Author Topic: (x) Odd fret buzz. (Read 385 times)

whafrodamus · « **on:** May 10, 2005, 07:35:28 PM »

I installed DR Hi beams which are .040-.100 on my Alembic series 1, and I'm getting this odd fretbuzz. It only occurs on the C of the E string, and it is big. I adjusted the neck and everything else plays perfectly except for this one note. What should i do?

David Houck · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2005, 05:16:24 AM »

Have you checked out the FAQ & Must Reads section? If you haven't go to the Must Reads section and read Joey's Post on Setting Up Your Bass; then, if you have a few minutes, make yourself a cup of coffee and read On Low Action - Setting Up, Bass Construction, Etc. I think generally a buzz on C of the E string is going to be a truss rod adjustment. And since it's just the one fret, it may be just a slight adjustment. I'm guessing that when you changed strings you changed guages. One other thing that occurs to me, if this is an older bass there may be uneven fretwear and you may need to get the frets dressed; you should be able to see the wear on the E string section of the C fret. But I would try the truss rod adjustment first.

gare · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2005, 06:33:51 AM »

I recently installed a set of DR Sunbeams on my Excel (.045-.100, same gauge as it replaced) and within a day noticed some buzzing in several places on the neck. Different tension ? But I did the 'spring tuneup', nut, truss rods, bridge, and it disappeared.
Like Dave suggests, checkout Joey's post, take your time and follow the destructions and you'll be ok. And again as suggested check the frets.
Good luck
Gary

lowlife · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2005, 06:50:23 AM »

I noticed the very same thing when I changed my Excel's strings to DR Hi-Beams. Although I'm not certain, I too believe that it's the difference in the string tension itself. But as Gary pointed out, the bi-annual tune-up did the trick. Good luck Will.
Ellery (Lowlife)

keith_h · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2005, 02:44:37 PM »

Might just be a high fret. I've had a couple on my basses and they are fairly new. I would follow Daves suggestion and try to adjust it out first. If not your prefered luthier should be able to take care of it fairly quickly and inexpensively.
I have never done it myself but all my luthier does to determine if a fret is high, is take a straight edge that spans 3 frets and then sees if there is any rocking between them. If he thinks the amount of rocking is unacceptable he dresses the high fret on that string. Dressing the frets and determining if there is to much variance is an area I leave to my luthier since it takes some skill and training to do it correctly.

Keith

whafrodamus · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2005, 03:03:18 PM »

AH! I talked to Valentino and such and with his help I discovered that I need a new nut. This one has no adjustable nut, and the strings are way too low on the nut end. It turns out the horrible buzz is from the frets before the fret being fretted. When I get the whole refin and such, I'll get the new nut installed. I would install it myself but you need to drill some holes. I've installed plenty of nuts, but I dare not put a drill to the weakest part of the neck. Now, to save up about 2100 for everything and I'll be set.

sfnic · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2005, 06:23:31 PM »

For the short term, of course, you can shim the original nut. Or replace it with an interim non-adjustable nut. I'm sure Mica and Val can conjure up a suitable blank to tide you over until the refinish.

nic