Annoying fret buzz

[Maurice Hason]

Hello, it's been a while since I was on board and I would like to ask a professional opinion before making any changes to my bass.

I purchased my BT6 five months ago, new, and it played excellent, very low action and not fret buzz at all.

Unfortunately, due to a family tragedy I didn't play at all for 2 months.

Now that I picked up the bass again, I have a buzz between frets 10 to 15. It sounds like the notes are chocking.

This is mainly on the C and G strings, but also appears on the lower strings but less severe. On the C and G strings this is really annoying and unplayable.

I assume this has to do with climate change, temperature and humidity, and it can probably be solved by tuning the neck. I am comfortable with tuning the neck, I always setup my basses on my own, but I wanted to be sure before making any changes.

Observing the neck relief from the tunes down to the body, it has a vary small bow on the B-string side, and even a smaller (almost flat) on the C-string side.

Thanks in advance,
Maurice

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Maurice Hason

Hello, it's been a while since I was on board and I would like to ask a professional opinion before making any changes to my bass.

I purchased my BT6 five months ago, new, and it played excellent, very low action and not fret buzz at all.

Unfortunately, due to a family tragedy I didn't play at all for 2 months.

Now that I picked up the bass again, I have a buzz between frets 10 to 15. It sounds like the notes are chocking.

This is mainly on the C and G strings, but also appears on the lower strings but less severe. On the C and G strings this is really annoying and unplayable.

I assume this has to do with climate change, temperature and humidity, and it can probably be solved by tuning the neck. I am comfortable with tuning the neck, I always setup my basses on my own, but I wanted to be sure before making any changes.

Observing the neck relief from the tunes down to the body, it has a vary small bow on the B-string side, and even a smaller (almost flat) on the C-string side.

Thanks in advance,
Maurice

You can only really check a neck with a machinist's straight edge. Any other side view picks up the fret bevel as well distorting the view. No way you can tell for sure with string reflection and fret crown what the neck is really doing or to the degree.

[Tim Bishop]

Without seeing the bass, it's difficult to pin-point and be precise with an answer.

However, depending on condition of frets and how you store your bass when you are not playing it could be a factor. I always store my bass in the OHSC in a controlled environment when not in use. Smith necks are VERY stable, however, if exposed to the elements (i.e. humidity, temp changes, etc.) any instrument will pay the price. Sounds like you need a correct set-up. An appropriate neck and bridge adjustment most likely will correct your issue.

[Maurice Hason]

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Without seeing the bass, it's difficult to pin-point and be precise with an answer.

However, depending on condition of frets and how you store your bass when you are not playing it could be a factor. I always store my bass in the OHSC in a controlled environment when not in use. Smith necks are VERY stable, however, if exposed to the elements (i.e. humidity, temp changes, etc.) any instrument will pay the price. Sounds like you need a correct set-up. An appropriate neck and bridge adjustment most likely will correct your issue.

The bass was 2 months in the original OHSC. It played excellent before, not a single buzz, so I don't understand what can be the reason for this change all by itself.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Maurice Hason

The bass was 2 months in the original OHSC. It played excellent before, not a single buzz, so I don't understand what can be the reason for this change all by itself.

Again, temp changes (i.e. humidity, heat and cold, etc.). It doesn't matter if the bass is a day old. If you expose it to undesirable elements, you should expect an adverse reaction. Again, sounds like you need a correct set-up to correct it. It's really that simple.

[Tim Bishop]

Another thought, since the bass is new. Maybe the bass has settled from sitting unplayed for awhile. Again, nothing a correct set-up from a qualified individual couldn't easily correct.

[Tim Bishop]

Just curious. Is the finish on the bass lacquer or oil?