Essex Bass question

[Jayice]

So my Essex bass got here not even a hour ago, sounds great. But has one problem this odd buzz on the open E. Is this just the crappy strings or a problem I should send it back and get another? Or just take it into the local music shop

 

[LaklandBass]

Make sure the string is wound as low as possible.
This is fairly common on the A string.
Try hitting an open E and then push down between the nut and tuner to see if the buzz goes away.

 

[Jayice]

Tried that still there, the buzz is not noticeable when plugged into my amp. So no clue what it is.

 

[bassbenj]

Tried that still there, the buzz is not noticeable when plugged into my amp. So no clue what it is.

We are guessing the problem is something to do with the nut and E string. Check it over carefully. Laklandbass suspected that your angle into the nut from the tuning machine was not steep enough allowing it to buzz. Other possibilities are that the groove in the nut for the E string is either too big or cut too low. See how close the E string is to the top of the first fret when open. As a test you can put a piece of card under the string to raise it and see what happens and while it's loose check the fit in the nut.

Note that some of the SX factory strings seem smaller diameter and the more usual brands seem to fit the nut better.

If it is the nut cut too big or too low, the only answer is a new nut. You'll have to decide if you want to repair that or just send the bass back.

As an aside, let me say that I've got a B stock SX strat that has some buzz on a couple of open strings and it seems to have to do with the bridge! I have not yet quite isolated the exact problem. That it was B stock says someone else sent it back because of this.

Good luck.

 

[Jayice]

The buzz sounds like it's coming from the bridge more than anything. And it's only on a open E nothing else.

 

[Jayice]

and to be honest it's not even that bad, just a w/e buzz does not affect the sound when plugged into the amp.

 

[ishouldbeking]

it could be the fretwork on the first fret, or it could just need something simple like a truss rod adjustment or to raise the E string saddle. It sounds like something a local tech could handle pretty easily though, and if you're unsure of what to do it never hurts to ask a professional.

 

[Batmensch]

I don't know if this might be your problem with that first fret on the E, but on my Ursa I had a slight buzz on my A string at the 12th fret (and only in that one spot), that I could not hear when amplified, either. After a close inspection I got the impression that maybe the 13th fret was not fully pressed in to it's slot and it was a little high, causing a buzz.
After putting a piece of masking tape on the fret to protect it, I carefully gave it a couple of firm taps with a hammer, and that seems to have fixed it.

 

[phatbassplayer]

sounds like a problem with the cut in the nut.. I had a similar problem on an ibanes bass.. took it in and was told all it need was the nut to be correctly filled down.. got it done for $15 and I was in business without a buzz.