G String Buzzing?

[Deleted member 271037]

The "twang" or "buzzy zing" is on all frets. Not just open G (nut), not a limited portion of neck, not an individual fret.

In that case you can rule out any nut issues (at least as the source of this "buzz") + probably any issues with action and relief too.

It could still be a bad string or an issue with the G-string saddle slot, like a tiny burr that won't let the string settle properly.

If you've got a suitable file I would try a couple of GENTLE strokes in the G-string saddle slot. Just be careful that you don't widen the slot (and ideally not lower it either but this isn't critical with an adustable saddle). Also make sure you've set your witness points properly.

If that doesn't solve it, or if you don't have a suitable file, I would try a different set of strings. The stock strings could be rubbish for all I know. Maybe try a set of mellower roundwounds, like GHS Balanced Nickels?

But then again, maybe you just need to get used to roundwounds. Especially if you're playing the bass in active mode which can get pretty bright and zingy unless you're careful with the tone controls.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Also, the lower strings tend to mellow out considerably faster with many roundwound strings. Some roundwound G-strings will always sound kinda thin and bright compared to the other strings.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

While I am attending to all the other thoughts above, I do plan on new strings anyway. Without spares in-hand though, I do not want to mess with the strings too much. I always worry about breaking a string, not having a spare, and having the neck out-of proper tension.

I'm guessing sympathetic vibration somewhere, or bad string, but I don't want to mess-up something else, so I want to move slowly.

I find it very unlikely that you would have sympathetic vibrations at all those frequencies! Something might still rattle somewhere of course. Have you checked the springs on the intonations screws? Have you made sure you don't have any loose screws ANYWHERE on the bass?

Also, eliminate any possible rattle from the tuners by holding them firmly in place while you play a tone on the G-string. Rattling tuners are very common on low to mid priced basses and the tuners they use on the Sire basses aren't very good quality. Probably the weakest link on those basses IMO.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

In that case you can rule out any nut issues (at least as the source of this "buzz") + probably any issues with action and relief too.

It could still be a bad string or an issue with the G-string saddle slot, like a tiny burr that won't let the string settle properly.

If you've got a suitable file I would try a couple of GENTLE strokes in the G-string saddle slot. Just be careful that you don't widen the slot (and ideally not lower it either but this isn't critical with an adustable saddle). Also make sure you've set your witness points properly.

If that doesn't solve it, or if you don't have a suitable file, I would try a different set of strings. The stock strings could be rubbish for all I know. Maybe try a set of mellower roundwounds, like GHS Balanced Nickels?

But then again, maybe you just need to get used to roundwounds. Especially if you're playing the bass in active mode which can get pretty bright and zingy unless you're careful with the tone controls.

I have not set witness points. Kind-of wondering if that may be it. I have loosened and tightened the string several times while adjusting saddle height, and the problem seems to be going away. I don't want to "man-handle" the strings too much though, until I have another set on-hand.

The action on the G is about 1/64" higher than it was originally, too. I THINK I am starting to hear some fret-buzz high on the neck if I get the action below that. Higher than the center of the relief around the 8th fret: more towards the 12th fret.

My neck has virtually no relief right now, 0.005" (zero . zero zero five), but I don't want to mess with the truss-rod until I get new strings.

I err on the side of caution these days. In the mid-70s on a Fender Jazz, i had "King Kong gauge strings", and tightened the truss-rod so much I ended-up with an "S curve" high on the neck that never went away.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

I have not set witness points. Kind-of wondering if that may be it. I have loosened and tightened the string several times while adjusting saddle height, and the problem seems to be going away. I don't want to "man-handle" the strings too much though, until I have another set on-hand.

The action on the G is about 1/64" higher than it was originally, too. I THINK I am starting to hear some fret-buzz high on the neck if I get the action below that. Higher than the center of the relief around the 8th fret: more towards the 12th fret.

My neck has virtually no relief right now, 0.005" (zero . zero zero five), but I don't want to mess with the truss-rod until I get new strings.

I err on the side of caution these days. In the mid-70s on a Fender Jazz, i had "King Kong gauge strings", and tightened the truss-rod so much I ended-up with an "S curve" high on the neck that never went away.

Some fret buzz at higher frets is normal, at least if you dig in hard with a "normal" setup.

Every bass player is different but with MY playing style I would get lots of fret buzz with such a small amount of relief. Looseing the truss rod a quarter turn won't damage anything unless you do something really stupid, like using the wrong tool and strip the truss rod nut. I would definitely try that but I totally understand if you want to wait until you've installed new strings.

