Need to file down some frets. Assistance appreciated.

[thornev]

I've got my bass setup nicely, intonated, very good strings, the action nice and low as I like it. However, on the G string, starting about at the 10th fret, I'm getting string buzz. I have the tools to file down frets, but I've never attempted it on more than one fret. If anyone on this forum has filed bass frets, I'd appreciate any advice. Yes, I could take it to a luthier and I know a good one about 1 hour away. I like to do my own work, learn when I need to as in this case. I'll approach it one fret at a time, checking my work after each fret filing. At any point if it's not going well, I'll stop. I have confidence I can do the work.

I've tried raising the bridge on that side, but when I raise it enough to get rid of G string fret buzz, the G and D string action is too high. There are no issues on the other 3 strings. It's just the G and just those dozen or so frets. I've adjusted the truss rod too, but apparently there is a rise on the G side. I can see it when I site down the neck. Unfortunately I've seen this issue before where the truss cannot adjust for unevenness in the fret height.

 

[mellowgerman]

I'd recommend using one of those metal fingerboard guard thingies that sits all around the fret. Also making a line along top of the fret with a black sharpie and then just making it as thin and centered as possible

 

[lungimsam]

Was it buzzing before you took the strings off and left the strings off to do all the electronics work or did this just start? If it just started give it a few days it may take a few days for your neck to appreciate the tension of the strings before it settles down.
Also, what is your neck relief set to?

 

[thornev]

Different strings buzz differently or not at all. I've got Pyramid Gold on it now. My neck relief is set for lowest action possible. I like the marker idea. That way I can see where I've filed. I've got a long metal ruler so I can see where the frets are higher. I did wait a day for the truss adjustment to settle. That's usually enough.

 

[3bolt79]

Sounds like it’s time for a level and crown. Best if it’s done with the neck under the same tension that the strings exert. If you don’t have the tools to do it, it would be cheaper to have a tech do it.

 

[thornev]

Success. I files down the last 3 frets under the G string and buzz is gone. I used a flat file and then a crowning file. I probably should have polished the frets with 320 and 600 grit and polishing compound, but since I won't be playing way up that neck too often I figured I could get away without. There are some minor fret scratches I could buff out. Maybe later.

It turned out that the buzz wasn't bad at the 10th fret. It's not really buzz. It's more like clacking like with slapping. The notes sustain just fine. It was those last 3 frets where sustain was affected.