weather/humidity problem

[burrncrisis]

a few weeks ago i took my fender jazz bass into a shop to get it fixed because some of the frets were buzzing and not working. i should really learned more about my guitar but as of right now i don't know much on how a guitar really works or the different parts that make it up. i thought it was an electrical problem initially so i called up customer service for my warranty and they told me where to get it fixed.

evidently my bass' frets stopped working because of the weather and being a relatively new bass player i didn't know weather could affect it at all. hopefully you guys will understand and could maybe explain it better to me as to what happened but the guy told me why it was messed up in detail and i didn't really follow. long story short, the truss rod was loose or needed to be adjusted because it was bending the neck causing some of the frets to buzz. i didn't understand why it was doing that. i think he also said it caused the strings to be far from the frets too.

i got my bass back last week and everything was fine, until last night. i'm into playing "if" by chili peppers and "seemann" by rammstein right now and those lines consist of notes high up on the neck on the a, d, and g string. initially frets 11-16 on the g string were the problem, not making any actual note sounds except for buzz. now it's doing the same thing except frets 2-4 on the same string sound like crap. every time i slap, finger, or pluck those frets, it sounds like a blown out speaker. it doesn't just buzz only on those specific frets, the whole sound of the g sounds different. all the frets on there when played sound way different from the rest of the strings. the rest of the strings sound nice and bassy, even then the treble is all the way up but the g string sounds like the treble is always up even when it's turned down. the whole string is buzzy sounding and sounds blown out compared to the nice bass sound of the rest of the strings.

is this gonna be a recurring problem? the guy at the shop mentioned when basses are made in certain cities, when sold elsewhere the climate can affect it and cause this problem. the bass was made in mexico and i live in san diego, ca and it just started getting cold in the day time and really cold at night. it's not bad at all but going from super hot in the summer until november or so it's a drastic change. i really don't want this to be the case and have it keep messing up on me every few weeks so any help or advice would be appreciated.

[JustDavid]

I advise reading the stickies, FAQs, & a few threads on Setup to get educated on the factors at play in a bass' Setup. I feel that time will be well worth it; as individual as this issue feels, it's a common one.

[cynical1]

Originally Posted by burrncrisis

...evidently my bass' frets stopped working because of the weather...

Well, they can act temperamental, but if you let the bass get back to room temperature before playing it you should be fine.

I was born and raised in Chicago, and all I ever did when coming from a cold car to the indoors was let it sit in the room I was playing in for about 30-45 minutes, with the bass in the case, then let it sit at room temperature out of the case for about 15 minutes and it was fine. And it's colder in Chicago then San Diego...

Where do you store your bass?

...but the guy told me why it was messed up in detail and i didn't really follow...

Take this from experience, if the tech can't explain to you clearly what he did and why, then he may not understand what he did or why either...

...long story short, the truss rod was loose or needed to be adjusted because it was bending the neck causing some of the frets to buzz. i didn't understand why it was doing that. i think he also said it caused the strings to be far from the frets too.

A truss rod adjustment can either straighten (by tightening the truss rod) or bow (by loosening the truss rod) the curvature of the neck.

Several things can contribute to string height. The truss rod, the pitch or angle of the neck in the neck pocket, the condition/cut of the nut and/or the height of the saddles.

You can get a fret buzz on either side of your finger when you fret a note, depending on the bow or lack of bow in the neck.

...i got my bass back last week and everything was fine, until last night... initially frets 11-16 on the g string were the problem, not making any actual note sounds except for buzz. now it's doing the same thing except frets 2-4 on the same string sound like crap. every time i slap, finger, or pluck those frets, it sounds like a blown out speaker. it doesn't just buzz only on those specific frets, the whole sound of the g sounds different...

Well...that could be several things...hard to tell without seeing it. A couple of questions:

1.) How old are your strings?

2.) Do you notice fret wear, high frets or loose frets?

3.) What's the condition of the nut?

4.) Have you changed string gauges recently?

the guy at the shop mentioned when basses are made in certain cities, when sold elsewhere the climate can affect it and cause this problem.

Well, maybe if they're made late in the day Friday...

The worst problem you could be facing is a warped neck. Then maybe a fret job, depending on how much and how hard you play.

When you took the bass in did they do a complete set-up?

One thing to keep in mind is that truss rod adjustments should be very incremental. The neck will generally take 3-5 days to set into any adjustment you make. By going too far with the initial adjustment you can create a whole new set of problems for yourself.

is this gonna be a recurring problem?

That's a hard one to call. You first need to have the real problem diagnosed correctly.

As far as temperature and humidity in San Diego being your problem. consider this... Rory Gallagher had is Strat stolen and it was days before they found it laying a a drainage ditch. He dried it out for a few weeks and continued playing it on stage for the rest of his life...and Rory Gallagher could tour...

If you think the last tech you went to is good I'd go back to him and explain how the problem is now worse. If you have your doubts ask other musician who they trust, or make some calls to the better shops until you do feel comfortable with the tech.

