What to do about dead frets?

Pablo Fanque · #1 02-27-2010, 10:18 PM

On my Dean acoustic electric, frets 14-18 on the G string are all dead. They all give the same note. There's also a bit of buzz there and on a few frets on the other three strings as well.

I'm pretty sure I'm due for new strings. Can dead frets just be the strings or is that likely the neck, the bridge or something else?

Anyone? Anyone?

SpamBot · #2 02-27-2010, 10:25 PM

The 18th fret is too high.

Pablo Fanque · #3 03-01-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamBot

The 18th fret is too high.

This is a new problem. Only noticed it the last few days. It wasn't like that one I got it.

Is this a matter of adjusting the bridge or the truss rod? Any thoughts?

SpamBot · #4 03-01-2010, 09:06 PM

Take it in to get a good setup. What you're experiencing is definitely not due to the strings.

Hugh Jass · #5 03-02-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamBot

The 18th fret is too high.

+1

Dead frets refer to when you get the right note but it doesn't ring properly.

If you are getting the same note over several frets it means that one of the frets (the 18th) is so high that the string always frets out on that one.

You will need to take it in for a fret leveling. This can happen from normal, seasonal, expansion and contraction of neck and fingerboard woods. Shouldn't bee too hard for a COMPETENT tech to fix.

Studiodawg · #6 03-02-2010, 09:44 AM

You can start the fix by taking a humidifier (or a washcloth dampened with water) and put the bass in a case...you may be able to fix it simply doing this, but I must warn you that it takes weeks...feeding the wood is important with acoustic basses.

73jbass · #7 03-02-2010, 10:15 AM

Sounds more like it needs a truss rod adjustment. your neck has backbow. Need to add relief to the neck.

Widdershins · #8 03-02-2010, 10:23 AM

You've been rockin' so hard you've rocked the frets right out of your bass!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugh Jass

Shouldn't bee too hard for a COMPETENT tech to fix.

+1. Have the person re-seat the fret first and see how it plays.

If it's suitable to you, great! That way you wont have to end up spending the $$$ on a total fret level & dress.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73jbass

Sounds more like it needs a truss rod adjustment. your neck has backbow. Need to add relief to the neck.

Nope. Frets 14 to 18 on the G string, not 1 to 18 on all strings.

202dy · #9 03-02-2010, 11:57 AM

There are a lot of reasons why this guitar is doing what it does. Guessing won't fix it. Data will help in rendering a more accurate diagnosis.

Please measure the string heights at the twelfth and last fret, bass and treble sides respectively. Also measure the relief at the seventh fret.

Post the numbers and someone here will help you.

lethargytartare · #10 03-02-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpamBot

The 18th fret is too high.

+1 (G side probably popping up a bit)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73jbass

Sounds more like it needs a truss rod adjustment. your neck has backbow. Need to add relief to the neck.

-1 (Not likely to affect 14-18 on one string.)

Bassamatic · #11 03-02-2010, 03:56 PM

It is possible that the FB has dried out and is pushing that fret up just enough to cause problems. PLUS the neck may need a little relief adjustment.

Pablo Fanque · #12 03-03-2010, 08:49 AM

I don't keep the bass in a case. Maybe I need to change that. It's been desert-dry in our house this winter so I wouldn't doubt there's been some changes in the wood.

archer121 · #13 03-03-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gio S

It is possible that the FB has dried out and is pushing that fret up just enough to cause problems. PLUS the neck may need a little relief adjustment.

I was sort of thinking the same thing. Also, sometimes fret wires can come loose and kind of rise a little in their slots. Maybe this is what happened here.