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Fret or Neck Issue, Can't Figure Out

C

cjb1200

Dec 29, 2009
2
0
Bismarck, North Dakota
#1
I just picked up a used Yamaha RBX 760 4 String bass guitar. I put new round wound strings on it and had the neck adjusted. The only problem is when I play the G string on the 12th fret, it sounds like it is muted, it does not ring like the other notes. I can play up and down the neck on that string and it is only muted on the 12th fret. If I press down lightly, I can get it to sound. But if I use regular finger pressure, it stays muted. Just wondering what the issue may be? Thanks.
 
#2
cjb1200 said:
I just picked up a used Yamaha RBX 760 4 String bass guitar. I put new round wound strings on it and had the neck adjusted. The only problem is when I play the G string on the 12th fret, it sounds like it is muted, it does not ring like the other notes. I can play up and down the neck on that string and it is only muted on the 12th fret. If I press down lightly, I can get it to sound. But if I use regular finger pressure, it stays muted. Just wondering what the issue may be? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Low 12th fret, or high 13th fret.
 
#5
Make sure after a fret dressing that it actually plays well. I just spent quite a bit of cash on a fret job that definitely did not fix every problem area, and I had it done in another State that I'm just visiting and I can't take it back to the guy to get it looked over again unless I want to pay to have my bass shipped back home.
 
#9
In short you would take the strings off, straighten the neck by adjusting the truss rod and then use some kind of straight edge to determine if you have a high fret. I use a 6' diamond file that has perfectly flat edges and by rocking the straightedge on the troublesome area you can start to narrow in on which fret/s is causing the problem.

Once you've identified the high fret you need to file it level with the frets around it, there are ways to do this and some are better than others. I use the diamond file from Stewmac.com and level the whole fretboard, others will just level the individual fret.

Check out the stewmac.com site for lots and lots of information on fret leveling.
 

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