New Ray34 driving me insane

EndlessNameless · #1 02-23-2011, 01:13 PM

I picked up a SBMM Ray34 from GC the other day and I've had no end of problems setting it up.

If I set the action low (slight relief) It buzzes at various points on the fretboard, and even if I begrudgingly set it high (decent amount of relief) it still buzzes when I slap which makes it sound like garbage.

The action is set high at the bridge.

I play with a pretty light touch so I don't feel technique is an issue.

The thing that confuses me is when I check the relief by holding down frets 1 and 17 I can see gaps between the fret and the E string at frets 2 to 8, but the string is actually touching the fret at frets 9, 10, and 11. Then gaps are again visible at frets 12, 13, 14 etc.

My guess is that frets 9, 10, and 11 need to be filed but beyond the basic setup I'm a complete noob...

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

RCCollins · #2 02-23-2011, 02:03 PM

if you're not compensating for these adjustments at the bridge at all, then you're still new to basic setup. lower the strings at the bridge and GRADUALLY loosen the truss rod over a period of several days. Then get back to us.

DanRJBrasil · #3 02-23-2011, 02:05 PM

as you notice,seems that needs a fret job, I thought that the ray basses would have a good fret job, what a bummer, maybe you can return it

EndlessNameless · #4 02-23-2011, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

if you're not compensating for these adjustments at the bridge at all, then you're still new to basic setup. lower the strings at the bridge and GRADUALLY loosen the truss rod over a period of several days. Then get back to us.

Thanks for the reply.

How would failing to adjust the bridge explain the frets touching the strings at the 9th, 10th and 11th frets but nowhere else, when I hold down the 1st and 17th frets? The bridge has been eliminated from the equation.

Slowgypsy · #5 02-23-2011, 02:39 PM

From what you're saying, either there's a bump in the fretboard (unlikely) or this instrument needs a fret level (likely). You did say you recently picked this bass up... but... was it new or used?

Ric5 · #6 02-23-2011, 02:45 PM

You may need the frets leveled.

EndlessNameless · #7 02-23-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

From what you're saying, either there's a bump in the fretboard (unlikely) or this instrument needs a fret level (likely). You did say you recently picked this bass up... but... was it new or used?

It's new. I noticed the fretbuzz when I played it in the store but assumed I just needed to adjust the action slightly.

I'll probably just take it back for a refund... I don't feel like paying extra for a fret level just to get the bass how it should have been when I paid for it...

At least I learned how to check for uneven frets.

Thanks for the advice, guys.

Vincent P · #8 02-23-2011, 02:56 PM

I have never purchased from this store but, know that any music store here would correct this at no charge, or replace if this could not be corrected at no cost. Additionally most stores here offer a free setup within the first year of a new purchase, all you need do is buy the strings of your choice.

I would ask them first.

Lo-E · #9 02-23-2011, 02:56 PM

If you bought the instrument new and the frets aren't level (which seems to be the case), then GC should level the frets for you free of charge. If they refuse, then you should get a refund.

Best of luck, and sorry about your new bass-
E

Slowgypsy · #10 02-23-2011, 03:44 PM

As the instrument is new, you're covered. But I am both surprised and curious about this because Music Man is really, really good about their quality control, set up, fret work, etc. I'm just wondering if they let it out the door this way or if something happened to it on the way to the dealer or while it was at the dealer. In any event it's not acceptable on a new instrument and you'd be right to either have them do a fret level, or exchange, or refund.

Lesfunk · #11 02-23-2011, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lo-E

If you bought the instrument new and the frets aren't level (which seems to be the case), then GC should level the frets for you free of charge. If they refuse, then you should get a refund.

Best of luck, and sorry about your new bass-
E

That is assuming you're brave enough to let someone at GC touch a file to your bass.

EndlessNameless · #12 02-23-2011, 04:01 PM

I called GC and they said they'll level the frets for free...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

That is assuming you're brave enough to let someone at GC touch a file to your bass.

