String brands with less obvious string noise (buzz)?

[cardinal]

Hi all,

I'm new to bass and searched around and couldn't find an obvious answer. Do certain strings make less obvious fret noise, or is it more generally just older strings make less noise (and are duller sounding in general)?

I have one bass with older Elixir strings that will buzz with hard attack, but the buzz is somehow not at all obvious or obtrusive. So others I have seem to buzz under the same conditions (whacking the strings close to the neck, basically) but the timbre of it is just much more obvious.

Just curious. Thanks!

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Buzz? Are you referring to the string noise caused by your fingers? Or are you referring to fret buzz?

A good setup will get rid of fret buzz. About the finger squeak, Elixirs and DR Coated strings are quieter. Also flatwounds and tapewounds make no noise.

 

[cardinal]

Thanks! I'm talking about fret buzz. I tend to set up around 2 or 3/64ths over the 12th fret with a nearly straight neck, and there's no buzz with a reasonable touch. But I can make any bass I've ever played buzz if I hit or pluck the strings hard enough.

I'm just noticing that the buzz I hear is sometimes not very obvious. I can hear it, but it's somehow quieter or a frequency that doesn't jump out. Other times, it seems really in my face (or ear). Wondering if it's differences in the strings.

 

[bobyoung53]

Thanks! I'm talking about fret buzz. I tend to set up around 2 or 3/64ths over the 12th fret with a nearly straight neck, and there's no buzz with a reasonable touch. But I can make any bass I've ever played buzz if I hit or pluck the strings hard enough.

I'm just noticing that the buzz I hear is sometimes not very obvious. I can hear it, but it's somehow quieter or a frequency that doesn't jump out. Other times, it seems really in my face (or ear). Wondering if it's differences in the strings.

2/64ths and 3/64ths are pretty low, if you raise it up a bit you'll get much less fret buzz.