Buzz on G strings (open string and all positions)

[slumpvis]

Hi!
I purchased a set of strings for my Yamaha bass (same gauge as the previous set where I did not have any issues): LaBella RX-S5D 45-130

There is an annoying buzz on G string, both on open string but also in pretty much all positions across the neck. I tried adjusting the neck, the saddle height, the nut seems to be ok - nothing helps even to minimize the buzz.

Can it be a faulty string?
I

 

[blr2]

Does it buzz on the last fret? If so, this is a clear indication of a faulty string or something wrong at the bridge.

 

[slumpvis]

It does buzz on the last fret too. Thanks!

 

[blr2]

If it looks good at the bridge end, before doing anything else to your bass, I'd suggest to change the string.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Hi!
I purchased a set of strings for my Yamaha bass (same gauge as the previous set where I did not have any issues): LaBella RX-S5D 45-130

There is an annoying buzz on G string, both on open string but also in pretty much all positions across the neck. I tried adjusting the neck, the saddle height, the nut seems to be ok - nothing helps even to minimize the buzz.

Can it be a faulty string?
I

*How many wraps on machine head post? Adequate break angle?

*Set witness points at nut & saddle? Saddles parallel w/ base plate?

*How much relief do you have on board?

*G string > 1st fret gap while depressing on top of the 3rd?

Some addt'l pics top-to-bottom may help.

Riis

 

[blr2]

*How many wraps on machine head post? Adequate break angle?

*Set witness points at nut & saddle? Saddles parallel w/ base plate?

*How much relief do you have on board?

*G string > 1st fret gap while depressing on top of the 3rd?

Some addt'l pics top-to-bottom may help.

Riis

The string buzzes on the last fret. This rules out any problem at the neck and headstock. Only things left are the bridge and the string itself. I'm almost sure it is a string problem. Lose wrap or something. Happens every now and then.

 

[Aloe]

The string buzzes on the last fret. This rules out any problem at the neck and headstock.

not really, as it can actually buzz before the last fret. that's easy to check tho: just mute it a fret before.

 

[Zooberwerx]

not really, as it can actually buzz before the last fret. that's easy to check tho: just mute it a fret before.

This is true. I have the tendency to re-assess each component of the set-up...maybe we're dealing with "back buzz" which can originate from behind the fretted string. We need to know where we are and proceed from that point.

Riis

 

[blr2]

A properly pressed string shouldn't vibrate much, bellow the position it is pressed, but yes it would be easy to figure it out, just press on the last fret and the one above.

 

[Aloe]

A properly pressed string shouldn't vibrate much, bellow the position it is pressed, but yes it would be easy to figure it out

I've had some severe cases with exactly this, and currently have one now. for me now it's either a high fret or a too low cut nut, but I can see how a loose wrapping on a retainer-less headstock could make it as well.

yeah, strings vibrate before the fretting finger as well, it's normal. sometimes they hit the frets and buzz and it's easy to confuse with other types of frets buzz, as it sounds the same.

if you have a bass with adjustable nut, you can see it yourself. just put the nut down and see how fretted notes start to buzz. and that it doesn't depend on a 'proper press'.

just press on the last fret and the one above.

not press. mute (touch, but not press). or put some fretwraps.

 

[blr2]

I can bet it's just a defective string, especially since the problem wasn't there before, with the same make/model strings. Hence, my suggestion to the OP: Before messing with the setup of the instrument try to reinstall the string. If still buzzing, replace it.

 

[onda'bass]

I 2nd the defective string. Just had a string start buzzing everywhere, no matter action relief and of course touch. I changed it out with an old string and all was good. Went to the manufacture and said I got a bad set and they hooked me up.

 

[eniac]

Here's an experiment you can try. Cut two tiny pieces of copy paper, each 1" x 3/8". Fold each one in half, so now you have 2 pieces each 1/2" x 3/8". Put one piece between the string and its nut slot, and the other piece between the string and its bridge saddle. This will help to support (or discount) the probability of a too-wide nut slot or bridge saddle cut being the problem.

EDIT: Btw, I know your new set is the same gauge as the old one, but as they say, "you never know".

 

[bigdaddybass12]

If it didn’t do it on the old strings and did it on the new strings, I would put the old string back on and see it it goes away first.

 

[blr2]

Just one more thing. Try pressing the string against the bridge saddle. It could be that the angle is a bit too shallow (happens on the G usually, since the saddle is most extended) and the string doesn't make a firm contact with the saddle slot.

 

[Gervais Cote]

That happened to me in the past and it looks like a defect string.
At first, I removed the string and reinstalled it but the buzz was still there.
I then removed it again, cut it 1" shorter, reinstalled it and problem was solved.
Still using it 8 months later without any problems.

 

[AQUANOVA]

It kind of sounds like the string is defective.
Put a new string on before you mess with the set up.

You can try it on another bass and see if it buzzes also.

 

[micguy]

The string buzzes on the last fret. This rules out any problem at the neck and headstock. Only things left are the bridge and the string itself. I'm almost sure it is a string problem. Lose wrap or something. Happens every now and then.

I have had the experience where a sliver of metal (probably steel, it was magnetic) ended up between the string and the pole piece - the whole string buzzed, and it took forever to figure it out. When I saw it, I thought "that can't be it, can it?", but I removed it, and...all was suddenly clean and buzz free.

 

[J Wilson]

IF you still have a the strings you took off, put the G back on to see if this happens again. Or get a new set (or single string replacement) and try that. Nut and bridge saddle OK and the other strings behaving, I'd eliminate bogus string before I went any further.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

That happened to me once. I just cut a tiny piece of cardstock and placed it squarely under the nut groove and it was fixed...easy peazy, George & Weezy.