"A" String Buzzes When Played Open - Cabronita Precision Bass

[Ramonesfan59]

Good afternoon all!
Lately, when I play the A string open on my Fender Cabronita Precision, it buzzes like crazy! If I depress the string past the nut (just at the start of the headstock) the buzz disappears. Is this a problem with a cheap, quick fix...or do I perhaps need a new nut on this bass? Help!
Thanks in advance!

 

[GIBrat51]

Maybe. I've had a similar thing happen with a couple of basses when they were "new" to me. A 2001 Rick 4003, and, if I remember correctly, a late '90s, Gen1 Korean Danelectro DC59 Pro. Pressing down on the string where you do, IMO eliminates any problems with frets - or neck relief. And, indicates that the problem is up on the headstock. With both of my basses, the problem was a combination of loose tuner screws, and loose tuner locking nuts. It was particularly bad on the Rick; the locking nuts on those big Schaller BM-4 tuners were loose, and buzzed like crazy when I played it. I'd check the tuners first. If that isn't the problem, you'll have to work your way down. I also had a buzzing A string problem on my "new to me" '73 Rick 4001. That turned out to be the A-string bridge saddle (why is... a Rick thing), but I'd have sworn it was coming from up on the neck somewhere. But, yours sounds like a tuner problem to me. Good luck with your quest; I hope you find the problem...

 

[Gorn]

The A string has been cut too short and doesn't go far enough down the post to create enough of an angle to stop the buzz. That's why it goes away when you press down on the string past the nut.

 

[mongo2]

I put enough turns of the A string at the tuner so the string is nearly at the headstock. This increases the angle and stopped any issues I had with the open A string buzzing.

Ah, Gorn beat me to it.

I also use my nut files to file a slight slope/fall-off toward the headstock in the bottom of the nut slots for all the strings.

 

[Petethebassman]

Wind more turns on the tuner post the next time you change the strings. For a quick fix loosen the A string and see if you can push the turns lower on the tuner post.