Questionable Setup

[SundanceChile]

So recently I purchased a 60's Classic Jazz Bass from the swapshop, got a great deal and the such. Tried my very first setup, and am pretty content with the time and effort that I put into it. However, when playing around with the bass, I found there was some slight buzz on the higher frets when slapping/popping. No buzzing anywhere when fingering normally, even when played aggressively. So to fix this notion, I heightened the saddles on my bridge, and all was turned clear with no buzz. However, I now have very low action(no buzz) in the first position, turning into somewhat high action as you go up the neck. This doesn't bother me while playing at all, but I was just curious as if I was doing some kind of damage to the neck?

[PilbaraBass]

could be relief...
could be neck angle...
but, keep in mind, the action DOES increase naturally going up the neck...

your neck is most-likely OK...just keep on tweekin' and smilin'

SMILING IS IMPORTANT!

[202dy]

Normal setup procedures will not cause damage to a guitar neck. If you are happy with the action the setup it is a good one. Job well done.

BTW, the first setup did not buzz when played aggressively fingerstyle. It buzzed only when slapping. That implies the problem was one of technique, not setup.

[SundanceChile]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Normal setup procedures will not cause damage to a guitar neck. If you are happy with the action the setup it is a good one. Job well done.

BTW, the first setup did not buzz when played aggressively fingerstyle. It buzzed only when slapping. That implies the problem was one of technique, not setup.

I thought so too, but as I stated before, it only occurred in the higher frets. I slowed down my technique and made sure I was playing as close to the fret as possible, but there was still some slight buzz. Regardless, I can breathe a bit easier now knowing that I'm not killing my neck. Thanks a lot guys!

[GeoffByrne]

Normally, buzzing on the upper frets indicates too much relief & saddles too low. But it may be your technique.