I'm guessing it's a combination of fret buzz and that you're not used to roundwounds. The fact that you mentioned "twang" suggests to me that fret buzz isn't the only problem. Twang isn't caused by fret buzz, unless you have a very different definition of twang than me. Maybe you just don't like roundwounds. Or maybe you should try some mellower roundwounds.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

All notes. Sounds like an overly "zingy" or "twangy" string (G string). I don't THINK it is fret buzz, but it has a similar sound to my "flat wound" ears. Again, these are rounds of unknown make (new bass).

Eh, could be the string. You tried messing with the saddle?

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Eh, could be the string. You tried messing with the saddle?

Just to adjust the height, and note "yep, that's a big ol' saddle". Not like the smaller saddles of stock Fenders; at least the way they were made in the past. Have not held a Fender in 10+ years.

Edited to add: Definitely had some buzz with Fender saddles in past. Sometimes removing the spring(s) helped.

 

[Chrisk-K]

It sounds normal. A new G string will sound brighter and twangier than others.

 

[Spectre Gunner]

If it isn't true fret buzz then it could simply be a bad string. Roger Sadowsky stated that bad strings in a new package do happen. He's built well over 5,000 guitars/basses so I'll take his word for it.

 

[SteveCS]

All notes. Sounds like an overly "zingy" or "twangy" string (G string). I don't THINK it is fret buzz, but it has a similar sound to my "flat wound" ears. Again, these are rounds of unknown make (new bass).

Is it possible for you to record a sound sanple. It will be far easier to stop speculation and get to real issue that way. *.mp3 or *.wav files can be uploaded directly in posts.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

Is it possible for you to record a sound sanple. It will be far easier to stop speculation and get to real issue that way. *.mp3 or *.wav files can be uploaded directly in posts.

I appreciate the interest, but right now it is not an issue. One of the following seems to have done the trick:

• Raising the action 1/64: was originally 4/64, now more like 5/64, subject to my ability to measure accurately. Hard to see around the curvature of the neck, since I measure in playing position.
• Tightening/loosening the string to adjust saddle height several times.
• "Yanking" on the string some (playing on it and bullet 2 above).

For the future, I'm noting the need to figure-out how to record. I don't have any DAW right now, but for future, may get Cakewalk or another free DAW. Other than PC/smartphone, my only hardware for recording might be a 4-chan mixer. Don't even know if I can plug into PC (mic jack?). Right now, I'm just working on basic muting technique, and introductory reading of standard notation. Former "play-by-ear" guy just trying to remember how to do setups.

 

[GreyBeard]

A while ago had what I thought was a high fret but turned out to be a kink in the string. Loosen up the G string and pull it free at the bridge to make sure it isn't twisted.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

A while ago had what I thought was a high fret but turned out to be a kink in the string. Loosen up the G string and pull it free at the bridge to make sure it isn't twisted.

It seems OK right now (if it ain't broke...), but definitely storing this away for future! Wouldn't have thought of twist.

 

[smtp4me]

I am having trouble distinguishing between fret-buzz and a funky string.

Sire P7 5-string with factory roundwounds (brand unknown). Raised action from 2/32 to 3/32 (other strings were already 3/32), but the string still buzzes a bit. I would like to think I know what fret-buzz is, since it tends to differ between frets. This seems different.

Question: Is it possible to have a string that buzzes a bit, due to a flaw in the string itself?

Bridge is pretty hefty, so probably not that.

This occurs with fretted notes, so presumably not the nut...

If it is just the G string buzzing, have you checked the following?

• Does it only buzz when you play the open G string?
• Does it only buzz when you fret notes on the G string?
• If it only buzzes when you fret notes, have you checked every fret to see if all of them buzz?

The reason I ask, is that it could be the result of a fret that is high/not level on the G string side of the neck.

 

[OldSchoolFlats]

If it is just the G string buzzing, have you checked the following?

• Does it only buzz when you play the open G string?
• Does it only buzz when you fret notes on the G string?
• If it only buzzes when you fret notes, have you checked every fret to see if all of them buzz?

The reason I ask, is that it could be the result of a fret that is high/not level on the G string side of the neck.

I THINK it is gone now. Seems to have been a "dodgy" string, but don't want to mess with it too much until I can afford another string-set, in case one breaks.