A bad tech will make your problems worse and be happy to take your money doing it.

Good luck

Cynical One

[Pilgrim]

There is no practical difference between the climate in San Diego and where your bass was made. If you lived in Minnesota, then you might have something in terms of climate being an issue.

Sounds to me like:

1) Either you didn't know enough about basses to understand the explanation, and/or the explanation was too technical.

2) You NEED to do your homework by reading stickies about setup. You also need to do some online searches to understand more about neck adjustments.

3) Your neck had a bow in it. the tech corrected it. Perhaps it has re-appeared, which can happen.

4) You should take the bass BACK to the tech who worked on it, demonstrate the problem, and see if further adjustments are needed. Occasionally there's a neck that can't hold an adjustment, but those are rare and you should not assume you have this problem.

Right now, the conversation you need is between you and the tech - and if you don't understand what he's saying, STOP HIM, ask for a more clear explanation, and get one you can understand.

[burrncrisis]

thanks for answers and sorry i didn't even notice the stickies.

as for the questions
1.) How old are your strings?

2.) Do you notice fret wear, high frets or loose frets?

3.) What's the condition of the nut?

4.) Have you changed string gauges recently?

1. my strings are brand new. i got new strings when the guy fixed it.
2. nah dude, my bass isn't even a year old. i bought it in march and i've kept it in a good condition. i haven't taken it anywhere besides my room and other people's houses and i treat it well and clean it.
3. everything is tip top, except for my little neck problem. when the guy fixed it for me he said everything was good and from playing with it since i got it back everything seemed fine.
4. like i said earlier, he gave me new strings. prior to that, the last time i got strings was probably september

to pilgrim, it's not like i'm a dumb ass or anything. that guy is just one of those nerdy little guys who eat, breath, and sleep guitars that no matter how many times i ask for him to be clear, his clearer explanations have just as much tech talk that i don't really understand. he was kind of a dick to me too about irrelevant stuff and making snotty comments like "you should change your strings more often" and he said something else but with an "i'm so smarter than you" tone. i was like yeah ok thanks i can barely afford to pay to fix my bass right now let alone have all the money in the world for extra **** like new strings so i just wanted to get out of there and not have to see him again but it looks like i have to now.

the reason why i don't understand the problem is because it's new to me. i've only been playing a few years and even then i used my brother's guitar. i just bought my bass earlier this year so i'm not a guitar expert. i'm still learning new things every day, which includes care and technical things. i'm trying to learn what i can every day but i don't know if this guy is hustling me or fixing it properly since i just don't know. it's not an excuse at all, i should know my instrument more and i'm trying but this problem has definitely been a learning experience and i will get better because of it. i'll read up on the setup threads and other things before i go back to him for sure so hopefully i can understand if he tells me it's a new problem

[Johnny Crab]

I STRONGLY suggest you get a digital temp & humidty instrument for your home. WalMart has them for <$40 and they are accurate. Try to keep your place around 50% humidity.

That said, the shop MAY have better climate control and different climate than your place. Thus the setup is fine at the shop and FUBAR'd at your place. This should not happen unless you have/like your action super-low. My D and G strings are set fairly low and our gigs are 90% outdoors in ALL weather and 10% of them are indoors. At the outdoor ones, only retuning is required after about the 3rd song and before each set. My main players have maple necks so is your bass. Other wood(mahogany) acts slightly different IMO.

I've NEVER had the problem you are having UNLESS the neck is setup wrong OR a fret or two in the upper register is higher(not level with the others) due to poor QC from the factory. That problem was on a "Made In China" bass that was otherwise perfect. A fret leveling fixed that.

Try real hard to learn to do your own setups.

[JustDavid]

Dude, I don't think he's the right tech for you. Might be the best in the city, but the interface between tech & end-user ain't working. Another tech might not be quite as good, but if they take good care of you & give you confidence in them you will feel 100% better about a bass that's just had work done.

Sounds like this is a new bass with a neck settling into life. I view seasonal (2 or 4 times a year) tweaking of the truss rod as part of playing bass.

[cynical1]

burncrisis -

I think JustDavid makes two very good points. Neck adjustments can be a seasonal thing. Generally in more severe climates, but this may apply to San Diego as well...

Secondly, from my experience, if a tech cannot explain in layman's terms what the problem is and what the solution is then he's probably not as good as he claims to be. Any good experienced tech that performs a truss rod adjustment should ask you to come back in a week to verify the fix. If the tech has a superior attitude then don't waste time with him.

Changing strings on a bass is less a ritual then on a guitar. I wouldn't go a year, but changing them every week is more in the $hop's interest then yours. You might want to look into Webstrings . At $10.99 a set you can afford to change strings more often. I've been using these strings for a few years and have never had a problem with them.

There is a boatload of information out there on the Internet from builders and luthiers with years of experience dealing with neck issues. It would be in your best interest to Google and read up on this information. You can gain years of knowledge in a short time with a little research. I wish this stuff was out there 30 years ago...

