Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Owning an Alembic => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: wrongdimension on September 27, 2006, 08:46:30 AM

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: wrongdimension on September 27, 2006, 08:46:30 AM

Hi everyone!  I purchased a 2004 brown bass a few months back and I am very happy with it.  I did however, notice that I get a bit of buzz around the 9th fret on the G string.  The action on the bass seems to be right about where I like it and I thought maybe it was a truss problem.  I have a basic understanding of how to adjust the truss but not a double truss and my allen wrenches wouldn't fit inside the little pocket where the rod ends are so I took it in to have the truss adjusted and new strings put on it.  Aside from costing way to much this didn't solve the problem so I am wondering what to do now.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 08:58:22 AM

OOPS dbl post
 
(Message edited by olieoliver on September 27, 2006)

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 08:58:30 AM

How are the frets? And if you raise the strings a little will the buzz go away?

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: wrongdimension on September 27, 2006, 09:03:30 AM

I tried raising the strings from the bridge.  It didnt seem to solve the problem and just made the action too high.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 09:09:45 AM

Is your nut adjustable? Might try raising it if it is.  
But it sounds to me you may have fret with a bur or a flat spot.  
I had the same problem on a Warwiick bass. It had a buzz at 7th fret on the G string. I took to a local luthier and he was able to get the buzz out by dressing the frets.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: wrongdimension on September 27, 2006, 12:52:36 PM

I have never tried adjusting the nut.  I will give it a try.  Is it a simple proccess?  If that doesnt work I will look into having fret work done like you described.  Thanks for the help olie

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: olieoliver on September 27, 2006, 01:23:08 PM

If yours is adjustable it should be pretty easy. A set screw in the nut under the strings. I would try it first, then if that doesn't work then maybe check the frets.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: keith_h on September 27, 2006, 02:13:04 PM

Follow this to Joey's setup procedure (http://club.alembic.com/index.php?topic=311). It covers adjusting your bass very well.  
 
Keith

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: mica on September 27, 2006, 02:26:38 PM

I don't think it's anything other than some slight neck relief needed. Loosen the truss rods just a touch, maybe 1/8-1/4 turn each.  
 
Also, what strings (brand/size) are you using? String selection matters a lot in matters of excellent setup.  
 
Joey's post for setup has successfully navigated many setup newbies to setup pros.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: David Houck on October 01, 2006, 01:28:21 PM

Hi Ryan, welcome to the group and congrats on the Brown Bass.  As Keith and Mica said, Joey's post is a great starting point.  While you're there, check out some of the other posts in the FAQ and Must Reads sections.  Middle of the neck is usually a truss rod adjustment.  Mica is THE authority, but if it's just a bit of buzz on the 9th fret of the G string, I doubt you would need as much as a 1/4 turn; 1/8 or maybe even less might do it.  I also think Olie has a point that there might be a fret level problem; but try adjusting the truss rods first, that's the usual place for something like this.  On my Essence, a change in humidity will show up with a bit of buzz on the 8th fret of the G string.  I slight adjustment takes care of it.

Title: 1 buzzy fret
Post by: bsee on October 01, 2006, 02:24:17 PM

Could also be an issue of a fret that has come unseated.  I have a recollection of someone with this problem using a block to press/tap in the frets above the one where a buzz was evident to resolve the issue.  If it buzzes only when you play the 9th fret, then it would probably be the 10th that is high.