• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fender Elite 5 string bass help (Buzzing active)

Sam Dingle

Sam Dingle

Aug 16, 2011
6,786
5,561
Nashville TN
#1
hello,

im not always posting on talkbass. I have now bought 2 fender American Elite jazz basses. One used online and one brand new and both basses buzz through my amp.

Here is a video. The bass did not buzz like this through the fender rumble I played at guitar center because I checked it out there and it was fine. Whats the deal? Is this fixable?



What is causing it? Any idea?!
 
#5
Sam Dingle said:
Ok but why is it only noisy at my house and also its not just the preamp but when its passive too. That doesn't happen to my fully passive jazz bass or my sadowksy.
Click to expand...

There may be some issues in your house that causes the buzz if your bass does buzz or hum away from home. I know certain types of lights can cause electric Basses and guitars hum
 
  • Like
Reactions: dfoehr and scottm
#6
Dr. Cheese said:
There may be some issues in your house that causes the buzz if your bass does buzz or hum away from home. I know certain types of lights can cause electric Basses and guitars hum
Click to expand...

Thats super annoying. Why would I keep it. I love how this feels but i'm going to have to return the bass tomorrow because I don't have the time to question if its going to buzz where my sadowsky has been fine and plays fine everywhere. Damn.
 
#9
Don't return the bass man, these problems can be solved.

I used to be in a room that would buzz real bad on all my instruments to varying degrees, I had my outlets replaced and in the process found out that three out of five weren't grounded properly. The outlets were pretty cheap from the hardware store and the electrician only charged me $20 so the fix was hard to locate but eventually solved.

This can drive you nuts, I know, but the solution is there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bruce_M
#15
Had this happen at a friends studio. Home no problem, his place buzzing every time. Tried 5 basses all buzzed there. It was his damn lights! For some reason the lights he used buzzed the Amps. Changed them out, no more buzzing. Weird.
 
#16
The last place that I lived was horrible. Don’t panic. Isolate and fix your electrical issues. My problem was the front porch light. When it was on, my bass sounded like a buzzing swarm of bees.... Turn the light off? Problem gone. I’m sure I could’ve gotten into the wiring, but, meh.... Why? Turning the light off worked.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SirMjac28
#17
Sam Dingle said:
I really wish I could keep it. It feels great but I can’t have it buzz all the time at home. Makes me not play it so what’s the point. I guess it’s not ment to be :/


Wish I could fix it but oh well[/QUOTE


I agree it could be grounding and your house's wiring. Lights and appliances can put a lot of noise. Take your amp and bass to a music store or friends house and try their outlets. Get an electrition to checkout your outlet. If there is a 12ax7 tube in your signal path..change it. Dont think its the basses.
Click to expand...
 
#20
CatchaCuda said:
It looks like there is a big flourescent light behind you. Does turning the light off help? Or moving to another room?
Click to expand...

I shut off every light in the house and moved my amp to all 3 rooms. No luck. It’s going back to guitar center today. I don’t love the bass THAT much and don’t have the time or patience when I have 3 perfectly fine basses that already work. Not sure why it’s just the fender elites though
 
  • Like
Reactions: scottm and CatchaCuda

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back