Fretbuzz. Friend or Foe?

Mikeyd74 · #1 08-15-2007, 07:37 PM

I actually like to have some fretbuzz when I play. I dig the clatter of the strings on the neck sometimes. I control it by palm muting with which I can create some cool percussive sounds.
I've read a lot of posts about people trying to get rid of the buzzing, but none where anyone actually say that they utilize it.

Does anyone else like having some fretbuzz?

momo · #2 08-15-2007, 07:38 PM

I set my basses low, and use a light touch. When I want a dirty sound, it just takes a bit of dig to make that buzz cause some nastyness to my sound. I dig it.

alfredpunkjazz · #3 08-15-2007, 08:04 PM

I like the noisy fret buzz... but, there are some basses that are trully un-playable because of the fret noise. It's better to have it just if you want it.

doctorjazz · #4 08-15-2007, 08:14 PM

I really, really don't like it on the bass. Just another reason I prefer fretless.

I do like having just a wee bit on guitar, but definitely not on bass.

the_fooj · #5 08-15-2007, 09:08 PM

Usually I don't like it, but when really digging in I can dig it (no pun intended). But since I try to set my basses up as low as possible, I can live with some.

Superconductor · #6 08-15-2007, 09:33 PM

I can also live with a bit. But sometimes it just drives me nuts.

pfschim · #7 08-15-2007, 09:43 PM

well, the classic Fender sound is actually kinda inherently fret-buzzy so most Fender (J and P) players get it whether they really want it or not. I happen to think is one of the charms of playing Fenders.

Of course (before anyones jumps on my assertion) you can set up, and play a Fender with little or no fret buzz if you choose.

While I personally want a pretty polite sound most of the time, I do want and expect some buzzing when I really dig in .. it's sort of like force feedback. So my answer was hell yeah!

enjoy

Son of Magni · #8 08-15-2007, 09:48 PM

I voted no, but that's because I prefer fretless. When I play fretted I do like to have a little fret noise.

JeffTheBig · #9 08-15-2007, 09:51 PM

depends on the sound im going for my old band i used a lot of fret noise to halp my linds stand out but i find my self staying awar from it now-a-days

MysticMichael · #10 08-15-2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momo

I set my basses low, and use a light touch. When I want a dirty sound, it just takes a bit of dig to make that buzz cause some nastyness to my sound. I dig it.

+1

I guess most players would refer to this as "growl". I also like the action low, and play with a light touch. Just a wee bit of buzz is best.

MM

lowphatbass · #11 08-16-2007, 12:09 AM

It's alot easier, IMO, to have fretbuzz/string noise than to not have it. That being said I think it's an advantage to work toward a ZERO noise, clean as possible sound. More often that not a cleaner sound is requested in a studio setting. This is only based on my experience tho. This may fall into the timeless, "learn to play by the rules before you break the rules" mind-set, but I like to play it safe whenever possible.

CapnSev · #12 08-16-2007, 12:48 AM

I used to absolutely hate it, but always wanted my action super-low. Now I just set it low and forget about it. I don't mind the buzz at all anymore (to a point) and usually I can't tell it's there in a live setting. It's easy to eliminate with a light attack too.

Baryonyx · #13 08-16-2007, 01:30 AM

I like it, but control it so that I can get pure, clean notes and then dig in when I want to get that delicious buzzy noise!

jenderfazz · #14 08-16-2007, 01:44 AM

No fret buzz, but low action and fret clanking is a must, IMO. You should be able to get that sound if you want to, and be able to avoid it at other times.

JimmyM · #15 08-16-2007, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superconductor

I can also live with a bit. But sometimes it just drives me nuts.

That's my take on it, too. You should have included a "carrots" option.

Deacon_Blues · #16 08-16-2007, 03:46 AM

I don't mind having a little bit fretbuzz either - Voted no, but carrots would've been better.

I keep the action pretty low (about 2 mm at the 12th fret) and usually there's no fretbuzz to talk about, but if I tune down the bass for a song there will be some since the action will be lower. Usually I don't mind this because a downtuned sound is darker and meaner and some fretbuzz just enhances this aspect.

cnltb · #17 08-16-2007, 04:15 AM

noooo!!

Oratorio · #18 08-16-2007, 04:19 AM

I really, really, REALLT try my best to avoid. Especially when I'm going for a more up-tempo eight-note groove. I understand how it can be cool, but through my J-bass, I just might as well try not to do it.

0--+LoveBass · #19 08-16-2007, 08:05 AM

My main bass has its action really low and the neck is extremely bendy. Therfore I get a tone of buzz. If you play light it doesnt happen. So I use it to my advantage to help me relax adn play light.

Mikeyd74 · #20 08-16-2007, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowphatbass

It's alot easier, IMO, to have fretbuzz/string noise than to not have it. That being said I think it's an advantage to work toward a ZERO noise, clean as possible sound. More often that not a cleaner sound is requested in a studio setting. This is only based on my experience tho. This may fall into the timeless, "learn to play by the rules before you break the rules" mind-set, but I like to play it safe whenever possible.

I know exactly what you mean about playing the bass with higher action in a studio setting. That's the reason I have seven basses. For the most part each one is set up for different situations. I keep my Ibanez SR500 set up with relatively high action with little to zero fretbuzz for recording purposes, plus it's a very versatile bass. Some songs just sound right with fretbuzz going on especially if you are hitting some big wide open whole notes in a mellow song. In any other situation give me the "buzz!"