constant fret buzz on all strings

S

sinbad7

Dec 17, 2010
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5
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#1
Hey guys! So I recently bought a brand new Ibanez SRFF805. Absolutely love the bass! But I have realized that there seems to be constant fret buzz from about the 9th fret to the 12th fret on all strings. I noticed it when I bought it at the store, but didn't think anything of it because it definitely needed setup. So I ordered my preferred strings (Dunlop super bright steel 125-45) and started setting it up. I've been setting up my own basses and guitars for years and am very comfortable with doing this and have always been able to get exactly what I want. So after setting it up and getting the action pretty close to where I wanted it, I still noticed some buzz in the same spots. So I did some more adjustments (truss rod) and figured I'd see if things had to "break in". Well its been just about month and nothing as changed at all. And I can raise the action high enough to stop the buzz, but then it becomes unplayable. So my question is, what should I do? Do I have uneven frets? Should I call the store I bought it from? Should I call Ibanez? Should I take it somewhere to get professionally set up? I haven't tried shimming the nut or anything along those lines, because that shouldn't need done on a brand new bass. So let me know what you guys think!
Thanks a ton!
 
#2
It sounds like you have a high fret. If the fretting stops after the 12th, then the 13th is the high one. That fret may have lifted up, or a bump may have developed in the neck, whatever. You need to determine what the fault is, fix it, and then level the frets. Then, you can do your setup.
 
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#4
I have never had an Ibanez that didn't require fret work. Their fret job sucks. Fujigen is too lazy to do a good job on even "made in Japan" basses. And here goes the list of what I have.

SR3006 Prestige
SRFF4505 Prestige
ATK1204 Prestige
Groove Ling G105

All of them required a fret job. I must say though, after plekking the 3006, it plays so well it is truly unbelievable. I don't think there is a better playing 6 string at the price I paid which was 1200 bucks brand new. The thing is solid. One thing I can say is that the Atlas Neck is stupendously stiff. Once you fix the frets, they all play well. If you like the tone and feel, it is worth fixing. Their truss rod is usually pretty conventional acting so it shouldn't be too horrible. Just make sure you check the rod action first before you commit to anything. If you can and have the time, acclimate the bass in a humidified room @ 40-50%. The neck will shift a tiny bit. None of my Ibanez had any weird acting truss rods so it should not be too hard of a fret job, if that is all that's required.

It's sad that even their prestige line up is plagued by such stupid problems because once you fix it, it truly becomes a good bass. On the other hand, any Ibanez is still better in build quality my thru neck Musicman Stingray 5 HH. That thing is a joke. I swear it's the worst bass I have in my collection. Compared to that junk your SRFF is a a demi-god.
 
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#8
Play fanned fret bass, choice the 37' multi scale not 35.5' .
I own a SRFF805 previously, i though she is great, but feel dissapointed with it after the honeymoon.
Been try the LTD B1005SE at GC, surprisingly great in term of tone , build quality and comfort playing. The B string sound is far better than SRFF805 and better tone balance pickup sound compare to BH1 pup.
LTD is little expensive compare to SRFF805, but for great Nordy pickup, hipshot tuning machine , hipshot solo bridge and great preamp, it is worth to pay.

B-1005SE MULTI-SCALE
 
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