") . . .