Stay with it, find a good tech who can speak to you and the problem will get fixed. A good tech will educate you, a poor tech will intimidate you.

Happy Trails

Cynical One

[JustDavid]

Cyn, I have to disagree about good techs being able to explain things well. Being a good tech is one area, & being what amounts to a good "technical writer" is another area. The 2 are closely aligned, & can frequently co-exist, but they are 2 different areas of ability.

There are other factors at play also. Data transfer is a function of the transmitter AND the receiver, & it's easier to convey technical points to some folk than to others. You'll also get a more in-depth answer on a slow Tuesday morning than on a busy Saturday afternoon.

But I'll fully agree that you should avoid techs that take a superior attitude.


Gotta disagree on string change frequency!! I'm planning on more than a decade from my TI Jazz Flats

[Craig_S]

Originally Posted by Johnny Crab

Try to keep your place around 50% humidity.

50% humidity causes mold in some climates. Here, 35% is more than enough. Your neck is going to move, some. Get used to adjusting it periodically. I've had basses that move a lot and some that barely moved at all, but they have all moved some.

[cynical1]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Gotta disagree on string change frequency!! I'm planning on more than a decade from my TI Jazz Flats

...and I thought I was cheap...

All kidding aside, I generally change my strings out every 3 months. Once my fingers start turning black from the strings it's time for a change...

I've been using GHS Fast Fret for 25 years and find it really extends the life of bass strings...and a can lasts forever...

I've found that flat wounds have a longer active life by about a month.

Just me 2 cents...

Happy Trails

Cynical One

[JustDavid]

Well, they sure don't feel cheap when I first buy a set; $90 CDN delivered for a 5er set.

We must be working to a different 'tone in our head'. I'd guess I'd find your discarded strings way too bright.

Could be body chemistry too. I'm lucky in that my sweat doesn't seem to eat metal at all, but I've met bassists who have to change pickguard screws every 2 or 3 years.

[cynical1]

Originally Posted by JustDavid

Well, they sure don't feel cheap when I first buy a set; $90 CDN delivered for a 5er set.

Ouch...you really need to check out Webstrings. These strings are as good as sets I've paid $35.00-$40.00 US for.

And trust me, my discarded strings are not bright anymore. I don't have alien sweat, but after about 3-4 months they just seem to lose their luster and I wind up with black smudges on my fingers.

Lately I've started using flatwounds. I like the mellower sound they offer.

Happy Trails

Cynical One

[JustDavid]

Great prices!! Do they publish tension values? Any guesses which brand they are?

Unfortunately I seem to have gotten hooked on TI Jazz Flats; low tension is a bit of a drag but the breadth of tone & the responsiveness to touch is delightful. Yet I shall happily pass the info along to the unaddicted. Thanks!!

[cynical1]

If you check out their "How Do We Do It" page that'll get you about a s close as your going to get on who makes the strings.

As far as string tension, it should remain consistent with all other strings. I've gotten about ten sets from these guys and have never had a problem with them. They stay in tune, and once the first set was dialed in I've never needed to tweak the truss rod or action when putting on a new set from them.

I haven't tried their flatwounds in a while as their medium .045-105 stock goes quickly when it comes in.

I'm not sure about shipping to Canada, but in the US any order over $50.00 ships free.

I found them from a link on another forum and haven't bought a set at retail since.

Happy Trails

Cynical One

[JustDavid]

I'm just a fan of manufacturers publishing their tension data.

This is a great tip! I will def share it around!!

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by burrncrisis

to pilgrim, it's not like i'm a dumb ass or anything. that guy is just one of those nerdy little guys who eat, breath, and sleep guitars that no matter how many times i ask for him to be clear, his clearer explanations have just as much tech talk that i don't really understand. he was kind of a dick to me too about irrelevant stuff and making snotty comments like "you should change your strings more often" and he said something else but with an "i'm so smarter than you" tone. i was like yeah ok thanks i can barely afford to pay to fix my bass right now let alone have all the money in the world for extra **** like new strings so i just wanted to get out of there and not have to see him again but it looks like i have to now.

Hey, I want you to know that I didn't assume you were a dummy - we all have areas in which we are more and less conversant and comfortable.

One of the reasons I stress writing when I teach (and I'm a huge pain in the butt to my students) is illustrated by your dilemma. I contend that no matter what you know, if you can't communicate it to others, your knowledge is worth much less then it should be, and in many cases, it's essentially useless.

Assuming that this tech knows what he is doing, then his lack of ability to communicate clearly to you shows that he's not worth much to you. Presumably he can do his job, but he can't work with customers. Whatever skills he has are in his hands - he can't share them with others. Sad.

And what's with you guys changing strings alla time? My 2000 MIM Jazz has the original strings, none of my basses have strings less than two years old, and my '63 P still has the flats on it that were on it in 1972 when I refin'd it.

There is never a NEED to replace strings unless they break. (Harrumph, harrumph...)