BigOldHarry · #13 02-23-2011, 04:04 PM

Take it to a reputable tech.

OR

Take it back and get another one. you got this at GC and it wasn't set up ???

kellyrojo · #14 02-23-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lesfunk

That is assuming you're brave enough to let someone at GC touch a file to your bass.

To OP: Heed this advice! I would be completly hesitant to let anyone at GC work on my bass unless they guaranteed.....in writing...that the warranty would still be honored if you were not happy with the work. Many times the GC doesn't have anyone adept at even setting up a bass much less doing mid-level work. Your store could be different for sure but just be careful and good luck!

EndlessNameless · #15 02-23-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kellyrojo

To OP: Heed this advice! I would be completly hesitant to let anyone at GC work on my bass unless they guaranteed.....in writing...that the warranty would still be honored if you were not happy with the work. Many times the GC doesn't have anyone adept at even setting up a bass much less doing mid-level work. Your store could be different for sure but just be careful and good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I'll see if they have another Ray34 in the same color and if not I'll probably just get a refund and consider my options from there.

tharv · #16 02-23-2011, 04:18 PM

I bought my Ray at GC as well. Played one gig with it & then took it for a fret level. It was passable with the action set higher than I like it, but once I lowered the action, it buzzed. I liked it well enough to spend the $$ and have it done right. Had a better nut done while it was at the shop as well. It's an awesome player now......

I view it as a side effect of a mass produced/cnc'd instrument. I'm not sure that they really check that kind of thing on "lower end" instruments, as mine had some pretty wonky frets as well. Should it be like this? Nope. Are they the only company with this issue? Nope. Just a fact of life.

FWIW.... I had to have the frets done on the Cyr neck that lives on my Franken P, and to my understanding, they actually make those necks in house.

tharv · #17 02-23-2011, 04:23 PM

I'd bet if you took a fret rocker & went down the line at ANY store (not just GC) that you'd find plenty of basses in the same price range with fret issues.

Now a $1K bass, I'd expect different. But, I even heard of a guy with a $1200 Lakland with jacked up frets from the factory..... And those are supposed to be PLEK'D!

Just sayin'.....

tastybasslines · #18 02-23-2011, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Take it to a reputable tech.

OR

Take it back and get another one. you got this at GC and it wasn't set up ???

Quote:

Originally Posted by tharv

I bought my Ray at GC as well. Played one gig with it & then took it for a fret level. It was passable with the action set higher than I like it, but once I lowered the action, it buzzed. I liked it well enough to spend the $$ and have it done right. Had a better nut done while it was at the shop as well. It's an awesome player now......

I view it as a side effect of a mass produced/cnc'd instrument. I'm not sure that they really check that kind of thing on "lower end" instruments, as mine had some pretty wonky frets as well. Should it be like this? Nope. Are they the only company with this issue? Nope. Just a fact of life.

FWIW.... I had to have the frets done on the Cyr neck that lives on my Franken P, and to my understanding, they actually make those necks in house.

Uhhhh, guys, GC does not set up the instruments. All SBMM are setup at the factory here in the USA once the instruments are sent over.

rayzak · #19 02-23-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tharv

Now a $1K bass, I'd expect different. But, I even heard of a guy with a $1200 Lakland with jacked up frets from the factory..... And those are supposed to be PLEK'D!

Just sayin'.....

You heard of a guy, huh?

tharv · #20 02-23-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tastybasslines

Uhhhh, guys, GC does not set up the instruments. All SBMM are setup at the factory here in the USA once the instruments are sent over.

Set up & fret leveling are 2 separate issues. I normally wouldn't care if GC set it up or not. I'd be changing it to what I like anyway. But, it should be "playable" when it's on the wall. Who's gonna buy something that's a hot mess when they try it out?

Now the fret level..... You'd think they would do a better job, but I suppose that's what sets a $650 Ray34 apart from a $1500 Stingray. Gotta cut costs somewhere. Labor is a good place to take out a big chunk.