One note only fret buzz

[bassdot]

Just bought a new Squier CV 60s pbass, played alright with the action out of the box, but once I lowered the action I discovered that when fretting the 10th fret on the E-string, there is some major buzz going on, while all the other strings and frets even on the same string are completely fine.

After inspecting the frets, I've noticed there is a clear gap on the E-string side of the 11th fret - I can even get my fingernail under it. After playing around with a credit card in the area, it definitely rocks (not in a good way) when placed over the 9th-11th frets on the E-string side.

Is this something I can easily fix myself without risking damage to the bass? I bought it online for a good price, and it seems like they are no longer in stock so I would rather not deal with a long return/replacement process

 

[Matt Liebenau]

It sounds like the 11th fret is popped up slightly on the E string side. You could try and clamp or gently tap it back in place if you have a plastic or rubber faced mallet. However, if it’s popped up once it’s likely to again even if reseating the fret keeps it in place temporarily. The actual cure would be to wax the fretboard on either side of the one that’s popped up, wick the minimum possible amount of CA glue into the slot then clamp the fret back into place and let the glue dry for a while. After you unclamp it the wax will let any squeeze out come off easily.

 

[Ol Sparky]

Try pushing down on the E-string at the 11th fret as hard as you can and see if that helps with the buzz.
If it does you will know that the fret has popped up. Sometimes this works.
It has on a bass that I have.

 

[Turnaround]

Sometimes when a fret pops up, I hammer it into place. But don't just start hitting on the fret. Find a short length of wood, about 3 inches or so long and an inch wide. Centre it on the offending fret so that it spans frets on either side of it. Then tap on the wood right over the fret. That will prevent you from getting dings in the fret and will also ensure that you don't end up squashing the fret lower than its neighbours.

 

[bassdot]

Thanks guys! I just pushed it down for now, will probably try the glue later.

 

[pfschim]

Sometimes when a fret pops up, I hammer it into place. But don't just start hitting on the fret. Find a short length of wood, about 3 inches or so long and an inch wide. Centre it on the offending fret so that it spans frets on either side of it. Then tap on the wood right over the fret. That will prevent you from getting dings in the fret and will also ensure that you don't end up squashing the fret lower than its neighbours.

had a similar single fret/single string buzzing problem on my Lull M4V, tried your method and it seems to have fixed it. Thanks much!