How much buzzing is too much buzzing?

[drewsky2004]

If I were to play a bass unplugged, is a certain level of buzzing normal? Should there be no buzzing at all?

 

[spufman]

Depends on how you like your setup. For me, that is pretty low and flat. So if I dig in, I have some buzzing. Can't hear it when amplified. Incidentally, that little bit of expected buzz helps me get the seasonal truss adjustment 'right' - adjust until good ol' Mr. Buzz starts to come out!

 

[msb]

I like to raise the nut and set things so it feels like the action on my upright . That's about 1/4 inch off the fingerboard . I like a nice stiff string like the big Labella flats .

What buzz ?

 

[Antny]

To me, fret buzz = fingernails scratching across chalkboard.

 

[msb]

Just raise the nut about 1/8 of an inch .

 

[Bob C]

A bit of buzzing, especially on an unplugged bass is commonly considered normal and perfectly acceptable.

If it only buzzes when unplugged, no problem at all. If it only buzzes when played very hard, not a major problem. If it buzzes only in one area of the neck, it might need a truss rod adjustment. If it buzzes all over, the strings (bridge saddles) might need to be raised.

The main thing to consider is how much does the buzzing bother you? If you can't stand a bit of fret buzz, do one or all of the following: 1 Set up your bass with very high action, 2 Use flatwound strings 3 Play a fretless bass.

 

[Bob C]

I forgot to mention that new strings always buzz more. Sometimes i mistakedly over-adjust after changing the strings.

 

[darkstorm]

I expect a fair amount of buzzing unplugged, its normal for low action. As long as the notes not fretting out its not too much buzz. Also I base my action adjustments on plugged in sound. This results in lowering the saddles more then if I went on its unplugged sound.

 

[Korladis]

If it bothers you, it's too much buzzing. If it doesn't, it's not too much.