Weird fret buzz

[rmrf]

I have cheap Yamaha RBX170, but it suits all my needs. The only problem I have is weird fret buzz on 8th fret on E string. I've found that top part of string (above fretting finger) vibrates and hit frets. This is the only place where it happens all the time. I need some advices before I start to do silly things with my bass.

What would you recommend to fix this?
Thanks.

[SnuffdaCrimeDog]

Sorry I dont have an answer I actually have the exact same problem, except it on my fourth fret so yes help would be appriciated.

[emils]

Get a little straight edge that spans three frets or more and check if the fret in question is higher then the two on adjecent ones. If it is you need fret leveling.

[MeYHymN]

First, are you sure your fretting the string right behind the fret, and using enough force? Not trying to patronize, just got to get the simple stuff out of the way.
Is the buzzing audible to only you, or is it actually coming through the amp? My BTB buzzes over 3 or 4 frets on the B E A & D, but I'm the only one that hears it, the buzz is not actually picked up by the pickups. Can't recall the terminology the tech used, but he said it was fine.

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by rmrf

I have cheap Yamaha RBX170, but it suits all my needs. The only problem I have is weird fret buzz on 8th fret on E string. I've found that top part of string (above fretting finger) vibrates and hit frets. This is the only place where it happens all the time. I need some advices before I start to do silly things with my bass.

What would you recommend to fix this?
Thanks.

I'd raise the saddle on the E string untill the buzzing stops. Count the turns that you turn the saddle screws so you can put them back where they were if raising them doesn't resolve the problem.

Once in a while a saddle screw will not stay tight. But that's almost a whole new subject.

As Emils suggested, you can check the fret heigth but usually a high fret affects more than one string.

A notch sometimes wears into a fret right under the string and can cause single positions to buzz.

[emils]

Originally Posted by pkr2

As Emils suggested, you can check the fret height but usually a high fret affects more than one string.

A notch sometimes wears into a fret right under the string and can cause single positions to buzz.

I have also seen frets where one end have lifted up, or hasn't been pressed in all the way on one side, the rest of the fret that is under G,D and A is pressed in correctly but the E side has lifted up causing buzz. My guess is that this is the problem with the OP's bass. Fret needs to be pressed in, I would also use some super glue to help the fret stay down, level and dress the fret and away you go.

[Redleader]

Same thing happened to me, with a different fret also. My teacher suggested that I Should take it to where I bought it for a neck adjustment. I did it myself Try adjusting the bend of the neck. It solved the problem for me. Just turn it half a step, and check each fret. It takes some time, but it gets the job done.

P.S. This is my first post. Hi!

[pkr2]

Originally Posted by emils

I have also seen frets where one end have lifted up, or hasn't been pressed in all the way on one side, the rest of the fret that is under G,D and A is pressed in correctly but the E side has lifted up causing buzz. My guess is that this is the problem with the OP's bass. Fret needs to be pressed in, I would also use some super glue to help the fret stay down, level and dress the fret and away you go.

It certainly can be a high fret. I didn't mean for my post to sound like disagreement with your post. Really more like "in addition to".

I'll try to explain my reasoning. First even if a fret is a bit uneven, sometimes increasing the string heigth on that one string wont affect the playability but will afford enough clearance that the fret no longer interferes with the string.

In all truth, Out of all the general buzzes that I've dealt with, relatively few are a result of a raised fret. Often a worn fret prob, but it almost seems like if a bass goes the first year or two without a fret raising, it's not likely to ever be a prob. Usually, a normal setup eleminates the buzz.

Also, I'm lazy and try to look for the simple fixes first. LOL

Bottom line= your guess is surely as good as mine. Maybe lots better.