Go Back   TalkBass Forums > Double Bass Forums > Setup & Repair [DB]
Register Rules/FAQ/CUP Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Setup & Repair [DB] Exploring the issues involved in setting up and repairing basses, along with luthier recommendations.


Supporting Membership
Thank You

Latest Supporting Member
Donate to Upgrade Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
  #1  
Old 06-05-2009, 10:43 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
open A string is buzzing

Hello

I've been playing bass for 6 years now. I started on an upright from my high school and I never had any real problems with it, but now I'm off at school studying music and my upright that I purchased has a few kinks in it. When I play the open A string pizz it buzzes but not when I use arco. It buzzes on the A string when I play Bb and B natural too, but not C. Also when I hit A on the E string it buzzes slightly as well. But the only open string that sounds buzzy is the A string. Please help

-Anthony
Sign in to disble this ad
  #2  
Old 06-05-2009, 12:05 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Denver, Co.
Lightbulb

Time fera fingerboard dressing.
__________________
Oh, no.....have we gone OT yet again?
"The opportunity was there...but it never presented itself." Phil Urso, 1980. :atoz:
  #3  
Old 06-05-2009, 04:15 PM
Registered User

Luthier, Dallas Strings
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Dallas, Texas
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Warburton View Post
Time fera fingerboard dressing.
+1

You need to have the fingerboard planed. If you have a bevel on the E side, you might look into getting that shaved off at the same time thus rounding the whole board. Just a preference though, I'm not a fan of those pesky bevels..
__________________
Cody Sisk, Dallas Strings
http://dallasstrings.com/
  #4  
Old 06-09-2009, 09:48 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: No' Cal (light)
If the A string "buzzes" when played open, could it be that the problem is not the fingerboard?

You might also look at the bridge. I occasionally have an open A string buzz, not loud but just a faint background buzz. It's hard to tell where it's coming from, but I found out after much experimentation that it was caused by some sawdust under the E side foot of the bridge.
  #5  
Old 06-09-2009, 10:21 AM
Jake deVilliers's Avatar
'Woodworker - Witch Doctor - Luthier'

Owner/The Bass Spa, String Repairman/L & M Vancouver
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Crescent Beach, BC
Supporting Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by DallasStrings View Post
+1

You need to have the fingerboard planed. If you have a bevel on the E side, you might look into getting that shaved off at the same time thus rounding the whole board. Just a preference though, I'm not a fan of those pesky bevels..
Hey cut that out! Bevels are pretty nice to play as long as the point is rounded off.

The only thing I don't like about a bevelled board is that the bevel sometimes decides the string spacing for me. If the E and A strings have to be >there<, then I can't change the spacing at the nut as I'd like. Grrr...
  #6  
Old 06-09-2009, 08:38 PM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central Coast, California
http://doublebassworkshop.com/double...es-articles-35

Buzzing sounds from your instrument;

Buzzing may be caused by a variety of problems. Open seams, incorrectly cut nut or bridge, cheap endpin, damaged strings and cracks are typical culprits. More severe problems could include loose bass bar, loose cleats or other internal parts that have become loose. This may require removal of the top. Consult your luthier.
  #7  
Old 06-15-2009, 07:11 AM
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: No' Cal (light)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary Lynch View Post
http://doublebassworkshop.com/double...es-articles-35

Buzzing sounds from your instrument;

Buzzing may be caused by a variety of problems. Open seams, incorrectly cut nut or bridge, cheap endpin, damaged strings and cracks are typical culprits. More severe problems could include loose bass bar, loose cleats or other internal parts that have become loose. This may require removal of the top. Consult your luthier.
Did I mention the sound post? I've got a buzzing open "A" and am thinking the sound post might be the cause... Will post more later after I've tested this thesis.
Reply



Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

Follow TalkBass on Twitter   Visit TalkBass on Facebook  

All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:46 PM.




Copyright ©2011 Talk Music Group Inc. All right reserved.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.12
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.