New MIA Jazz, buzz on the 17th fret

[gil_mor]

Hey all,
I've read a few related threads about the subject.
The usual answers are :
"Rise the action", "let it buzz", it's "Fenderitis", "Shim the neck", "Do a fret job", "Return the bass".

I'm trying to figure which answer is the right one for me.

I've been playing my beloved Squier for many years, it has a very low action, which works for me because I'm a gentle plucker.

With the new Jazz, If I keep a little (normal) bow on the neck, I would get a terrible buzz (you can't hear the note) on both the A&D strings frets 17&18, the G string is quiet.
The E string sounds kinda hollow above the octave, but no buzz, maybe the fender string?

The only way I can get low action with no buzzing on the higher frets - is to set the neck very very straight, and rise the saddles quite a bit.
Then of corse - I get some buzzing on the lower frets.

My squier is neck is shimmed with a penny, should I do the same to the fender?

Should I replace it?

Change strings?

I refuse to accept that my Squier neck is better then the MIA Jazz one!

Thanks a bunch!

[gil_mor]

Anybody?

[M.Wrenn]

id definitely replace the strings first, if that doesnt work id try the shim

[gil_mor]

Cool, I'll do that, any more suggestions?

[dmusic148]

Shims won't do anything. You need to dress the upper few frets a bit, as I had to do on my brand-new MIA Precision. That's just the way it is.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Shims won't do anything. You need to dress the upper few frets a bit, as I had to do on my brand-new MIA Precision. That's just the way it is.

+1

[kimokeo]

In some instances, dressing the frets will not help. This is due to the fret board having high spots. Hopefully that is not the case with your jazz. Fret dressing is your best option at this point.

[gil_mor]

Thanks guys, is there a way to tell if the fret board is having high spots?

I guess I'll need to learn about dressing frets :-)

[aproud1]

I would take it to an experienced luthier and have him do a fret level. It could just be one fret but based on my experience typically it's several uneven frets. Bring him some new strings too. I personally dislike fender strings. I'd recommend DR Nickel Lo-Riders.

That should take care of your problems. Shimming will change the angle or level of your neck. If you want ultra low action that will likely need to be done too.

PM if you like. I have done all this to many many basses.

[Dave Kerr]

Originally Posted by gil_mor

Thanks guys, is there a way to tell if the fret board is having high spots?

-Take a steel ruler and set its edge against the frets, moving up and down the board, and look for obvious high/low spots.
-To check for one high fret, take a credit card or similar and have it span 3 frets at a time - if it rocks back and forth, the middle fret is high.
-Check for nut slot height by pressing one string at a time hard down between the 2nd and 3rd fret - it should clear the 1st fret by very little - .020" or so at the very most. A $5 set of feeler gauges from an auto parts store is worth picking up.

[gil_mor]

Thanks you guys, I've bought some feeler gauges and a 1/64 ruler and made a few tests.

Even in factory settings - which are a little high to my taste - it still buzzes.
I've talked to WestLA Music, (I've been buying from them exclusively for a year now) and they told me they'll arrange for a free setup at one of the local fender authorized dealers.
Its still a hassle, and I wish fender would have done it right to begin with, but still, if a visit to Arizona Music Pro will solve the problem - I'd be happy.

[gil_mor]

Ok, I'm heading tomorrow to Arizona Music Pro,
They are supposed to do a fret dressing as an under warranty repair.

Any body know these guys?
Should I be afraid?
Any tips of what to tell the tech?

Thanks!