Hi friends,
I have a Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass. I got tools to do a full setup (using Josh’s video on YT as a guide). Everything is dialed in, except for the 9th fret on the A string. No matter what adjustments I make, the buzz doesn’t go away. Has anyone else had this issue? Is this a Fender-specific problem?
Have you checked for a high fret?
Use a straight edge to find out, or take it to a plek machine.
As @JimmyWishbone mentions sounds like you’ve got a high fret. A fretkisser and/or crowning file will fix it . Not hard to address if you willingly to take it on. BTW StewMac is currently having a sale on some fret tools - their fretkisser is 50% for a limited time.
Yeah, basically three tools needed and it’s easy. A fret rocker, a fretting hammer, and rarely a crowning file. The crowning file is the last resort; usually it’s just a fret that has risen a little as the wood flexes seasonally.
Usually a few taps from the fretting hammer will fix it. Lots of videos on YouTube.
For fret rocker, I really like this combo tool from MusicNomad:
If you already have a small brass peening hammer that would work but fretting hammers are cheap too. Something like this rubber one would work great.
https://www.amazon.com/Holmer-Fretting-Electric-Acoustic-Mandolin/dp/B085HQQX3G/
Hold off on the crowning file until you’re sure a few taps won’t fix it. I happen to like Hosco files but YMMV.
In all cases, StewMac will be a good option but also by far the most expensive and not really any higher quality.
These are all very helpful. However, I took my string action ruler and used the straight edge as a rocker on the 8th 9th and 10th frets and they all seem level to me. I definitely can’t see any lifting. The bass was made in 2022 and I live in a very mild climate. Taking it to the repair shop is last resort, their minimum fee is $150.
Can you verify the buzzing is in front of your fretted finger? I saw a video on back buzz and I forget what the solution was but if the frets are even it might be it.
I know with my P bass I got buzzing in the nut slot because the break angle of the strings wasn’t enough. I tried to replace the strings and put more winds on it but I accidently cut that one short too so ultimately I did the baking soda and super glue trick in the nut slot and that worked like a charm.
Anyway just a few ideas. odd buzzes can drive you nuts.
I went back with the straight edge this time on the 9th 10th and 11th frets. I discovered a tiny wobble on the 9th fret, so I think the 10th fret needs to be filed down a bit. I don’t have the tools (or confidence) for that kind of work, so I’m gonna see if my local tech can do it. That’ll set me back $100
Honestly it very likely just needs a tap with a soft mallet like a brass jeweler’s hammer or a fretting hammer. Probably all it takes 75% of the time in my experience. I see this pretty frequently - every year or so - as the seasonal swing is huge here.
It has nothing to do with the quality of your bass, it’s just how wood works.
One option, though not the greatest option as it does not address the underlying issue, is to raise the string height on the A string until the buzzing goes away.
The action is pretty maxed out on the A string, about 3.25mm. I got myself a little mallet. Gonna try the tapping it see if that works. Just hoping it doesn’t cause the ends to flare out. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Gentle taps, support the neck directly behind where you are tapping.
Also, check all the frets, usually if there is a high one there’s a couple more.
Recommend finding a good video on using a fret rocker as there’s a couple tricks, like this one:
I watched this exact video with no luck. The guitar repair store quoted me $325 for a full fret level and dress and setup. I bought a $25 crowning file instead gonna see if I can level it myself. The rocker showed me that it’s only the bass side of the fret that’s high; the treble side is even with the adjacent frets
yep that’s the next step, good luck!
On my Fender Jazz bass I have the buzzing also. Ofc I am not a superstar, but on my other basses (P bass and Dingwall) I dont have that problem and the action has been set the same. I am gonna let a luthier have a look (again).