VERY specific buzz problem - "A" string, frets 6 to 11

CPplaysBASS · #1 05-20-2009, 07:39 PM

Hi All,
Will just clarify right off the top that I do regularly search for answers and I do know "fret buzz" is a very common question that pops up many times.

But I'm at my wits end with one particular bass and neither I nor the "pro" at the shop I brought to can figure it out.

2 out of 3 fretted basses I own, I've managed to set up perfectly myself ... 0.012 relief at the 8th fret (capo at 1st, holding down 17th), 6/64 action at the 17th fret ... no buzz anywhere. Maybe that's not how everyone likes their bass, but it's perfect for me and those are general measurement which I may tweak a hair one way or the other.

Then there is my MIA P-bass ... ONLY the A string is buzzing like a beehive between the 6th and 11th fret. I can pluck the 5th and 12th as hard as I want .. no buzz. Any fret in between, buzz city. Play fingerstyle.

E, D and G strings have no buzz anywhere on the neck despite realtively low action.

Brought it into a shop and they assure me the neck is straight, frets are fine ... just that one damn A string that they can't figure out either and gave me back the bass and didn't charge me.

It was the same with my usual Rotosound Jazz 77 Flats, and now only worse with the roundwounds I have on now (I was thinking maybe the high tension of the Jazz 77s was messing up the neck, although I have a same on my Jazz and they are perfect at the measurements I mentioned above). So it's not just a bad string (not that it would make sense for this problem, but just covering everything while I'm on a roll).

Not sure I can get anymore specific than that ... only to say that I'm not talking about moderate buzz that is hardly noticeable plugged in. I'm talking like it sounds like I'm playing a sitar when I hit the A string while fretting between the 6th and 11th frets.

Hope someone can prevent me from beating my head against the wall!!

Thanks in advance ...

Turnaround · #2 05-20-2009, 09:14 PM

I think it's time for a second opinion. I advise you to take the instrument to a good luthier/tech. Neck-string geometry is not all that complex, so a well-seasoned tech should be able to sort it out.

JLS · #3 05-21-2009, 07:28 AM

Ditto, 2nd opinion.

That's really low action; try raising the A saddle, adding a little bit more relief. If you can find a tech who uses the Turner/Cochran method of fret levelling ("Poor man's plek"), you'll be in good shape.

CPplaysBASS · #4 05-21-2009, 11:08 AM

Thanks Turnaround / JLS,
Something tells me this bass, that I bought used, may end up costing me more than if I'd bought a new one

But I do appreciate the comments since I'd probaby continue to try something myself and really screw things up otherwise.

I just assumed if it was a raised fret, all stings would buzz at certain part of the neck, but it has to be that. Now to find a tech ... looking at your sig, Turnaround, I've sent you a PM.

Cheers.

Turnaround · #5 05-22-2009, 06:51 PM

PM responded.