Uneven String height no matter what I do...

Well, a couple things: first, the overwhelming majority of bass players will dial in some forward bow or "relief" with the neck; very, very few play with a dead flat neck with no relief. Second, it is normal for the clearance of the bottom of the strings and the top of the frets to increase from the first fret to the last fret on the fretboard.

That said, there could be something going on giving you insufficient clearance of the open strings over the first fret. Nut slots filed too low, for example.

Could you snap some pics and show us the situation at the nut and first fret?

 

Do you have any measurements?

It sounds like the nut slots may be too low. But other issues can make it seem that way. A quick check is to depress the string between the 2nd and 3rd frets and observe the gap between the string and the 1st fret. What do you see when you do that?

- John

 

If you’re getting buzz at the first fret, either the fret is too high or the nut is too low. I’d recommend bringing it to a tech who can fix it up.

 

With the string pressed down, observe the space between the top of the first fret and the bottom of the string. There should be the slightest gap.

Those pictures do not tell a good story. It needs help.

 

Even a hair can be enough. If the string actually touches the 1st fret, that likely won't work.

On my basses, there's just the slightest hair of a gap. I'm just trying to help you assess if the nut slot depth is an issue.

 

I'm sorry but your best bet is to bring this bass to a guitar technician to properly diagnose and remedy. The string clearance over the frets in those photos looks like a fairly high action to me and if that is what you have to do in order to avoid the open strings buzzing out at the first fret, I'm willing to bet that there isn't much you can do on your own to resolve this. Yes, there will be an invoice involved but, if it gets your bass playing the way you need it to, won't it be worth it?

 

There's a subtle relationship between nut depth, relief ('bow'), and your adjusted height over the last fret that will adjust out to a well-playing bass. You're just taking wild swings at what needs to be done, without knowing what you don't know. It could buzz on the first fret from a bum nut, too much truss rod, any number of things.

You may be sweating the bill from a professional repairman, but what's worse? A bass you can't play, or money well-spent to have it adjusted properly ? Besides, it may only involve reeling back in the changes you've made.

I'd urge you to spend that money with a real professional repairman, NOT some guy's 'brother-in-law that works on geetars once in a while'. It may well be less than you think.

 

There's nothing better than learning to fix it yourself.

I meant no disrespect.

We often see these types of questions here, and frankly, it's impossible to diagnose these things remotely. It sounded as if you had not found the reason for the question yet, so I suggested a qualified pro. We've all been there right where you're at. I routinely turned a bass or two into a plank until I studied up on adjustments a little, then I got it. You can too. Get the right repairman, and he may be willing to teach you a lot.

Otherwise there's lots of online resources, many often posted here in TB. Here's Fender's method for their basses, but the general process and most of the quoted dimensions work on most basses:

How do I set up my bass guitar properly? – Fender

A little knowledge, and a longer fuse, goes a long way.

Best of Luck,

JW

 

Yup, that's a clear case of too much truss rod.

I hate when that happens, why can't they just cut it the right length them brother in laws to guys.

But I guess that's what happens when your sister marries the wrong husband.

Proper ones don't grow on trees these days.

If everyone was just a master luthier we wouldn't have this sort of problem, personally I blame society.

 

@J Wilson gave you some things to think about. His post was not disrespectful. You need to relax.

Fear of the unknown makes most people just stop and do nothing. Here's the simplest way to find out whether or not the bill for your setup will be high. Take it to the dang tech. Ask the tech how much it will be to fix the bass. Simple as that.

Once you get one proper setup done, then you can spend some time reading amd/or watching videos on how to fine tune your bass to your liking. Setups are harder than they appear at first. It takes experience to become proficient at it. You'll have that experience at some point.

Nobody spoke to you like an idiot. Everyone is trying to help, including me.

 

Bring it by my house for a second opinion...for free. Too far of a drive? No problem...maybe there's a fellow TBer in your area who will do the same.

Riis
Virginia Beach...4th house on the left.

 

Try an experiment, put a small piece of paper between the nut and string,if your problem is gone then your nut slot is to deep. If it is your nut,I have used baking soda and crazy glue to build the nut slot up. Or you can buy a new one. Good luck!

 

They are supposed to be higher off the last fret than the first. They shouldn't be the same height.