Why does my bass keep buzzing no matter what I do?

Could be any number of things including a bad string install for starts. Pics would help as we need a modicum of detail. Any other bass players in your area?

Riis

 

Nut slots poorly cut or cut too deep?
Loose parts on bridge?
Bridge slots poorly cut?
Rattling truss rod?
Loose control parts rattling with vibration?

It’s not a poorly engineered instrument so you’ll need to do some sleuthing. Before you can stop the rattling you need to determine exactly what is rattling.

 

The whole damn thing stem-to-stern, various angles, aerial photos, etc. just for an overall assessment...then we'll go from there after ruling-out the simple stuff.

It's sometimes easier to hand it off to someone who maintains his own gear and / or knowledgeable in this arena.

How much relief do you have on-board for starters?

Riis

 

Take it to a tech. Is this your first attempted setup?
You say you've tried everything, time for a pro to solve it.

There are way too many variables to figure it out from pictures.

Normally I recommend DIY for setups, but you said you're stuck.
Good luck,
Dirk

 

I see nothing really bad on your pictures. Looks like a nice bass with a bit high action. To narrow down the choices:
-does it buzz when played through amp, does it buzz the same when unplugged?

-does it buzz on all strings?

-does it buzz on lowest tones/middle part/high up the fretboard on each string?

 

To add more: where does it buzz? On high/low notes, specific position, or all ower the neck?
Please check if there is a gap between the string and frets while holding E string at fret 9 and the last fret, this will help to identify if the ski-jump hasn't developed.

 

Bolt on neck? Loosen strings, re-tighten neck screws, retune.

 

I'm not sure I like the way the E string "sits" in that saddle (nor the G string, for that matter)

 

This and your last photo make me think that the neck is back bowed. Since you haven’t figured out how to correct this yourself, it’s time to find someone experienced to help you.

 

Couple things… could be the springs under the pickup height adjustment screws, could be loose tuner pegs, could be loose strap buttons, try checking all the screws holding down the bridge and make sure they’re tight, the screws on the string tree retainer, neck bolt screws tight…

I’ll agree with a poster above about the neck maybe back bowed… when you’re not playing it, do you leave it in a case? On a stand? Leaning against an amp? Personally I’d readjust the truss rod so the neck was as flat as possible with the strings to tune and look down the neck from the bridge. Is there a hump or a dip right around where the neck meets the body?

 

If the neck is backbowed, and I can’t really tell from the pictures, your truss rod adjustment is right there at the body. No need to remove the neck. It should be a 4 or 5mm hex key.

 

Since buzz is on the higher part, then the most likely reason is ski-jump.
You can read a pro thread here: Getting the Facts about Ski Jumps
Long story short - the best option is thermal treatment e.g. warpedneck.com

 

Its hard to tell in the pic. Is it an illusion or are your "E" and "A" strings not sitting flush at the bridge? Are they cocked and sitting on the intonation screw? Not sure .... not sure that it matters .... but its the only thing (odd) that I see.

 

ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

 

I also think it's a ski jump issue. The neck is set and bent so that the frets are too high near the body, so no matter where you fret you're pushing the strings into those frets.

Fixing it is probably not impossible, but hoo boy it'd be easier to take it to a tech to get it sorted. This is a muti step precess and that's if everything goes well.