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Double Bass open string buzz (DB thread)

Sam Evans

Sam Evans

Nov 29, 2008
2,566
3,557
#1
Forgive me if this has been asked before - I did a search, found a couple of close topics, but not exactly what I'm looking for.

I have some buzzing that occurs only when I bow fortissimo on the open G and D strings - mostly the G, but a little on the D too. I do not have any buzzing anywhere else on the fingerboard, not even first finger in half position (e.g., the Ab right above the open G) and it's only when I'm really digging in, so it's not that big a deal, but the perfectionist in me is still bugged by it.

I don't believe my action is overly low - 6 mm under the G, 9 mm under the E, measured between the string and the bottom of the fingerboard (and Original Flexicores, BTW, if it's relevant). I'm hesitant to raise it much more, given my struggles with tendinitis and CTS.

I am concerned that the nut might have been filed a bit too low, but I don't really know what the standard is. I can say that I am able to slip a standard thickness business card under the open E and A strings, but not the open D and G strings, if that's any help (I'm afraid I don't have anything to make more precise measurements).

If the nut was cut too low, I assume I just need to make a trip to a local string tech for some work - I'm guessing some sanding the fingerboard a tad right by the nut will be in order. However, if it's a setup issues that I might be able to correct myself, I'm all ears.

Thanks much in advance.
 
#2
If the nut slots are too low, the best fix is to pop off the nut and shim it up from the bottom with matching material, then re-adjust the string heights at the nut.

Your luthier will probably check your board for bumps while he's at it, which is a good idea! ;)
 
#8
You know, I'm not sure about the nut. I've only had the bass for a couple of years, and haven't changed the strings yet. I'm relatively handy - I've upgraded hardware and electronics on my electric basses and so forth - so I'm all ears.
 
#9
Try and see if it will come of first.

If its fixed firmly, then you may not want to do it, as it could be attached with hide glue / super glue / pva glue / araldite etc, theres been times where ive had to chisel the nut away.

When we know how firmly its fixed I can walk you through a simple repair process to suit

If you decide that you want to change the nut, Im sure one will come in this week, I can photo the process for you.

Heres an example of a nut done for a guitar http://www.ultrainspections.com/Nut.html


Regards (Steve)
 
#11
Sounds like the best idea.

I have seen many DIY ways to repair a low nut, if you wanted to give any of them a go, then I may be able to talk you through it.

First lets note however IMO the best way is replacement.

Ive seen the nuts shimmed from underneath with slivers of ebony, (means you have to be able to remove the nut)

Ive seen grafts in the applicable string groove, this is where a section of the nut has been removed and a new piece fitted in its place and then re-filed to shape.

Ive seen built up areas where a combination of a glue was used with ebony dust to create a higher surface.

Ive seen the string, covered in a small piece of heatshrink and then this was located at the low point of the nut.

All of them had worked fine for the owners prior to bringing the instrument in for repair.

If you are cutting a nut yourself or looking for a string height, most people on this forum so far advocate a business card thickness, this is unusual for me, I measured a local business card and it is 0.013" thick, to me thats pretty close, if its tight under your strings then your nut is too low.

I always start when I cut a nut at 0.040" under string clearance, I listen to how the player hits the strings and then tweak it down from there.

Theres other factors which will influence how the string feels under your fingers or vibrates in the open position, and these range from fingerboard shape (bowed) to bridge height to your playing style etc.

Hope this helps

Steve
 
#12
Do you happen to keep a little clip-on tuner on your bass? I once had a buzz on A and Ab for two months before I realized that I was leaning my tuner over so that it just barely contacted the wood, making that buzz. Felt like a dumb ass when I realized what it was, but that's all there was to it.
 
#13
Jack Clark said:
Do you happen to keep a little clip-on tuner on your bass? I once had a buzz on A and Ab for two months before I realized that I was leaning my tuner over so that it just barely contacted the wood, making that buzz. Felt like a dumb ass when I realized what it was, but that's all there was to it.
Click to expand...

No, nothing like that. However, coincidentally I noticed a buzz on my fretless the other day just at a couple of pitches. It was driving me crazy. Then I realized the battery (active bass) was lose in the compartment and vibrating against the battery cover. :)
 

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