Buzzbuzzbuzz

moopants · #1 05-20-2008, 06:30 PM

I'm getting a weird buzz from my bass, which started today. If I put my hand on the top, it kinda goes away, but sometimes it will still buzz. This only happens when I play pizzicato and more on the higher strings than the lower strings. It doesn't even buzz on the E. This is natural or should I be worried?

Kenji · #2 05-20-2008, 06:33 PM

this happens all the time you probably just need to set your bass up a little or maybe file down one or more frets slightly nothing to worry about too much.

moopants · #3 05-20-2008, 06:49 PM

I wasn't looking for a sarcastic answer. =/

KSB - Ken Smith · #4 05-20-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenji

this happens all the time you probably just need to set your bass up a little or maybe file down one or more frets slightly nothing to worry about too much.

Frets? Maybe it just needs an Oil change or some new Spark plugs!

Using the recommended octane at the Pumps? That can cause problems too.

mattfong · #5 05-20-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenji

this happens all the time you probably just need to set your bass up a little or maybe file down one or more frets slightly nothing to worry about too much.

wrong forum, bud

We don't know the meaning of frets over here!

Moopants, you might need to get your board dressed... that cured my buzzing problem a while back.

**Matthew Tucker** · #6 05-20-2008, 09:06 PM

Sound more like a popped seam to me. Inspect the joint between the top and the ribs, tap the top all around the edge, if you hear a snap instead of a thunk, that will be your problem and you'll need to get it glued up again. As a temp fix you could try working a few drops of hot water into the crack, then clamp gently and leave overnight.

moopants · #7 05-20-2008, 09:55 PM

Well... I asked if it was normal because I did order it from Upton and there are major humidity differences from here and CT. There aren't any luthiers near me, so I can't bring the bass to get checked out for at least a few weeks. Would the bridge possibly cause the buzzing? It seems like it's coming from that area on the bass, and touching the top doesn't completely get rid of the buzz. It only dampens it.

Jake deVilliers · #8 05-21-2008, 12:24 AM

Are the feet of the bridge flat on the top? A tilted bridge will sometimes cause a buzz.......

Are the ball ends of the strings all snugged up in their spots?

robobass · #9 05-21-2008, 08:09 AM

It can be very difficult to pinpoint where a buzz is coming from just by listening and pressing on the top. If you search past threads on this, you will find the rubber hose trick: just a lenght of plastic tubing. hold one end against your ear, and move the other around the inside and outside of the bass. I actually learned about this trick from Cartalk!
Robobass

reedo35 · #10 05-21-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robobass

It can be very difficult to pinpoint where a buzz is coming from just by listening and pressing on the top. If you search past threads on this, you will find the rubber hose trick: just a lenght of plastic tubing. hold one end against your ear, and move the other around the inside and outside of the bass.
Robobass

Do you do this while playing, or rapping on the bass with your knuckles?
Anyway, there is nothing more frustrating than a mystery buzz. Could be any number of things, including the aforementioned diagnosis. It could be that your bass has opened up a little and now the soundpost is loose, maybe the endpin is not tightened down, or it could be an open seam.

moopants · #11 05-21-2008, 05:20 PM

I try to pluck the strings while pressing on different spots. My bass is new so I thought maybe it would be opening up a little bit. I checked for an open seam and found none.

moopants · #12 05-22-2008, 05:58 PM

I played awhile today and I got no buzz at all. Can temperature differences cause buzzes to come and go?