lots of buzz after tuning new bass for the first time

[ka0ttic]

I just got my new bass about two weeks ago. It was already in tune when I got it and stayed in tune until a few days ago. I hadn't yet received my tuner (it's coming today in the mail) so I tuned by ear via an online bass tuner.

Beforehand the only fret buzz I noticed was on the lowest F note (1 fret E string), but after tuning I'm now getting buzz on all 4 strings up to the 7th fret. Oddly enough it seems to come and go and I'm certain it's not my fingering.

Is it possible maybe I have it tuned an octave too low or high? It sounded right compared to the online tuner but I don't have the greatest ear.

Thanks

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by ka0ttic

Is it possible maybe I have it tuned an octave too low or high? It sounded right compared to the online tuner but I don't have the greatest ear.

Not likely. If you tuned an octave too low you would be complaining that the strings were extremely floppy, like overboiled spaghetti. If you tuned an octave too high you would be complaining about really high action, difficulty playing and string breakage.

My guess is that you need a proper setup. Joshua will guide you if you want to do it yourself.

[Bassist4Life]

Originally Posted by ka0ttic

Is it possible maybe I have it tuned an octave too low or high?

If you're not sure about an octave in either direction, I would take the bass to a local music store that can do a good setup for you.

Joe