Q&A: How can I keep my bass guitar’s E string from touching the neck when I restring it?
Question by Alastair: How can I keep my bass guitar’s E string from touching the neck when I restring it?
I’m restringing my bass guitar, and the low E is wound up tightly. The only problem is, however, that the string makes a harsh, robotic buzzing noise. It’s not good tone, and I realize now that it does this because it’s making contact with the frets on the upper part of the neck. Is it wound too tight? Can I adjust the height of the string? Do I need to? Help.
Best answer:
Answer by daveydiablo69
It’s not the string. This is called low-action. It’s when the bridge is set low and the string are touching the frets. You can just set the bridge a bit higher, this should fix it. If you’re unsure about messing with your guitar, just take it to a shop and they should raise it for you free of charge. Hopes this helps [:
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Reader Comments
Your neck is back-bowed slightly, meaning its bending backwards away from the strings. If its only a slight buzz then adjust the bridge saddle with a little allen key and move the string higher a mm or two. If it was me I’d adjust the truss rod, which is a bar down the centre of the neck for fixing bends but its also dangerous and if you do it too much the neck might snap. If you’re desperate to attempt it then take the plate off the top, put a matching allen key in and turn it very slightly (like, less than a quarter of a turn) anti-clockwise. Don’t go mad as the neck will reset shortly after you’ve unscrewed it slightly. When you retune you should notice the difference. I’d recommend you get a pro to do this though, just in case
Of course, bass strings are supposed to buzz a little. If it’s not coming through the amp then its really nothing to worry about.