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Fret Buzz on a Fretless Bass?
- Thread starter Outshined91
- Start date
Fret buzz would be impossible. Other buzzing is very possible. Setup, uneven fretboard can definitely cause buzz.
Bryan R. Tyler
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The buzz is the vibration of the strings against the surface of the fingerboard- it’s the quintessential sound of a fretless bass, also called “mwah.” While most bassists want this sound, dropping your action too low can result in more of a rattle than a buzz.
I'm familiar with "mwah" lol. Am a big fan of it, but was concerned about the rattle mentioned above. Thanks guys! I like play with relatively high action so it shouldnt be too much of a problem.
Hi Outshined91 
Fretbuzz on a fretless?
You got me!
You should not be too concerned about the rattle! It' s not a problem! It 's a great gimmick!
Learn to make it part of your sound!
I use a high action, when I am looking for a sound with less mwah and/or when I play with more punch.
And a low action when I want mwah, playing with a light touch or for slapping.
The rattle (when your strings hit the fretboard) can sound awesome when you use a tube overdrive.
You can get a very raw and dirty sound. (and I also use it clean sometimes!)
That' s very cool!
A lot of folks still think that a fretless sounds like an upright acoustic (which is wrong!)
or that you can only play the mwah and Jaco burp with it.
shake rattle and roll!!!!
There are no limits!
may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
Fretbuzz on a fretless?
You got me!You should not be too concerned about the rattle! It' s not a problem! It 's a great gimmick!
Learn to make it part of your sound!
I use a high action, when I am looking for a sound with less mwah and/or when I play with more punch.
And a low action when I want mwah, playing with a light touch or for slapping.
The rattle (when your strings hit the fretboard) can sound awesome when you use a tube overdrive.
You can get a very raw and dirty sound. (and I also use it clean sometimes!)
That' s very cool!
A lot of folks still think that a fretless sounds like an upright acoustic (which is wrong!)
or that you can only play the mwah and Jaco burp with it.
shake rattle and roll!!!!
There are no limits!may the bass be with you
Wise(b)ass
If your bass has a rattle and a hum then you still haven't found what you're looking for.
His fretless bass has frets, obviously.Fretbuzz on a fretless?
In that case, it's not the strings "buzzing" against the fingerboard. How hard do you play (be honest)?
Depends on how "buzz" is defined. A dip in the fingerboard can dramatically alter the sound of a note in a bad way. I spend more time on my workbench addressing low spots on fretless fingerboards than i do on anything else.
It's all been done before. Brown was the first to do so, IIRC. Then other such as Ibanez came up with there own variations.Great idea... a semi-fretless bass
His fretless bass has frets, obviously.
Must be an American!
You guys play football wthout your feet!
greetings
Wise(b)ass
I'm not sure Brown was the first one to do so.
http://imperialvintageguitars.com/w...less-Electric-Bass-Guitar-273411711225-11.JPG
Depends on how one defines "half fretless," I suppose.
This!! Nothing unrealistic at all, it can sound just like a fret buzz. Dips and dings happen, it can dramatically impact one or more strings on a fretless but wouldn't change anything on a fretted bass. Heck, look at Sheehan's stuff. But a few thousandths on a fretless and it's buzz city.
If the actions is low you may be able to get past it by raising the string up a tiny amount at the bridge. If not, it at least needs smoothed out, I managed to fix a nasty buzz on my used fretless when I got it. Worst case the whole neck may need to be leveled.
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I had a fretless bass that would buzz when I played anything on the G string. I traced it a problem with the bridge. Once I replaced the bridge, the buzzing went away. If the nut is worn or the strings are not sitting in the nut or bridge correctly, the vibration of the strings can cause a buzzing sound.
Fingerboard buzz on a fretless can occur is the action is too low and the neck is bowed. You will hear it in the 12th fret and up. Also if you have some ramping or tail lift (Fenderitis) You will hear it in the higher frets.
I found that it's better to play fretless with the action a little high. Jaco play with pretty high action
I found that it's better to play fretless with the action a little high. Jaco play with pretty high action
If the an open string or stirngs buzz, then the nut is too low. If the buzz is only in particular places along the neck, it may be the truss rod is too tight or the finger board needs leveling. If it buzzes in may places, the action may be too low.
This. I once had a problem with the nut on one of my basses where it had been filed too wide and the A string would buzz; a new nut fixed that eventually. Also, I had a problem with my Jaguar bass and found out the buzzing was coming from the control plate and stacked knobs vibrating. Tightened up a set screw or two and that fixed it. Anything on the bass that is loose can buzz at certain frequencies, and it can sound almost just like fret buzz.
