Odd buzz on 1st fret of bass with Zero fret

Pilgrim · #1 05-03-2009, 12:28 PM

I'm looking for ideas on this one. I have an old 70's Kay K-2B bass that is set up pretty well, but I have one problem: a buzz at the first fret on the E-string. I have the bridge set and the neck adjusted so the action is where I want it, and this is the remaining problem.

I would normally raise the nut which is cut deeply, but the bass has a zero fret so basically the nut doesn't matter - all the strings rest on the Zero fret. I was considering placing a thin piece of shim stock under the E on the Zero fret to raise the E a few 32"nds.

Any BTDT's? Other thoughts?

Once I correct this problem, it will be for sale...the neck on it in this pic warped slightly, so I have a neck with dot position markers on it.

dmusic148 · #2 05-03-2009, 12:34 PM

Nice bass. So it buzzes open, or when playing F at the first fret?

Pilgrim · #3 05-03-2009, 01:08 PM

Only buzzes when playing the open string. Playing on the first fret or higher prevents the buzz. I just need a leeeetle more clearance on the fret.

dmusic148 · #4 05-03-2009, 01:29 PM

OK, are you sure the string isn't vibrating in the 'nut?' It could be, even with the zero fret, if the slot is too wide. Maybe try wrapping a little tape around the string, where it sits in the nut, to find out for sure. If that doesn't work, then yes, the zero fret is too low. Only real solution would be to replace the zero fret with a larger one, and dress it to suit. Wouldn't be that hard to do, really. Just one fret.

Pilgrim · #5 05-03-2009, 04:40 PM

String seems to be a good fit at the nut - I agree that the zero fret is probably low, but I'm about to sell the instrument. I think I'll just try the material under the E and see what happens. If that solves it, I may do the fret or recommend that action to the buyer.

GlennW · #6 05-03-2009, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

I think I'll just try the material under the E and see what happens. If that solves it, I may do the fret or recommend that action to the buyer.

I've done that on nut slots and it worked fine, but the sides of the nut helped hold the shim in place. With the 0 fret it might vibrate out. I'd try it, and if it doesn't want to stay put I'd try to shim the E side of the 0 fret a tiny bit.

Pilgrim · #7 05-03-2009, 09:14 PM

Good idea. An auto parts store should have shim material in .005 and other thicknesses. I don't think it would take much more.

I hadn't thought of shimming under the fret!

GlennW · #8 05-03-2009, 09:24 PM

A thin piece of plastic might work; might not need to go shopping.

Pilgrim · #9 05-03-2009, 10:07 PM

Yup - won't take much to prove where the problem lies.

202dy · #10 05-04-2009, 06:35 AM

It is typical on older instruments that the zero fret is rutted. Assuming that you have checked clearance at the first fret by fretting at the third fret, that would normally indicate the nut slot is too low. In this instance, the guitar has a zero fret. The preferred repair is to replace the fret, trim to height, then finish with a crown and polish.

Pilgrim · #11 05-04-2009, 08:53 AM

I trust advice from GlennW and 202dy...so I think I know what the proper fix is now. Hope to find time to try the shim under the E string tonight.

Pilgrim · #12 05-19-2009, 03:16 PM

OK, a slight shim under the E string and it plays like a champ. I think I'll get it listed for sale.

GlennW · #13 05-19-2009, 04:49 PM

Cool. I was wondering how it turned out.

JLS · #14 05-19-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

OK, a slight shim under the E string and it plays like a champ. I think I'll get it listed for sale.

A 1/4" chisel, tapped between the fret & fingerboard, should raise it up enough to de-buzz it. You can also wick the TINIEST amount of water-thin superglue in, to solidify, but that's not necessary, just insurance.

I have a special narrow chisel for this, ground round rather than straight, but a straight chisel will do.

Pilgrim · #15 05-19-2009, 06:56 PM

Sneeeeeeeeeeaky. Me likey!

Pilgrim · #16 05-19-2009, 07:32 PM

You are right!

The tip of a chisel slid under that fret-end with a tap, I pried that end of the fret up just a few thousandths, and a drop or two of super glue later---the fret is slightly elevated and the 1st fret buzz is gone.

Thank you!

king koeller · #17 11-02-2011, 09:43 PM

I have exactly the same bass. I took off the neck it said '67. I have installed D'Addario Extra light gauge .040", .060", .075", .095" on this bass because it's a short scale 30.5". These are XL Nickel Wound, for the pure 60's tone. It's all dialed in perfectly now. The truss rod wasn't tight at all, it was barely on.. and the action was way too high. Now, it's got the perfect neck relief and action. The tone of those pickups are Creedence Clearwater, meets "Hang on Sloopy", the McCoys. tone wise. Its a 1960's machine for a retro vintage vibe. Its perfect for the blues. I love this far out bass, bought it here in a Dayton, Ohio pawn shop. I lovingly restored it with some old English furniture oil(lemon oil)on the neck finger board,solid rosewood. you should see the grain. for the body, I used carnauba wax from Brazil. It looks show room new, yet it's 44 years old, and the pickups are hotter than hell. It's so loud when
I plug it in...perfect for In-a-gadda-da-vida baby!!!