Set-up issue

Sandwich Man · #1 06-06-2007, 01:03 PM

I've just bought a new Yamaha RBX375, and it buzzes on different frets on different strings.

When digging in hard it buzzes on all strings, but I guess that's bound to happen on all fretted instruments. But it particularly buzzes 4th fret E string, 5th fret A string, 7th fret D string, 9th fret G string, and at the 19th fret on D and G strings.

I don't know if there is a significance to where it buzzes, but I'd really like to fix the problem. I raised the string height a little but that only fixes it somewhat, although I did raise the B string quite a bit and that string seems to be devoid of buzzing. I really would like to take advantage of the low and comfortable action on the instrument that seems to work fine on all the other frets. It just bothers me because when I play with a pick or slap it comes out especially, although not as much on fingerstyle.

Anyhoo, I'm guessing that it could be trussrod/neck setup problem (the neck looks and feels straight though, but what do I know); It could also be uneven frets perhaps?

Edit: on the bridge, I'm guessing that the metric allen wrench hole closer to the B string controls string height, but what does the one on the side closer to G string do (on the same string, meaning there are two holes one on each side of the string.) Does the one on the G string side control string tension?

Any suggestions besides getting it setup, which I will do if I can't fix it myself. All suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
SandwichMan

Sandwich Man · #2 06-06-2007, 02:03 PM

Can't believe I missed that! Good lookin' out. I'll check that out and then I'll report back.

Sandwich Man · #3 06-06-2007, 03:16 PM

Honestly, everything suggested in those links has made it worse. I don't even know what to do now. This is very disquieting.

**rashrader** · #4 06-06-2007, 04:01 PM

If you feel you are unable to do the setup, buy a new pack of strings and take the bass to a pro.

PilbaraBass · #5 06-06-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandwich Man

Honestly, everything suggested in those links has made it worse. I don't even know what to do now. This is very disquieting.

wait a minute...there's only 1:15 between posts...you mean to tell me that you've digested all that information AND worked on your bass in 75 minutes?

nahhh....you missed something....

seriously, like Joshua says...break it down...first thing's first....relief....

go slowly...make slow, delicate changes...once you've done a dozen or so setups, you CAN get something half-decent to play in an hour or so...but slowly, mate...

Sandwich Man · #6 06-08-2007, 04:43 PM

Update: still messing around with it, can't quite get it right. I think the neck needs more relief

Sandwich Man · #7 06-08-2007, 05:30 PM

The strings are brand new, ain't the strings. That's just an aside.

Okay, so now the B E A string rattle the headstock when open. The intonation, aka the tuning is completely screwed up now. I feel like I've screwed up something minor and made it into something major.

Sandwich Man · #8 06-09-2007, 12:26 PM

What's the best way to measure it? These articles are all strange about it.

PilbaraBass · #9 06-11-2007, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

Tune the bass to pitch. Capo the first fret, and fret at the point where the neck meets the body (on my bass it's the 17th fret). This turns the string into a straightedge. At the midpoint of the 2 fretted points, you can judge the distance between the top of that fret and the bottom of the string.

We just are looking to establish that there is @ a business card's worth of distance.

+1...

hold the bass up to a window with the sun shining in...you'll need lots of light to see this gap properly