My strings are buzzing

[Joe Milo]

I'm getting some fret buzz with my new ESP B404. The strings on it now came from the store when I brought the bass home. I haven't the foggiest clue what brand they are. They are roundwound.

Should I lower or raise the bridge saddles? I prefer a lower action myself.
Also one more thing..........I'm a noobie all over again. I haven't played for 14 years. Mid life crisis hit and I went out bought a new rig.

Thanks

[Benjamin Strange]

Most every instrument, especially mass produced ones, need some fretwork to get the action perfect without any buzzing. That said, you can do a lot to get it playing reasonably well with a decent setup.

Here's the order in which to proceed:

1. While strung to pitch, tweak the truss rod to get the neck as perfectly straight as possible.
2. Cut your nut down to where the strings just barely clear the 1st fret when fretted at the third.
3. Loosen the rod to give yourself the proper amount of relief in the neck (start at .008" and adjust to taste).
4. Adjust your action at the bridge, matching the radius of your neck.
5. Intonate.

[Joe Milo]

Thank you Benjamin. I think I will have a pro do all that! I'm a wee bit skittish at messing with truss rods.