String Buzz In Only One Place

Cathead · #1 04-26-2006, 10:52 AM

I bought a used Palatino bass the other day and love the thump and volume, but have one problem. I get a bad string buzz when I pluck the 3rd string noted in the D postion. The action is already way high. I have noticed that if I pluck the string between the bridge and where the fingerboard starts the buzz is not there, but as soon as I pluck over top of the fingerboard the buzz is there. The bass has steel strings. I put a new bridge on it and got the action way up high, but the buzz is persistent in only that one place. Any suggestions?

Chasarms · #2 04-26-2006, 02:09 PM

Sounds like the board is not properly planed. Perhaps a trip to your friendly luthier is in order.

Or, even a not-so-friendly one if he does good work!

carved czech · #3 04-27-2006, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chasarms

Sounds like the board is not properly planed. Perhaps a trip to your friendly luthier is in order.

Or, even a not-so-friendly one if he does good work!

+1

I have the same problem with D string on G position (on my old bass I have recently bought). My luthier will have a job...

Cathead · #4 04-27-2006, 10:00 AM

Oh well....thanks for the reply. I don't even know of one remotely close. I suppose I'll try to play open D as much as possible. Thanks again.

crompton · #5 05-01-2006, 11:37 AM

I had exactly the same thing - buzzing on one string at one spot. I thought I had a fingerboard problem but in fact it was the string - it had somehow become rough on the underneath at that particular spot. Replacing the string cured the problem completely.

Cathead · #6 05-03-2006, 01:16 PM

I will check that out......thanks. Sorry for the delayed response, but I am not getting e-mail notifications of posts........??

geezerbass · #7 05-08-2006, 10:38 AM

Cathead - My new Palatino had the same problem, on the A string between the Eb and octave A positions. E, D, and G strings were fine. Had just installed D'Addorio hybrid strings before I noticed the buzz, so first trial was put the original string back on, Problem still there. Have experienced setting up Fenders, and always set truss rod for .014 to .020 inch relief. Checking with 24" straight edge and feeler gauges showed similar relief under the D and G, but actual back-bow under the A. Careful sanding just about cured the buzz. Will try giving just a bit more relief when time permits and will then refinish the fake ebony. Might give it a try.
Geezerbass

Cathead · #8 05-08-2006, 12:33 PM

Thanks, geezerbass. I will look into that for sure. According to the specs on this bass the fingerboard is real ebony ( http://www.birdlandmusic.net/product...cat=532&page=1 ) . By the way, I travel to central Florida quite often. I have a friend near Leesburg. I don't know if you are familiar with that town or not. Thanks again for the good advice.

geezerbass · #9 05-09-2006, 05:27 PM

OOPS! Assumed you were referring to Palatino's new EUB, which is what I have and which definitely has a fingerboard of some common wood stained to resemble ebony. I guess if your bass is another Palatino with real ebony, I might be a bit reluctant to attempt correction on my own. Could still check the neck for relief though, just to see if that might be the problem. By the way, I live in Tavares, about 10 miles from Leesburg. Small world.

Cathead · #10 05-17-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezerbass

OOPS! Assumed you were referring to Palatino's new EUB, which is what I have and which definitely has a fingerboard of some common wood stained to resemble ebony. I guess if your bass is another Palatino with real ebony, I might be a bit reluctant to attempt correction on my own. Could still check the neck for relief though, just to see if that might be the problem. By the way, I live in Tavares, about 10 miles from Leesburg. Small world.

That's cool! Been there several times going to Altamonte Springs when my daughter lived there. We also like looking around in the shops in Mount Dora.