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Double Bass Table buzz

A

Ashley Long

Jan 3, 2004
121
10
www.myspace.com
#1
Need some help here, I lowered the action on my Bryant bass earlier and ever since, a buzz has occurred in the top left side (a&e string side) when digging in on the A and E strings. There are no cracks in the surface so Im wondering what the problem could be? Could it be a humidity thing? The weather has suddenly turned very warm here as the problem was not apparent before the change.
 
#2
Ashley Long said:
Need some help here, I lowered the action on my Bryant bass earlier and ever since, a buzz has occurred in the top left side (a&e string side) when digging in on the A and E strings. There are no cracks in the surface so Im wondering what the problem could be? Could it be a humidity thing? The weather has suddenly turned very warm here as the problem was not apparent before the change.
Click to expand...
If it persists it could be a loose bass bar. Let's hope not. Let's hope it is something else but if you are sure of the location, it sounds like that could be it. Check all of the seams around that area by tapping along the seam with your ear to the bass. It could also be a loose lining. We can always hope. :hmm:
 
#3
Ashley Long said:
Need some help here, I lowered the action on my Bryant bass earlier and ever since, a buzz has occurred in the top left side (a&e string side) when digging in on the A and E strings.
Click to expand...

Is it possible that when you lowered the "action" :scowl: you twisted one of the bridge feet a little? If so, an edge of the foot could be rattling against the top where it is no longer flush. Also check all the seams.
 
#5
Seems like as good a spot to ask as any, do luthiers have an organized way of going thru a bass to acertain where buzzes and or other problems are located? I am always trying to locate a buzz that sounds like its coming from one place when really it is coming from another.
Thanks
 
#7
I don't know about buzzes, but when I suspect a popped seam I usually lightly tap along the edge. If theres a seam open, the sound will be markedly different than when everything is closed up. Kind of like trying to find a stud behind a wall by tapping, you can hear the difference.
 
#9
Last month I noticed a bit of a buzz coming from my Bryant too. On further investigation, a seam has opened up at the bottom table-rib join near the end pin on the E side. You can't really see it, but if you press it there's a bit of movement and the buzz goes away if you press against it (with your foot!) while playing.

It only really buzzes when playing an open G. Initially I thought it was the bridge (as it sounded like it was coming from that area), so maybe something similar has happened to your Bryant?

Mine's about 9 months old - is that normal behaviour for new basses?

Douglas.
 
#10
Hi Ash, I hope you get that buzz sorted. We've met a few times- I'm Carl Harrison's replacement (some title), Mat Downer says you have an awesome technique! I'm getting into the DB more lately and hitting a few probs of my own!! Catch you around, Jon
 
#11
douglas81 said:
Last month I noticed a bit of a buzz coming from my Bryant too. On further investigation, a seam has opened up at the bottom table-rib join near the end pin on the E side. You can't really see it, but if you press it there's a bit of movement and the buzz goes away if you press against it (with your foot!) while playing.

It only really buzzes when playing an open G. Initially I thought it was the bridge (as it sounded like it was coming from that area), so maybe something similar has happened to your Bryant?

Mine's about 9 months old - is that normal behaviour for new basses?

Douglas.
Click to expand...
Think of it as a blessing. Seams pop open when the bass goes through changes in dimension due to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. If a seam does not pop open to relieve the tension, you will generally get a crack somewhere, or at least a bulge. The softwood top and the thin ribs are the weakest link, and that's where most cracks are likely to occur. New basses are only more prone to open seams if the wood has not been acclimated to the user's climate. In other words, if you live in Arizona, and your bass was made in New Orleans, from air-dried wood, you are going to have problems as the wood dries and shrinks. The opposite is somewhat true as well, though swelling is less of a problem than shrinking. Some makers of new basses double the inner lining strips and use strong glues to hold the top and back plates on. Bad idea, as cracking will generally be the result, since the seams won't be able to pop as easily.
 
#12
arnoldschnitzer said:
Some makers of new basses double the inner lining strips and use strong glues to hold the top and back plates on. Bad idea, as cracking will generally be the result, since the seams won't be able to pop as easily.
Click to expand...
so... (and pardon my confusion here) is it worth getting the 'pops' reglued then..? my bass is about 30years or so, and has always been local to where i live in the UK... does have a 'loose' seam on the upper E side... the weather here is extremely variable.
:eyebrow:
 

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