Vintage Radius Fret Buzz

[Red Planet]

I have searched but all I can find is a gazillian posts on the same subject.

Anyone have any magic tricks for getting less fret buzz from a vintage radius 4 string bass? I have several basses (51-53 P Bass & Stingray Classic both with Maple boards) that buzz way more than my more modern (slightly flatter) basses.

I'm using DR Low Rider strings, have plenty of relief, and play a fairly high action (nothing drastic).

I play finger style only but I have a pretty aggressive attack (not all the time). Sometimes the buzz on my rounder fretboards just drives me insane.

Any search help would be appreciated as well.

[testing1two]

The radius of the fretboard doesn't really affect whether your bass buzzes or not. What really matters is how true the fingerboard is and how level the frets are. A fret level & dress should work wonders.

[scotch]

Does the bridge saddle under-string radius match the fingerboard radius? Also, be sure to check for high/low frets, particularly if its only buzzing on certain notes!

[SolarMan]

The radius of the fretboard DOES affect fret buzz -

This is usually only a problem when bending strings into the "taller" area of the board

If not bending notes, then I agree with testing1two

[walterw]

right; fretboard radius should only affect things with heavy bending; not so much "fret-buzz" as the note "choking" when bent, due to the string getting pushed "over the hill" and down the other side.

buzz issues are about setup in general, and the quality of the fretwork in particular.

[202dy]

Originally Posted by walterw

buzz issues are about setup in general, and the quality of the fretwork in particular.

Should be carved on a stone where everyone can read it.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by walterw

buzz issues are about setup in general, and the quality of the fretwork in particular.

Originally Posted by 202dy

Should be carved on a stone where everyone can read it.

Ditto.