problem of fretboard

[fat_boy]

Hi TBers,
i'm using a Jazz bass shape, copied by Fresher but I think its dimensions are the same to standard Fender jazz.
The problem is the bass is getting old. I'm 20 and it's probably 10 there are some buzz on my fret, I tried to set the intonation but it doesn't solve the problem. I'm using GHS boomer 45-65-85-105.
what should i do now??? Custom a new neck???

[GL797]

intonation has nothing to do with fret buzz. if the buzz is within the first three frets then slightly backing off the truss rod will usually solve it. I fhte buzz is happening higher than the third fret then raise the bridge.

of course there's much more that could be the cause like the neck not having enough relief etc.. but try these things first, especially if it didn't have the buzz before.

[Deathblade Eric]

10 years is no age at all. One of mine is 30 now, hasn't been professionally set up in at least 10 years, still has the factory frets & has zero issues.

So... you have a bit of fret buzz. This can be caused by a few things:

1 - Your neck has too little, or even negative, relief.
It should have a slight forward curve. If it's razor-straight or curves backwards then you need to loosen your truss rod by a quarter turn (maybe a half if it's really back-bowed). This slight curvature allows the string to vibrate freely. DO NOT go crazy with this adjustment - 1/2 a turn is quite a lot.

2 - Your action is set a little too low.
Raise the action a touch by adjusting the little hex screws at the bridge (give each one a quarter turn, test it & repeat if necessary)

3 - You have worn frets, or uneven frets.
Slacken your A and D strings & pop them out of the nut. have a look at first 7 frets. If they have obvious hollow spots, they're worn & need 'dressing' - this is a job for a skilled luthier/tech, unless you're really good with a file and know exactly what you're doing. If your frets are uneven (i.e. one or more are set higher than the rest), then they need dressing.

It's common for necks to need a little adjustment over the course of a year. Wood moves in response to it's surroundings, so summer & winter tweaks are normal.

If by any chance your neck is beyond repair (million-to-one shot) I honestly doubt that it's worth getting a custom replacement. Not for a 'Fresher' Jazz, anyways (a 1961 Fender would be a different thing )

One other thing... Does the buzzing sound only acoustically, or can you also hear it when amplified? If it's coming through your amp, it needs addressing; if it's only when it's unplugged, don't worry overmuch.

Finally, before laying about your bass with screwdrivers & hex wrenches, follow the links in this sticky & get reading:

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

Pete.

[fat_boy]

my neck is perfectly straight when being stringed. The buzz is happening in the 7th-9th frets and i tried to raise the bridge but it doesn't work but only buzz in the 7th is coming through the amp.
This is going on for months but i don't know how to solve. I will soon try all the solutions you gave, thank u so much...

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by fat_boy

my neck is perfectly straight when being stringed. The buzz is happening in the 7th-9th frets and i tried to raise the bridge but it doesn't work but only buzz in the 7th is coming through the amp.
This is going on for months but i don't know how to solve. I will soon try all the solutions you gave, thank u so much...

The problem is that the neck is straight. You normally want a little bit of relief - meaning the neck is clightly bowed into a C shape.

You NEED to do a complete setup on the bass. You are letting one problem make you think that you have a different problem.

Read the setup guides linked to this forum and re-adjust the neck. I suspect you will need to loosen the truss rod about 1/8 to 1/4 turn.

Also - use a straight edge over three frets at a time and see if any of them are higher than the others. if so, have the high fret filed down to be level with the others.