I’m brand new to bass, and I’ll admit I’m intimidated about fixing it myself. A local luthier fixed my E string rattle, then my A string rattle - nut issues. But now, the 8th fret on the E string rattles. Just the 8th fret. Just the E string.
It was really distracting in Module 11, Lesson 3 (Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag). Hit that note a LOT.
Can someone tell me what might cause one fret out of 21 to do this?
Either a lifted or popped fret or a high spot on the fret itself. Is the fret fully seated across the fretboard?
Can you run a finger nail or business card along the bottom edge of the fret and feel any gap? If not it is fully seated it’s likely a high spot.
Have you checked out the BassBuzz bass setup video? If not, it’s probably a good place to start 
I will check that out! Thank you!
I have watched it, and like the rest of Josh’s instruction, it is a great resource. I’m just too big a chicken to jump in and do it. Some day I will find the courage!
This would be my first guess too if it’s only the 8th fret rattling. Another way to get an idea is taking a straight edge and setting it edge wise on the 8th fret next to the E string. See if it sits flush with the other frets.
I know set-ups can be super intimidating the first time! I only started doing mine because of budget reasons, but now I enjoy the process. I find it incredibly satisfying to be able to fix and adjust my basses to exactly how I want them.
Good luck with banishing the rattle!
fret rocker tools are cheep 
, if you going to use a long straight edge, you gotta have a notched straight edge to make sure your neck is straight…
Fret rockers are nice for sure! I should have specified that a shorter straight edge (mine preferred one is 6” not one the length of the neck) has personally helped me broadly sort out if it’s an isolated fret issue or not.
Same. It’s great information but I would feel more comfortable cutting my teeth on secondary/lower end bass.
The notched straight edge for bass is not too expensive. Philadelphia Luthier Supply has the correct one. I had originally skinflinted and bought one advertised as bass but it was falsely labeled by the temu shop that sold it.
And unless the neck is perfectly straight, the fret rocker is useless. I would suggest watching some Stew-Mac videos before jumping in head first. It is not rocket science by any means but you need to follow the steps to do it right.
Also, twoodfrd has the best videos when it comes to anything related to a stringed instrument. And his humorous insights are an added bonus.
Don’t blame me if you binge watch.
I can understand that. I paid to get my first setup. Then I bought a second bass and figured it was time I learned myself. I’m an engineer so I’m the kind of guy that likes all of the details. I ended up watching the videos referenced in this post.
I’ve been doing my own setups and adjustments ever since.
Could also be neck relief needs a quick adjust in that area, agree fret may be a bit high and that might be the first spot you see the sign of truss rod needing adjustment. Get used to doing it, it’s a seasonal thing.
I just went with the Harley Benton one from Thoman, was not expensive at all at least a good choise if you are in europe, it does 34¨ and 35¨ scale lenghts
little hammering has fixed my bass alot, though it could use a level and re crown, but it got alot better just by some hammering with a screwdriver handle
Which videos?
This is the first of the series.
