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Quick check on truss rod, fret buzz

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by PollyBass, Oct 15, 2001.

  1. Oct 15, 2001 #1
    PollyBass

    PollyBass ******

    Jun 25, 2001
    Shreveport, LA
    Ive got a mim p-bass with wicked fret buzz at the higher frets. even though the bend in the neck doesnt look bad at all. its not action, ive cheacked that. and it only happens on my A and D strings, mostly my A string. im guessing i need to fix that little bend in my neck first. the bend is a u. if youi laid it on the floor, face up, it whould look like a u i guess. lets say im looking strait at my bass. i put the allen wrench so thats its stareing right at me. im going to turn it to the RIGHT, so that the neck's truss rod will be turning to the LEFT, loosening the rod....right? oh ya, and if you know anything that might cause one string to buzz like mad that would help to. thanks.
     
  2. Oct 15, 2001 #2
    rllefebv

    rllefebv

    Oct 17, 2000
    Newberg, Oregon
    Polly,

    If there is a 'u' type bend, put the allen wrench in and turn it to the right to tighten the truss rod, which straightens both it and the neck. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to do this in small increments, no more than a quarter turn a day. Tighten the truss rod a quarter turn, tune the bass to pitch, then play it or let it sit for a day or so before checking again.

    Another way to check relief, (the amount of 'u' shape bend), is to hold the bass in playing position and hold the 'e' string down at both the first and last fret, (both ends of the fingerboard), at the same time. Take a gander at the string around the ninth or tenth fret while doing this and you will see the amount of relief. A small amount is desired, but just how small that amount is depends on your personal preference.

    Good Luck!!
    -robert
     
  3. Oct 15, 2001 #3
    PollyBass

    PollyBass ******

    Jun 25, 2001
    Shreveport, LA
    Wait, i TIGHTEN my truss rod if theres a "U" in it? are you sure? woulnt that make it worse? ok, i got it, but let me make sure. tightening the truss rod corrects a bow,or "U" shaped neck and Loosening it will make it bow even more?