Double Bass My Bass has problems

[Manticore Guy]

So recently I sent my bass into the shop for the action to be lowered, and a couple of other things. It came back with the strings lower to the fretboard, but now whenever I play pizz. there is a weird buzzing sound that comes from my bass, and I cannot figure out what it is or how to prevent it. Any suggestions?

 

[drurb]

So recently I sent my bass into the shop for the action to be lowered, and a couple of other things. It came back with the strings lower to the fretboard, but now whenever I play pizz. there is a weird buzzing sound that comes from my bass, and I cannot figure out what it is or how to prevent it. Any suggestions?

We are talking about a DB, yes? If so, then I assume you mean that you had the string-height lowered so that the strings are now closer to the fingerboard. What was done? Was the bridge re-cut? Do you have adjusters?

The buzzing is likely the strings against the fingerboard. Lowering the string-height sometimes necessitates re-dressing (planing) the fingerboard to accommodate the different set-up.

 

[Manticore Guy]

I also got the fingerboard dressed, and yes I am talking about a DB. It says on the tag that was returned with the bass that there was
"Lowered Nut Action, Dressed Fingerboard, and a Replaced Bridge." So the board was dressed when the action was lowered.

 

[drurb]

I also got the fingerboard dressed, and yes I am talking about a DB. It says on the tag that was returned with the bass that there was
"Lowered Nut Action, Dressed Fingerboard, and a Replaced Bridge." So the board was dressed when the action was lowered.

Okay, well if it is, indeed, the string(s) buzzing against the fingerboard, then it sounds like some further adjustment is needed. I take it that you do not have adjusters on the bridge. If you did, then increasing the string height might prove diagnostic.

 

[PoorPlayer]

I'm assuming you can't tell where the buzz is coming from.

Can you have someone else pluck on it while you walk around and try to localize the buzz? If you still can't pin-point it, try the Car Talk method. Take a two meter long piece of garden hose, hold one end to your ear and use it as a stethoscope.

There is a thread on buzzes.

Good luck!

 

[drurb]

Oh my! If it is not the strings against the fingerboard, it could be a real adventure!

 

[Manticore Guy]

Well I'm sending it in to a repair shop next week (the employees are out of town), so hopefully they can sort it out then. I believe it is the strings against the fingerboard, but I'll find out soon enough.

 

[Silversorcerer]

If it just started when the new adjustments were made, and the buzz happens on all the strings and several notes, it is probably string noise. If it only buzzes at one pitch, it is some sympathetic vibration. The endpin is notorious for this type of buzz.

 

[LeslieD]

I know you just had your bridge replaced...but had you considered an adjustable bridge? I've got one on both of my basses and it works wonders for small occasional and seasonal adjustments.