How to Get Rid of a Buzz on a Bass Guitar
- 1). Tighten any loose screws on the tuning keys of your bass guitar. A buzz-like rattle can originate in loose tuning keys.
- 2). Raise the saddle piece that holds the buzzing string in place. The saddles are located at the top of your bass guitar's bridge. In most cases, this is done by manipulating two small hex screws with a hex key. Periodically check the string for buzzing as you raise the saddle, to see if this alleviates the problem.
- 3). Lower the height of your pickups, if the buzzing string accidentally comes in contact with them. Most pickups are adjusted by turning two to four traditional screws on either side of the pickups.
- 4). Hold your bass guitar so that the tuning pegs are pointed toward the ceiling. Examine the guitar's neck. If it is bowing in either direction, the truss rod must be adjusted. The truss rod adjustment screw can be accessed from the headstock of the instrument, often beneath a plastic cover. If the neck is bowing toward the back of the bass, use your hex key to slightly loosen the truss rod. If it is bowing toward the front, use your hex key to slightly tighten it. Do not turn your hex key more than a quarter turn at a time. Over-adjustments can seriously damage your bass.
- 5). Examine your bass guitar's neck again. If it is still bowed, repeat Step 4. Continue until your neck is completely straight.
Source...