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Noob needs help

S

Spotman

Apr 21, 2013
16
0
#1
Well, after askn in here and researching, I bought a Washburn bass. After I tuned it, I'm noticing that, for the first 2-3 frets/notes, theres a buzzing sound. I have two Allen wrenches(hex) for adjustments. Can I get some help on this? Im dying to start playing/learning.
 
#4
funkingroovin said:
This should help :) http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f18/all-basic-setup-questions-answered-here-125382/
Click to expand...

Yes, this^

AND check YouTube (and other online resources) if you get stuck with written direction.

From afar, it sounds like you need maybe a little neck relief, but more likely the nut slots are a little low. My preferred cure is a shim made from a Mountain Dew can, though some folks here use material (superglue) to raise the string level.

No one likes a loose slot.

Welcome to TB!
 
#7
Sounds like a setup issue. 1/8-1/4 counterclockwise turn on the truss will probably take care of it, but you should go through the entire setup process. You probably already have the screwdrivers you need. Buy a digital caliper for measurements. You can get one on Amazon for less than $10. You'll also need a capo and a tuner. The first setup you do will take a little while, but they get easier every time you do it. It's a good skill for you to learn now. Your bass(es) will play nicer, you'll learn what specs you like - low action, high action, string gauge tension, etc. - and you'll save quite a bit of money over time by doing it yourself. I set mine up twice a year after the weather changes, spring and fall for me.

Welcome to the family! :bassist:
 
#9
If you can afford to, since you are new to playing, I suggest you take it to a shop for a full set-up. That will assure that it plays well, and it properly intonated.

I do this kind of stuff myself, and it's not really difficult, but it would have been quite a stretch when I first started.
 
#10
squarewave said:
If you can afford to, since you are new to playing, I suggest you take it to a shop for a full set-up. That will assure that it plays well, and it properly intonated.

I do this kind of stuff myself, and it's not really difficult, but it would have been quite a stretch when I first started.
Click to expand...

Not sure about where you are, but here in Springfield most shops will make minor adjustments for you for free if you buy a set of replacement strings or are a regular customer.

If you bought it at a local shop - see if they have a tech on staff. They should do it free/cheap also to keep you as a client.
 
#11
squarewave said:
If you can afford to, since you are new to playing, I suggest you take it to a shop for a full set-up. That will assure that it plays well, and it properly intonated.

I do this kind of stuff myself, and it's not really difficult, but it would have been quite a stretch when I first started.
Click to expand...

+1. If you're totally new to the bass, let a shop set it up, but ask if you can watch so that you learn how it's done.
 

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