String tree for A string on Fender Jazz

superhand · #1 09-14-2009, 09:08 PM

My A string buzzes when I pluck it hard, open and fretted and I'm not sure where its coming from. I have a Fender Jazz MIM, everything is stock, except for the strings which I replaced with D'addario Cromes flat wounds. I adjusted the truss rod and set the action. It's not fret buzz I know that much. It sounds like something is vibrating. Any idea's? It's drining me nuts!! Please help

jmceachern36 · #2 09-14-2009, 09:11 PM

Could it be the springs on the bridge?

superhand · #3 09-14-2009, 09:12 PM

I thought maybe it was, but if I put my finger on the spring it still buzzes, and its only the A string.

bassbully · #4 09-14-2009, 09:49 PM

Check the nut. Another thing is make sure the string is wound with downward wraps on the peg. You could have a high fret so try bringing up the string highth some.

superhand · #5 09-14-2009, 10:09 PM

The string is wound 3 times around the peg, downward. How would I know if it is the nut? And if it is how do I fix it?

superhand · #6 09-14-2009, 10:21 PM

If i push down on the string behind the nut, it doesn't buzz. Does that mean its the nut?

superhand · #7 09-14-2009, 11:29 PM

I think I need a string tree for my A string on my MIM Fender Jazz. I get a very distracting buzz on my A, but if i push down on the string behind the nut, it stops. Anybody ever tried this or better yet have picture of it? Are there any other solutions to this annoying problem? I have only had this bass for a few weeks and I don't want to mess it up, but I have to do something about this buzz because it is driving me nuts.

BassikLee · #8 09-14-2009, 11:34 PM

Sounds like you don't have enough string length wound around the post, which would create more downpull.

superhand · #9 09-14-2009, 11:37 PM

It is wrapped around the peg three times. Is that enough? or does it need to be even lower?

When I look at it sideways, I can see that the A is higher off the headstock than the other three.

Do I need a new string or is there a way to salvage this one?

Steveaux · #10 09-15-2009, 05:45 AM

One thread was enough.

202dy · #11 09-15-2009, 06:39 AM

1. Check the tuning pegs for rattle.
2. False string.

unclejane · #12 09-15-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superhand

If i push down on the string behind the nut, it doesn't buzz. Does that mean its the nut?

Yes, or most likely yes.... Generally this means the slot is too wide and the open string is rattling slightly in the too-big gap.

If you have enough height left in the slot, a few passes with a nut file of a smaller size than the string (at least a few thousandths smaller) will tighten it up.

The other fix is to go to a thicker string, but of course that's undesirable if you already have the gauge you want.

If it were my bass and not someone else's (and I didn't have enough height in the slot leftover), I'd build up the slot slightly with some superglue and then recut the slot with a smaller file. If it were someone else's bass and I were a competent luthier I'd probably just cut a new nut....

LS

bassbully · #13 09-15-2009, 07:02 AM

I am no expert but if the nut is cut to low that could cause it. The groove for the string maybe has gotten wider allowing the string to seat it self lower then it should can cause buzzing on the first fret. We used to put a piece of paper match under the string to stop this years ago when i played guitar. Some guys add glue and filings (dust) from an old nut to make like a "bondo" to build up the nut slot. Did you try raising the strings action a tad? If all fails take to a local shop.

PJSShearer · #14 09-15-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclejane

If you have enough height left in the slot, a few passes with a nut file of a smaller size than the string (at least a few thousandths smaller) will tighten it up.

The other fix is to go to a thicker string, but of course that's undesirable if you already have the gauge you want.

LS

A third option is to try a sliver of alumin(i)um foil wrapped around the string where it crosses the nut to tighten the slot up.

superhand · #15 09-15-2009, 07:34 AM

Sorry, I didn't know that was bad etiquette, I'm new to this. Just trying to get some help. With the centuries of combined experience on this forum, somebody surely has dealt with this issue before and found a reasonable solution.

Bobster · #16 09-15-2009, 08:48 AM

For a while now, I've just been adding an extra string tree to all my "Fender style" 4-string headstocks between the A and D.

It works great and now I don't worry about A string wraps.

I know there are several folks on the board who do the same thing.

I can send a pic if you'd like.

Bob

ACRX · #17 09-15-2009, 08:53 AM

I use the hipshot 3 string retainer on the A D G on my 4 string bass and it works well.

**BLDavis** · #18 09-15-2009, 09:48 AM

Superhand,
I've played Jazz's forever and have experienced the problem you describe. Now I always try to get enough windings around the tuner so that it pulls the string all the way down as close to the headstock as possible. And not just the A string but all four.
Also, the width and depth of the nut slot may be a factor. If it's too big for the string you may get some buzzing from that as well. A combination of too shallow string angle and excessive string slot on the A string will almost surely cause buzzing if you use a heavy playing technique.
I hope this helps.
B.

superhand · #19 09-15-2009, 09:04 PM

seems to be a lot of different opinions on this one... Found some other threads dealing with this issue to. For now, I have a small piece of cardboard from a match underneath the string, seems to have fixed the problem at least temporarily. I think I might just try to wind the string lower on the post next time around. It sucks tho because I just put brand new strings on it (Chromes) and they're not cheap for a guy like me.

One more question tho: Fender suggests cutting the string 4" past the post, which is what I did, how long should I cut it next time?

dmusic148 · #20 09-15-2009, 09:10 PM

This is a common issue. The A string easily falls victim to the "oops, I cut it too short" problem. Happens a lot.
You need a ton of extra string on the A to keep it down where it needs to be on the post. Call it a Fender design flaw if you like, but you can work around it.
I generally pull it out all the way to the end of the headstock, then add an inch or so, then cut it. This has worked for me for years.
You may be able to salvage your string. Remove it from the post and straighten the bent part that runs down into the center hole. Re-insert the end into the center hole, but just a little bit this time, then wind the string again. This gives you back a little extra length.
Of course, you are winding DOWN the post, correct?