Epi viola bass fret buzz

[NandoVieira]

Just got the Viola Bass from Epiphone, nice sounding, but there's a strange fret buzz when I play de D string at the 14th and 13th fret. Not an usual fret buzz... when I play these notes and rest my fingers at the 12th fret I have no fret buzz...
What's happening?

 

[donn]

Does it have a "zero" fret, right in front of the nut? Like other viola styles I've seen. I have no particular reason to suspect the zero fret - could be any high fret - but I can sort of imagine how it could happen if the D string is just a tiny bit too high in the nut, and isn't quite resting on the zero fret like it should be. This will also affect tuning, the open string will be a hair flatter than the stopped notes.

 

[NandoVieira]

And so you think I need to bring down the nun a little bit? Do you thing I need to adjust the truss-rod? I thougth it has something to be with the relief on the neck... am I wrong?

 

[DeanT]

Try raising the bridge a bit first and see if that takes care of it.

 

[donn]

Right, that might help.

 

[NandoVieira]

And so guys, the buzz occurs on the D string when a I play the G string on the 9th fret and the D string on the 12th fret at the same time (chord) so the D string buzzes, but if I rest my finger on the D string on the 11th fret and play, there's no buzz, is like the buzz occurs before the 12th fret on the G string. It's not a normal fret buzz...

 

[DeanT]

Sounds like it might need a truss rod adjustment. It's easy to do by yourself. There are tons of how-tos on the Net. There's probably even a stickie here on it.

 

[Wallace320]

I recently saw one with an asymmetrically recessed bridge pickup

Ok: they generally stay bang for bucks, but have it inspected by a pro to know about its neck

You know: sometimes to more you spend, the more you save.

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[NandoVieira]

Took it to a good repairman.
The frets were not alligned... ligth fretwork needed, truss rod adjustment done and now it's playing nice with a very good intonation too!
D'addario Chromes 045-100 medium Scale... not the best but good sounding!
Nice bass for the price! lots of fun playing Beatles songs...