Buzzing bass = frets have to be replaced?

  • Thread starter Thread starter bcnx
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bcnx

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Hi,

somebody gave me a Ibanez SR400. I've noticed the strings make a lot of noise, because they slap against the fretboard. I've looked into the rec.music.makers.bass FAQ and followed the instructions to adjust the neck etc., but still some buzzing going on on several frets, especially when I hit the strings quite hard.
I've seen that some frets are somewhat damaged, so could this be due to bad frets? Need they be replaced? Is this expensive?


Thx already!


A bass rookie
 
I doubt it is the frets fault, although if the frets at one location are too worn down, they may cause buzzing on frets higher up the neck (unlikely).

You mentioned that you performed all necessary adjustments, however to be sure, the most likely causes are:

- The truss rod still needs adjustment.
- The bridge height needs adjustment.

Other less likely causes include:
- Warping of the neck.
- Nut needs to be replaced.


Matt
 
The bridge is individually not adjustable. I can however change, how should I call them, the little bridges where each string individually rests on. Should that do the trick?
 
Seek Professional Help

The buzzing may or may not be caused by the frets. If you are not experienced with working on guitars/bass', I would take it to one of you local music stores and have a guitar tech do a "set-up" on your bass. It will probably cost about $30. They should check and level your frets, adjust the truss rod, nut, bridge and get the bass as playable as it can be. If the problem is with the frets, they will be able to let you know pretty quickly. A fret job on guitar costs about $160-250 depending on the guitar type and the market, and I'm guessing that bass guitars would be similar. A trusty guitar tech is any incredible asset, so search around if your not comfortable with the person working on the equipment.

Point to consider: Is the buzzing coming through the amp, or do you just hear it when you're not plugged in. If you don't hear it through the amp, it's probably not major and won't have to be addressed immediately.

Another Point: Don't play with that truss rod too much. More good guitars have been wrecked by DIY guitar players trying to make adjustments that they really don't understand.

Mark
 
Reassuring answer Mark, thanks!

I hope it'll stop at 30$... we'll see ...


GT, just raising strings and bridge will not do the trick, since action needs to be allright too acroos the entire neck.
 
My bass buzzed, then I raised the strings until it was an upright Stray Cats Bass! Sounds Good, look stupid.
 
bcnx:

You can use a small allen (hex) wrench on those "little bridges" to adjust their height.

Regarding taking it to a shop, there are a lot of idiots working at guitar shops that claim to be techs. Caveat emptor. Try adjusting the bass yourself before dropping your good cash on some idiot.
 
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