Earbrass Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 I have a bass, 34 inch scale. In standard tuning it plays fine, but when I drop the tuning to DGCF there is an objectionable amount of fret-buzz on the first 2 frets of the 1st and 2nd strings, which I can't get rid of without raising the action to uncomfortable levels. The bass is old and cheap, and I don't want to spend a lot of money on it. I am not competent to undertake fret filing myself. Options I am considering include taking it to a luthier for appraisal and possible fret filing (I'm assuming the 3rd fret is the problem - no buzz on open strings or on 3rd fret and above), or changing the strings for some higher tensions ones. The current strings are very old (probably a decade) roundwounds - not sure but I think they are a standard Rotosound set, probably 45-105. I don't want to have to mess with the nut. What would the basschat collective suggest? What strings would increase the tension to the equivalent of standard tuning without requiring enlarging the nut slots? Should I try flats? Would you bite the bullet and take it to a luthier? If so, are there any you would recommend in the Brighton area? I could just tune the 4th string down to D, but I'd rather not as it will mean re-learning the fretboard, and I don't use it much - just for the odd recording project. Value of the bass is under £100, but I am quite fond of it, as it is light (7.6 lbs) and very comfortable, and I have had the cavity professionally shielded and the jack socket upgraded many years ago when I used to gig with it. Thanks for any advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beedster Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 Has it got a truss rod? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulThePlug Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 (edited) Buzz still there on Half Step Down rather than a whole step? Higher tension strings may help, but not ideal way to go... If a truss rod tweak dont fix it, if you think its the 3rd fret, have you checked? google 'fret rocker'... If it 'rocks' and mainly just that fret, i'd be inclined to givr it a light sanding... youtube will show you how... Edited July 29, 2022 by PaulThePlug 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted July 29, 2022 Share Posted July 29, 2022 6 hours ago, Earbrass said: I'm assuming the 3rd fret is the problem Tune BEAD , put capo across 3rd fret. Bass is now DCGF and the high fret is taken out of the equation 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fingerz Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 It sounds like you just need to slacken off the truss rod a touch, to compensate for the lack in tension dropping every string down a tone, has caused. I bet if you slacken that off a bit you will be able to have your old action back and the bass playing perfectly. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted August 3, 2022 Share Posted August 3, 2022 2 hours ago, fingerz said: It sounds like you just need to slacken off the truss rod a touch, to compensate for the lack in tension dropping every string down a tone, has caused. I bet if you slacken that off a bit you will be able to have your old action back and the bass playing perfectly. This. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted August 4, 2022 Share Posted August 4, 2022 ^that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmorris Posted August 5, 2022 Share Posted August 5, 2022 As PaulthePlug says - try the fretrocker thing first to check if the issue is with "Fret Number Three Please". If that's okay then go to the truss rod. Turn it to the left (as you look at it) a tiny bit, leave a few minutes, test, repeat... What bass is it ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baloney Balderdash Posted August 7, 2022 Share Posted August 7, 2022 (edited) Basses doesn't automatically adjust themself to whatever you throw at them, that is your problem. Adjust the bass to the lower tension of the lower tuning with the same strings, and I bet your issues goes away. As several others pointed out this is a neck relief, or rather lack of, issue, that is fixed by loosening the truss rod. If that doesn't help you might need higher tension/gauge strings. Edited August 7, 2022 by Baloney Balderdash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.