bout buzz

[aaronallen]

I get a buzz (more like a hiss actually) when I play the open A or any A an octave above that. Its coming from the upper corner of the treble side bout. Placing my hand on this area stops it. It only becomes noticeable when the humidity goes above 40% and gets worse with higher humidity. I've taken it to two luthiers, one was not able to fix it, the other fixed it but then it came back and that luthier has since left town. The buzz can't be heard thru an amp so it's not a horrible problem but it can drive me nuts when I'm practicing or playing in a quiet acoustic setting. Any ideas before I take it to a third luthier?

[Eric Hochberg]

sounds like an open seam...easy repair. Knock around the edges of your top and back with a knuckle. If you get a clack instead of a thunk, its the seam.

[360guy]

Originally Posted by aaronallen

I get a buzz (more like a hiss actually) when I play the open A or any A an octave above that. Its coming from the upper corner of the treble side bout. Placing my hand on this area stops it. It only becomes noticeable when the humidity goes above 40% and gets worse with higher humidity. I've taken it to two luthiers, one was not able to fix it, the other fixed it but then it came back and that luthier has since left town. The buzz can't be heard thru an amp so it's not a horrible problem but it can drive me nuts when I'm practicing or playing in a quiet acoustic setting. Any ideas before I take it to a third luthier?

Well I'm guessing you aren't seeing any seam separation so I might suspect a loose corner block or lining. If I had it on a bench I'd get a good light and mirror inside the bass and start poking around to see if anything didn't look solidly glued.