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Shoud 'I' fix my buzzing

Discussion in 'Setup & Repair [DB]' started by JDM, Nov 20, 2005.

  1. Nov 20, 2005 #1
    JDM

    JDM

    Oct 12, 2005
    I can see a little high spot just in front (sharp) of where I fret for the A on the D string. I'm tempted to go at it gingerly with a small nail file, the emery sand paper type that I and most women us on their nails. Anyone done this themselves?
    Jon
     
  2. Nov 20, 2005 #2
    drurb

    drurb Oracle, Ancient Order of Rass Hattur; Mem. #1, EPC

    Apr 17, 2004

    Well, no need to "fret." It's a double bass (and a double entendre). I'd go to a luthier and have a pro do it but if that's impractical your idea doesn't sound bad. I'd smooth it with steel wool or maybe even use steel wool to begin with instead of the file. Those with more DIY experience (and guts) might be more enlightening.
     
  3. Nov 20, 2005 #3
    ToneRanger

    ToneRanger

    Nov 2, 2004
    Brisbane, Australia
    If the problem is as obvious and as localised as you suggest, I'd be inclined to some some careful sanding myself.
    Try attaching some fine sandpaper to a straight piece of board to make sure you don't dig any hollows in the fingerboard. Just don't get carried away.
     
  4. Nov 20, 2005 #4
    D McCartney

    D McCartney crosswind downwind bass

    Aug 1, 2005
    Tacoma WA
    I am a micro mechanic, so don't know woodworking or luterie But the one piece of advice I feel safe in giving is, if you decide to do it, go S-L-O-W. Sand a little, look a lot. Easier to take wood off than to put it back on.
    Good luck.
     
  5. Nov 21, 2005 #5
    nicklloyd

    nicklloyd Supporting Member/Luthier

    Jan 27, 2002
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Sandpaper (and steel wool) as a hand tool, is most effective for rounding and blending. Localized sanding will also make the low spot lower. You need to remove the high spot, and this calls for a cutting tool i.e. a scraper or block plane. A bastard file could be used (hypothetically) but it would need to be much larger than a nail file.

    I'm all for players doing what they can to fix little things themselves. If you are skilled in woodworking, you could fix this problem. If you aren't, then take the bass to someone that is.
     
  6. Nov 21, 2005 #6
    JDM

    JDM

    Oct 12, 2005
    Superb advice! I like the wire wool idea as a starter, and I will certainly take it easy. I'll let you know how it goes. Many thanks again,
    Jon
     
  7. Nov 21, 2005 #7
    Silversorcerer

    Silversorcerer

    Aug 11, 2004
    Atlanta, GA USA
    +1

    Sandpaper is better for smoothing than shaping. My favorite tool for FB dressing one-string-at-a-time is a Stanley #92 shoulder (rabbet) plane. The whole sole is only 3/4" wide but is as long as a block plane. This way you can dress the board with all but one string at full tension. There are other similar style narrow planes, but this one can convert to a chisel plane also, which is handy if you need to dress right up to the nut. The shavings taken off should be thin enough to transmit some light and no more than 1/8" wide. Finish up with very fine grit sandpaper or 0000 steel wool. Also check your progress with a short straight edge to make sure you are doing what you think. If you decide to do it yourself, keep in mind that a good woodworker is also a good tool sharpener.

    I noticed you said you could see the high spot. Can you hear the high spot buzz also?