Fret Buzz G string: advice please

[WayneKerrins]

Have buzz just on G string when fretting 1st to 7th frets. Otherwise my new bass is perfect. It's come on a long journey.

Im assuming/hoping action is too low so adjust saddle for that string?

 

[ggvicviper]

It could be the neck is too straight or even slightly backbowed from how much the truss is dialed in if its the 1st to 7th frets. I say loosen the truss a little, and get a little relief in the neck.

 

[WayneKerrins]

It could be the neck is too straight or even slightly backbowed from how much the truss is dialed in if its the 1st to 7th frets. I say loosen the truss a little, and get a little relief in the neck.

It's just on the G string so I was guessing it was isolated to the saddle
(Hopefully) or the nut (hopefully not)?

 

[ggvicviper]

If it's the nut, you can just tear a tiny piece of paper towel and wet it to fit inside the G string hole if you don't want to get a new nut. It's worked for me in the past.

 

[smperry]

Agreed with ggvicviper. It sounds to me like the truss rod should be loosened a bit...and then you'll want to lower all of the other strings. You might want to raise the G string a tad too...but right now the neck seems to have a little backbow. I say all this assuming the G string is currently seated properly of course.

Another trick with a nut that is filed too low is to jam a toothpick under the string in the nut and then break it off...but it sounds like a truss rod issue to me.

Moved to Hardware, Setup & Repair, by the way.

 

[bluebird28]

1. Measure the neck with a steel rule the length of the neck
if the neck is straight then
2. Check the frets with a tool that has a straight edge that only spans 3 frets at a time and see if you have a high fret. You can get a fret checker for $10.00 plus S&H here at [email protected] or from stewmac.com
3. Perhaps the slot in the nut on that string is a little low. That can be remedied using super glue and baking soda in the slot to raise the string higher.

Best of luck it is simple mechanics.

 

[WayneKerrins]

Cheers guys. Will let you know how I get on.
Bass was custom made and cost 4k so disappointed that it has more issues than fenders and a Ric I bought from GC.

 

[smperry]

I hope it's just minor tweaking. Once adjusted, it may be perfect and trouble-free. Between the climate change and new strings, things can get out of whack.

 

[darkstorm]

Try raising bridge saddle a half turn or slightly more first. Before doing truss rod adjustment.