B-String Adjustment

[rv_bass]

I have a 5 string Alembic and like fairly low action.  I have been able to get all the strings to the height I like and no problems for the  E-G strings.  The B-string buzzes on frets 1-4 only.  I have tried combinations for adjustments using the adjustable nut, truss rods, and bridge, but can’t get rid of the buzz on frets 1-4 on the B-string and keeping the height where I like it.  I’m using a lighter .115 B-string.  Dose anyone have suggestions for eliminating the buzzing and keeping the strings low?  Thanks!

[growlypants]

For what it's worth... I did have to adjust the nut, up just a hairs width on the B-string side, and that solved my buzzing problem.  But, I do use a heavier gauge B than you - .132.

[edwardofhuncote]

Sounds like you are just splitting hairs with that action, Rob. If it's working for you everywhere else, and isn't prone to moving around much seasonally, I would try to raise just the one nut slot by a couple thousandths with CA glue and brass filings, then re-file the slot not quite as deep. My guess is the smaller gauge is just bottomed out, where a .125 would be a perfect fit, that coupled with the low action and the travel on a low tensioned B is giving you some unwanted rattles.

A quick-n-dirty easily reversible fix to try; a fold or two of foil. Copper shielding tape, for instance. If it works, you know what to do.   

[StephenR]

Hey Rob, I am guessing that you have Pyramid flats on your five-string. As you know I am not that familiar with the strings but the used set you sent me to check out has a .120 B. From what I have read the size of the string varies depending on how it was polished, they state the diameter is going to vary string to string. I haven't measured or done a side-by-side comparison yet but the Pyramid .120 seems fatter than the .125 roundwound strings I normally use for low Bs.


Which brings me to my next point. When I got my Series II five-string it had Alembic strings on it with a .128 B string. No matter what I did to set it up I still had a slight buzz on the B string in exactly the place you describe. Raising the nut a bit kind of helped but raised the action higher up the neck, too. I decided to change to the Markley Blue Steel strings that I have been using for years on my other five-strings. I put a set on with a .125 B string, rest of the set is gauged identically to the Alembic set,  and was able to set the bass up the way I like with no more buzz. Could be somewhat related to string tension but I think the slightly lighter diameter string is what did the trick. The orbit of a B string is always larger than the other strings making them tricky to adjust so the action and intonation are both good. Once I get the bridge height set where I like it I try to make all seasonal adjustments using the truss rod, so far this has worked well for that bass.

Since the Pyramid strings can vary in diameter from the stated size I suggest you try a different .115 string or at least compare the diameter with one of your spares, which I assume you still have since you offered to send me one     You may have a .115 that is slightly smaller in diameter to swap out and see if it helps.

[rv_bass]

Success!!!

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

After about an hour of tinkering I got it to work.

I lifted the adjustable nut up a little, but it would have been way too high to get rid of the buzz, so I lowered it back down.

The hardware looks to be gold plated, so I didn’t want to mess with it.

I’m using Pyramid flats. I thought about putting the .120 B back on it, but when I took it out of the package it looked about as thick as a support cable on the Golden Gate Bridge, so I abandoned that idea.

So I lowered the nut all the way down, loosened the truss rods a 1/4 turn or so and raised the bridge a little more.  Got rid of the buzz, but all the strings were a little higher that I like. So I lowered the G string side of the bridge a bit and voila! All the strings are lower and no buzz to be heard anywhere.  In fact I was able to get the action a little lower all around than it was originally, which is great!

We will see what happens when the summertime humidity hits in a month or so, but for now all set!

It’s all good practice!

[TTP]

Hi All.
New to the club as I just bought Goran`s wonderful MK Deluxe 5 string.
Same issue with the B string. I solved it by slinding a little piece (1/8” long) of heat shrinking tube
onto the string, and position the tube where the string touches the bridge, and then tune it.
Not the best looking solution but it works. Otherwise I though of the solution already mentioned
by adding a small droplet of clear epoxy glue into the string slot of the bridge section, and simply
carefully grind it to the right size with a nut file.

[rv_bass]

Welcome and congratulations on your new-to-you Alembic, that’s a gorgeous bass!  Glad you eliminated the buzz as well, enjoy!