I recently noticed that my Fender Steve Harris Japan started to have fret buzz at specific frets. On the B note of the G string (end of the neck) it is making a loud buzzing sound, and it is appearing in the amplifier. On the D note on the same string (closer to the middle), it seems like the note has no sustain. And on the A note of the D string (near the middle of the neck), which is fretting. There was a sudden change in temperature here where I live, it was cold and now it is reaching 30ºC. I spoke to my luthier, and he said that the string might have some dents, but I didn't see any dents. I'm using Rotosounds SH77 flatwounds. Can anyone tell me if this is common for this specific model? Or could it be a change in temperature? I always leave it in its case and recently I left it on the tripod stand for a few hours...
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
Welcome to TalkBass! Want to remove ads? Register an account and login to see fewer ads, and become a Supporting Member to remove almost all ads.
Fret buzz on Fender Precision Bass
- Thread starter Asllan Pizzatto
- Start date
Your bass likely needs a proper new setup given the massive change in temperature and likely humidity as well.
A curious fact is that the fret buzz only appears on the audio monitor at high volume. If I'm using headphones or using the monitor at low volume, the problem doesn't appear.
Fret buzz should be obvious even if the bass is played unplugged.
Last edited:
Check the setup (plenty of videos on youtube on how to do that), it’s likely that the temperature change has influenced the neck. I’d also check if the frets are level. Buzz at the 4th fret could be caused by that that fret being too low, or the 5th fret being too high.
The second problem you mention, with the D on the G string, may be a dead spot on the neck. Are you sure it wasn’t there before?
The second problem you mention, with the D on the G string, may be a dead spot on the neck. Are you sure it wasn’t there before?
Sounds like you are having several issues.
The low sustain of the D on the G string is most likely a dead spot, a common issue with Fender basses especially when using flatwounds.
If what you think is fret buzz only appears with high volume, you are probably overdriving your monitors.
The other issues might be fret buzz and you should check neck relief and set the action properly.
The low sustain of the D on the G string is most likely a dead spot, a common issue with Fender basses especially when using flatwounds.
If what you think is fret buzz only appears with high volume, you are probably overdriving your monitors.
The other issues might be fret buzz and you should check neck relief and set the action properly.
It's just the temp/humidity etc.
You have to remember that allthough the wood is "dead" it's still very much an "alive" material, in that it reacts to all kindsa shizznit like weather, water, and ESP...
I have basses that I dont take out of their cases/room during winter months. Just keep em in a temp/humidity controlled room.
It's not THAT big of a deal with modern instruments, but it's definitely something to be careful of with vintages.
Modern ones may take effect too, but not in the same way. Modern ones can get twisted neck etc etc, but nitro painted or vintages will crack paint and all kindsa trouble.
Since you obviously live in an area with big seasonal changes, I 100% recommend you learn how to do your own setup and adjustments, or you'll be off to the luthier for intonation 4+ times a year.
Try this. Play the bass not plugged into anything, Does it still buzz? if not it's not your bass. Next loosen your strings then run your finger between between the fingerboard and the bottom of your strings. Feel if there are grooves worn in them. If you feel them they may need changed.
- Oct 13, 2022
- 1,198
- 3,499
- 2,036
- Disclosures
- Audio/Music software developer, contracted with a company you've heard of and deving my own stuff.
Adding to what @dbsfgyd1 said...
If it's only happening when you're playing loud through your audio monitor, and not unplugged or in headphones, my bet is something in your room is vibrating sympathetically to those frequencies.
Set the bass up to fender factory specifications using Imperial American rulers/gauges. Unless the frets are uneven, the only fret buzz you will get will be technique related.
My Player Precision was setup nicely when I bought it a few months back but I get a bit of fret buzz when playing towards the nut if I pluck too close to the neck. I like the action low though so I counter this by playing a fraction to the right of the pickup where the strings have more tension. This completely eliminates any buzzing.