Weird Random Fret Buzz

[Gyver]

I am getting fret buzz on one fret (D on the G string). Every other spot on the bass is perfect and the buzz appears at random times. Basically it will not buzz for a while and then all of the sudden it will buzz out of nowhere and then it will stop. It does not appear that the next fret wire is too high and the same fret on the E-A-D strings does not buzz not matter how hard I try to make it buzz. The buzz also sounds different than typical fret buzz, if that makes any sense. I cannot find any loose parts on the bass. Does anyone have any idea what might be causing it? Thanks!

[Cornel]

Hi
What bass ?
Did you check your (loose) trussrod?

[Gyver]

Music Man Sterling. The truss rod is tight.

[Basshoofd]

Perhaps the fret is worn out and is now lower than other frets. It's not a setup issue if it's the only note that buzzes on the entire bass.

[Gyver]

Originally Posted by Basshoofd

Perhaps the fret is worn out and is now lower than other frets. It's not a setup issue if it's the only note that buzzes on the entire bass.

The bass is only three days old, so the frets are in perfect shape. The strange thing is that it will not buzz at all and then all of the sudden it reappears. It does not seem to be a fret problem, maybe a frequency buzz?

[john grey]

If there is a lack of consistency on the exact fret/note in question, I would consider technique as a variable.

[Gyver]

Originally Posted by john grey

If there is a lack of consistency on the exact fret/note in question, I would consider technique as a variable.

I agree and tried fretting the note in myriad different ways (sloppy, proper and everything in between) and it still seems to be a random thing. Plus no other spot on the neck gives me any trouble at all and I have been playing for 25 years and do not recall experiencing this particular type of buzz.

[john grey]

I understand: that is odd.
If it were me I would determine if there was "extreme" humidity variables that could pull a very slight (1/10,000) bumpy fret a touch higher or if there might even be a fret that is not seated well and creates this condition.
An old method of checking this was after using a very clean straight edge (not a string as it actually needs a visual flat surface), un-string the instrument and using a spoon, push down the frets moving across the neck (from the E to the G string) on each fret to provide enough pressure to seat any fret that may have risen from it's tang, then restringing the instrument and test. Start on the last (21st or whatever) fret and work up to the first fret. Gently push them all into place with a very smooth spoon. Do not use a great deal of pressure to do this. While the string are off check for bright spots, that may indicate such an issue.

EDIT:
You need the straight edge because you are taking the strings OFF and gently sweeping the straight edge across the frets (from the E string side to the G string side) looking and feeling for problems and seeing if you get a bright spot. You are applying virtually no pressure when you do this, just a few ounces. MANY necks will have anomalies in their fret seating but you are looking for rub marks such as those made by the rolls of a wound string (not slap indentations). Sight down the neck as well and look for the obvious high fret on the slope of the radius.

[96tbird]

Check saddles? If not level they have buzzed on me before and only when I played a certain note... Buzzing against its neighbor.

[Gyver]

@ John Grey and tbird - thanks, I will try both of your ideas tonight.

[Gyver]

So I checked the frets and the bridge and even shaved a sliver off of the G string mute (it is a Sterling Classic) which was sitting very close to the string and the buzz was still there. I like low action and a straight fretboard so I raised the action a hair and set a little bit of relief in the neck and it improved quite a bit. I also focussed on my technique and it seems the issue is a combination of technique and a low-action set up that was pushing the limits a bit. The A# fret on the G string must be a fraction higher than the others because I have no issues anywhere else. All is good now.