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  #1  
Old 03-04-2013, 09:46 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Some weird annoying buzz

So today, I felt like I needed to change strings, and thus I did. While I was doing that, I also decided to change the truss rod because I felt as if the action was too high for me. After I changed strings and turned the truss rod a total of 1/4 of a turn, I started to play. When I played, everything was fine except for one thing: every time I play the A string, there was a buzz that I couldn't really locate exactly. It's not because the strings were too low, but the buzz sounded the loudest IN the body, like near the pickups. It seemed to resonate throughout the body and up the truss rod and neck. I am still a total newbie at playing bass despite 3 years of playing and I don't really know much, if at all, about setting up. Do you guys know what is going on because this is really bothering me. It is also a MIM Fender PJ, if that matters at all. The buzz is seems to be behind the P pickups in the body. Suggestions on anything or should I just soon one day go get a professional set up? But would a set up get rid of the weird buzz in the body? :O Please help! Thanks guys
--JL
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  #2  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:31 PM
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Any ideas? This buzzing is only happening on the open A string too :O
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  #3  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:34 PM
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Same brand/type/gauge string as before? Did you loosen or tighten the truss rod? Did you try raising the A string saddle a smidge?
  #4  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:36 PM
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Open A buzz on a Fender is usually caused by too few windings around the tuning post. If you press down on the string behind the nut does the buzz go away?
  #5  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:37 PM
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Different brand, from Blue Steels to Lo Riders. I tightened the truss rod and I adjusted the saddle too just to make sure it wasn't fret buzz.
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  #6  
Old 03-07-2013, 01:44 PM
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Mindblown! It does go away What now? But my winding seems to be fine, it has atleast 2 complete coils around it, just like all my other strings
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  #7  
Old 03-07-2013, 04:08 PM
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I had the same problem with my SX Jazz. The buzzing went away when I pressed behind the nut.

I added a Hipshot 3-string retainer and it instantly went away. Click image for larger version

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  #8  
Old 03-07-2013, 06:07 PM
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Grass132456,

How does the string come off the A tuner? It should come off from the bottom with the wraps above. This helps keep the string positioned to come off the nut at the right angle. In the future keep three wraps on the tuner.

First step is to wind the string again if it's not like that.

That should take care of it. If not, there's always Rip's suggestion. I've actually seen some folks use two regular circular Fender string retainers as an alternative.

All the best,

Bob
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  #9  
Old 03-07-2013, 06:49 PM
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The windings need to go all the way down the post to get the proper break angle at the nut. Sorry dude. It's a common problem. Been there myself.
Other than a new string, my only other idea would be to try a cable/zip tie on the A string behind the nut to put downward pressure on the string. The suggestion about a new string tree is a good one too.

Last edited by DingoBlues : 03-07-2013 at 07:09 PM.
  #10  
Old 03-07-2013, 08:53 PM
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Thanks guys, I'll try the less invasive ideas first and see how it goes!
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  #11  
Old 03-07-2013, 09:14 PM
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Is the string settling in the nut good? And are you winding top down with no ever lap? Should need a retainer on the A because the distance from the nut should create a good down angle. If the nut slot is v'd it could be holding it up a bit. If it's to open you can take a small piece of foil gum wrapper and put it in the slot. At least if that works you'll know what the problem is it will play fine that way 'till you can do something else.Click image for larger version

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