String height: B-string higher than the rest?

[lexxmexx]

Ok, I got my fiver setup to a very low action. The saddles of the 4 strings (EADG) were set at their lowest possible height without buzzing. The only thing is that the B-string could not be lowered further to match the height of other strings or it will buzz when the first 3 frets were fretted. It tends to stick out like a sore thumb.

Is this normal for fivers?

[EADG mx]

What gauge is the B?

[Bob the bassist]

Yeah, try a heavier B = more tension, less amplitude.

[lexxmexx]

Originally Posted by EADG mx

What gauge is the B?

Erm...I'm not sure, probably 130. It's the stock string that came with the bass.

[MyUsernameHere]

I don't think this is all that unusual for people who like their action super low. Is it having an impact on your ability to play effectively? If not, who cares?

[Solarmist]

Thats perfectly normal. Different string type, and gauges are relative. Here - check this string tension chart out:

http://www.daddario.com/Resources/JD...sion_chart.pdf

[lexxmexx]

Because of this higher B string, the alignment doesn't follow the curvature of the fingerboard as it should. It's really bothering me.

The relief of the neck is slightly below the thickness of a credit card. I've read from different sources about the the amount of relief to set - thickness of a credit card, business card, a quarter, 2mm!

These are all different heights and it is getting really confusing for someone who is relative new to setting up of basses.

A quarter > credit card > business card

[EADG mx]

See what your bass manufacturer recommends, or take it to a local luthier.

[lexxmexx]

It's a Yammy BB415 and I had already sent it to a pro for adjustment but I wasn't satisfied with the setup. So thought of doing it myself to get something i'm really comfortable with.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

Because of this higher B string, the alignment doesn't follow the curvature of the fingerboard as it should. It's really bothering me.

The relief of the neck is slightly below the thickness of a credit card. I've read from different sources about the the amount of relief to set - thickness of a credit card, business card, a quarter, 2mm!

These are all different heights and it is getting really confusing for someone who is relative new to setting up of basses.

A quarter > credit card > business card

Use the credit card. I use about .8 /.9 the thickness of a credit card, but the whole thing is fine - I wouldn't use a quarter.

[Thangfish]

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

Because of this higher B string, the alignment doesn't follow the curvature of the fingerboard as it should. It's really bothering me.

The relief of the neck is slightly below the thickness of a credit card. I've read from different sources about the the amount of relief to set - thickness of a credit card, business card, a quarter, 2mm!

There is no correct answer... only suggestions and "rules of thumb". Some prefer more relief than others. Some like em dead flat. Also, remember that the height alignment following the fretboard radius is measured under the strings (like between the string and the body), not on top.

[MyUsernameHere]

If you want low action, you're never going to get the B to be equal distance from the top of the frets as you are the smaller gage strings. The thicker a string is, the more its going to naturally vibrate and the higher its going to have to be from the fretboard. Your strings still will still follow the fretboards radius, but you'll be factoring the individual string movement into their heights as well.

If you want medium or high action, you can make the strings follow the radius of the board exactly.

As for neck relief, a credit card or thick paper business card thickness is generally considered proper distance...but its an individual thing. Experiment and see what you prefer.

[therex]

thicker string = less movement = less buzz

[MyUsernameHere]

Originally Posted by therex

thicker string = less movement = less buzz

No, higher tension=less movement=less buzz.

Seriously, just go pluck your E or B string and then pluck your G string. The one that vibrates more is pretty obvious.

[bl2112]

Talking and B's I'm finding that unless my saddle is flat is will buzz and virbrate. And I'll fix it and after a few days of playing it has lowered it self. Any ideas why and how to fix?

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

. . . it will buzz when the first 3 frets were fretted. . .

Classic indicator of the need for slightly more relief in the neck.

[therex]

Originally Posted by MyUsernameHere

No, higher tension=less movement=less buzz.

Seriously, just go pluck your E or B string and then pluck your G string. The one that vibrates more is pretty obvious.

yeah thanks for the correction, but you know what i meant

[lexxmexx]

Originally Posted by Chasarms

Classic indicator of the need for slightly more relief in the neck.

Yeah, I am aware of that but now it only buzzes at the first fret (low C) only and I need to pluck the string very lightly to avoid buzzing.

[EADG mx]

I've had a player tell me that he discovered the "secret" to avoiding buzz on the low B, which was to raise it slightly higher than the other strings. Sure it does the trick in a pinch but it doesn't solve the problem.

If you want your strings to follow the radius of the neck, you're going to need fanned frets, a heavier string, or both.

[stflbn]

Could have a different Nut put on it that's higher on the lower strings... or build up the height on the existing nut on just the B string.