Fret Buzz... OMG! or Eh!

[BassJuju]

So, I used to be quite particular about this, but not so much anymore. I don't mean every fret all day long buzzes, but minor buzzing now and again seems almost normal from all that I've heard. So, what say you?

 

[MonetBass]

It drives me nuts not matter how minute it is. Recently I dropped the action on my Jazz and discovered that due to my right hand technique, it wouldn't work. So I raised it up again to medium-low.

 

[HarveySpaceBass]

A 30 year Rotosound user, I recently switched to Dunlop Super Bright Stainless Steel. I made no adjustments on any of my basses and I found that the lower tension of the Dunlops gives me the perfect amount of fret buzz.

 

[nonohmic]

I don't mind it.

 

[Zerocps]

ugh, fret buzz bothers me so much. I always have my action high. contemplating lowering it though.

 

[LifeIsBass]

Used to drive me insane. Then, after watching some vids of some of my favorite bass players in low volume situations I realized how much clank and buzz they have! I started setting my neck straighter (just a tiny bit of relief) and my action lower. BAM! Amazing how much closer I can get to their tones. A little buzz doesn't bother me any more.

 

[TDR1138]

A little fret buzz is ok, but not if the frets are driving.

 

[Chasarms]

As long as it doesn't compromise the sustain or harmonics of the string, it's no big deal.

 

[Callused Finger]

For me some buzz is part of the game. Not enough to mute or effect sustain.

 

[SteveCS]

I see it as the fretted equivalent of 'mwah' (man I really don't like that term) on the fretless bass and I set up accordingly - available 'on demand'...

 

[96tbird]

Buzz and clank are tonal tools just as pick or fingers, attack position and angle, etc, etc. are tonal tools.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

A lot of Chris Squier's tone was selective fret buzz. It comes through clearly on Yes albums, but it's surprising how much fret buzz you hear on famous isolated bass tracks, or just how sloppy they are overall. They sound great in the mix, so maybe it doesn't matter much.

 

[Inara]

I don't mind a little fret buzz in a band context ... It's generally not even heard, or at least doesn't stick out. But when I hear someone playing a solo bass piece with lots of buzz, I turn it off. It's annoying, and not a musical sound. I'm not talking about hitting the strings hard for percussive effects, but just an "always-present" buzz ... I hate it. I do a lot of solo playing myself, some of it in fretted bass. I like my actions extremely low, but it has to be high enough that when combined with solid technique I don't produce that sort of fret buzz.

 

[Thrillhouse]

As long as it doesn't compromise the sustain or harmonics of the string, it's no big deal.

This is how I feel as well. There's a difference between the little bit of buzz from the initial attack but then the note rings out clearly and the kind of consistent buzz that chokes out a note. The former is fine with me but the latter I would have issue with.

 

[BassJuju]

A lot of Chris Squier's tone was selective fret buzz. It comes through clearly on Yes albums, but it's surprising how much fret buzz you hear on famous isolated bass tracks, or just how sloppy they are overall. They sound great in the mix, so maybe it doesn't matter much.

I totally agree... Once I started listening to isolated tracks of well known recordings, my confidence went way up, and this is the reason my opinion has changed. They all have a little fret buzz. To others points, I would agree that if it was jazz trio or quartet where things were more quiet, fret buzz would be too harsh and annoying. For those that haven't listened to isolated tracks of well known artists/songs you should give them a listen. I believe it will change your thinking.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

If you want to hear some pretty impressive isolated bass tracks, listen to Geddy Lee, the guy is a monster. Super crisp, perfect time. He gets plenty of fret noise, but that's because he really digs in.

 

[btmpancake]

Go fretless-lined or unlined and maybe flats will help if its that annoying. We can fix most things here on TB.

 

[kalle74]

I like my action low, and sound bright. Fret buzz never bothered me to any extent, unless affecting sustain or similar. I also play quite hard, and that buzz gives an aggressive quality which I like.