My acoustic bass is unplayable above the 12th fret.

[Barfy]

It's always been that way. It's a cheapie store brand but I keep it next to my couch and it's what I reach for most of the time. Don't have to plug it in, don't have to fire up the practice amp, and it harmonizes like a dream (no distortion issues). But everything above the 12th fret is just pure intolerable buzz; it doesn't even rise in pitch from there, just a one-note *doink!* on all four strings all the way up to the hole. What's wrong with the thing? It's a cheapie piece, so would it even be worth getting it repaired? (I'm a cheapskate with limited funds.) Should I just retire the thing and plug in my electric?

[MNAirHead]

Your neck needs adjustment.

then possibly your frets..

Neck yes.. frets no.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Barfy

It's always been that way. It's a cheapie store brand but I keep it next to my couch and it's what I reach for most of the time. Don't have to plug it in, don't have to fire up the practice amp, and it harmonizes like a dream (no distortion issues). But everything above the 12th fret is just pure intolerable buzz; it doesn't even rise in pitch from there, just a one-note *doink!* on all four strings all the way up to the hole. What's wrong with the thing? It's a cheapie piece, so would it even be worth getting it repaired? (I'm a cheapskate with limited funds.) Should I just retire the thing and plug in my electric?

It sounds like it has a particularly rotten neckset. You got what you paid for.

[bossrhino44]

Sounds like your neck is in a back bow. tighten the truss rod about a quarter turn. You will want about .010"-.025" relief. Fret your E string at the first fret(or capo) and fret where the neck meets the body,then touch the string at the 6th fret. it should have a little wiggle room! Hope this helps!

[devilock76]

Originally Posted by bossrhino44

Sounds like your neck is in a back bow. tighten the truss rod about a quarter turn. You will want about .010"-.025" relief. Fret your E string at the first fret(or capo) and fret where the neck meets the body,then touch the string at the 6th fret. it should have a little wiggle room! Hope this helps!

I think you meant to say loosen the truss rod.

Ken

[bossrhino44]

Opps, yes i did! Sorry! Good catch.

[devilock76]

Originally Posted by bossrhino44

Opps, yes i did! Sorry! Good catch.

I still have to stop for a minute and think when doing intonation which way to move the saddle for sharp vs flat. No matter how many times I have done it, I still have to stop and think about it.

Ken

[202dy]

There is not enough information in the OP to make an accurate diagnosis. Please post measurements for string height at the twelfth and last fret on the bass and treble side of the fingerboard. A relief measurement at the seventh fret is also necessary. Since this is an acoustic instrument, the saddle height from the top of the bridge to the bottom of the outside strings would also be a big help. With that data someone here will be able to help you.