| Author | Message | ||
| rob
New Username: rob Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2003 |
Hello all Well, I just received my 36" scale 5 string Series I w/SII electronics, so I am a very happy man right now (for a pic, see "Rob's Custom Series II" in the FTC section). It's quite amazing, but I am having open string buzz on the A and D strings. Can someone who knows what they're talking about let me know if this sounds like a nut adjustment or a neck adjustment? (I'm new to this adjustable nut thing) If neck, would it be both truss rods since it's the middle two strings? Thanks for any info! Rob | ||
| effclef
Intermediate Member Username: effclef Post Number: 173 Registered: 1-2004 |
Hi, Rob! Fear not...several people will jump in on this. I'll take a first shot: open string buzz is usually at the first fret, which means NUT. Fret all the strings at the first fret and see if the buzz goes away. If it does, you may want to raise the nut a little. Loosen the center screw (which fastens it down) and then raise it with the two outside ones. The Alembic "owner's manual" page has info: Good luck - EffClef. http://www.alembic.com/support/care.html "Brass Adjustable Nut Our unique brass adjustable nut is featured on every Alembic guitar and bass. There are three adjustment screws on the string nut. The center screw locks the nut in place and must be loosened before attempting to raise or lower the nut. The two outer screws determine the height of the nut. The 5/64" hex driver supplied with your instrument is required to make these adjustments. Here's how to do it properly: Detune the bass a little bit. Loosen the center locking screw. Adjust the outer screws to the desired height. When you tighten one of the screws, the height increases on that side only. Tighten the center screw once the optimum height is achieved. You will need to change the string nut height when you change the gauge of your strings. Smaller gauge strings will rest lower in the nut slots than larger ones. If you dramatically change the strings, you may need to order a new nut than can be slotted to your new string size. You also need to raise the nut if you have a persistent buzz on open strings. The nut does not need to be adjusted equally on both sides. You may want the nut to slant in certain situations. For cleaning, see the brass care section of this document." | ||
| keavin
Advanced Member Username: keavin Post Number: 400 Registered: 12-2002 |
you might want to adjust height on the nut & maybe raise the bridge. | ||
| xlrogue6
Member Username: xlrogue6 Post Number: 67 Registered: 8-2002 |
I'd check the truss rod first--don't know where you're located but most likely source of the problem is that the neck moved in response to differing atmospheric conditions between the Mothership and your place. | ||
| bob
Advanced Member Username: bob Post Number: 229 Registered: 11-2002 |
Two questions: is it really only the open A and D (no fretted notes), and are you sure it's string buzz and not some other noise? I agree that the most likely shift in transit would be the neck, but I'd hold off on messing with either the truss rods or bridge until you're sure it's not something simpler. (These aren't difficult, but it's good to take things slowly, one step at a time.) It seems a little odd that your neck would have straightened just barely enough to give you open string buzz but none on any fretted notes. So raising the nut slightly, mostly on the G side, would be a great place to start. Also be sure to snug up the lockdown screw (center) when you're done, and check the two outer screws to make sure neither is loose - they're not likely to rattle in a way you would confuse with fret buzz, but you never know. Often a new bass ships with the nut all the way down (so it doesn't look broken to the uninitiated), so the outer screws might not actually be holding up the nut - in which case you should still snug them up so they aren't loose. If that doesn't work, let us know, and provide any further observations you might have. Good luck, and enjoy. | ||
| davehouck
Senior Member Username: davehouck Post Number: 594 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hi Rob; congrats on an absolutely wonderful bass! |
