I worked as a guitar tech for many years. Firstly, Try wrapping more of the string around the tuning post. With bass A strings on Fenders i have had some success with this quick fix, ultimately you want 2 to 3 wraps on the post. This can also improve sustain and energy transfer on the A string. Second, the nut might simply be worn, or cut improperly for the string gauge you are using. To check this shim the string with a small piece of paper under and around the string directly in the strung nut slot to ensure a tighter fit in the nut. If it stops buzzing you may need to replace the nut or fill the slot and recut. If you are unsure, like in Medical advice, check with a local tech. Dont just call, they should see the instrument themselves, like an Auto Mechanic.
I never worked as a guitar tech but I've been playing for a long time and I'm a professional in other types of tech. I was going to call out the same two possible issues/solutions. Replacing a nut is too big a job for most players but it's no big deal for a proper repair shop. It might even correct some issues you didn't know you had.
Just put more winds on the shaft, at least 3 times around, enough to push the string take off point to the bottom of the shaft, so your angle to the nut is way steeper.
Nah that doesn’t work if you’ve got a heavy plucking/picking technique, there’s a reason Leo Fender moved the string tree to the A and D strings when he designed the Stingray.
I noticed that you only have 2 wraps on the A machine head, I know if I don't have minimum 3 on any of my Fenders whether they be MIA, MIJ, MIM or the Squire line they sometimes depening on the stings I use have a slight buzz. Next string swap out, try wrapping at least 3 turns going down and see if that cures it.
Dude, you're not getting enough break angle by having more winds around the post. Looking at yours, the string retainer did absolutely nothing for your string post. I used to have the exact same problem with the open A string buzz when i thought it was the nut. I solved it by having a lot more winds and always ensuring i can get the string to wind to the bottom of the post as much as possible. Did the trick for me and it can do the same for yours too. Ditch the rubber band and just give it more winds😭😂
You are right, you need 3-4 turns of string wound around the tuner shaft, and to do this you just need to read the manuals, which recommend cutting the strings 4 inches long after the tuner, and not 2 inches, as in this video)
man my fender has that EXACT same problem with the A string. I was considering getting a stealth retainer but it i guess not now. Oh well I appreciate the review
My homemade jazz bass had this issue, I originally thought it was due to my neck twisting forward past the nut, however a bit of research and this is a fairly common issue with the headstock design. (winding the string with 2 or 3 laps around the tuner post may help fix the angle from the nut, reducing the open string buzz) I couldn't use this type of retainer because I chose to install a set of Wilkinson tuners that have press fit bushings instead of a threaded nut. However I fix this issue with a capo behind the nut lol, bass plays fantastic and I dont get that annoying rattle when playing the open A
I changed the bridge on a squire bass to a Ray Ross bridge and installed DR blacks I noticed this extreme buzz and it seems to disappear once I dampened the string.It is on the A string.I adjusted the height od the bridge for that string with no improvement I did work out that a rubber band should be useful. I also wondered if I had more string wound if it would make a difference, It seems to be a fender flaw.
Have you checked all your compliance measurements, truss rod , string height, neck straightness, have you done a full set up or had it done. Out of the box settings suck.
Hi!! Did you change to a thinner string gauge? Many times the fault is fixed by changing the gauge of the strings that Fender uses by default (045-.105) the string is vibrating inside the nut because of a thinner gauge.
I worked as a guitar tech for many years. Firstly, Try wrapping more of the string around the tuning post. With bass A strings on Fenders i have had some success with this quick fix, ultimately you want 2 to 3 wraps on the post. This can also improve sustain and energy transfer on the A string.
Second, the nut might simply be worn, or cut improperly for the string gauge you are using. To check this shim the string with a small piece of paper under and around the string directly in the strung nut slot to ensure a tighter fit in the nut. If it stops buzzing you may need to replace the nut or fill the slot and recut.
If you are unsure, like in Medical advice, check with a local tech. Dont just call, they should see the instrument themselves, like an Auto Mechanic.
I never worked as a guitar tech but I've been playing for a long time and I'm a professional in other types of tech. I was going to call out the same two possible issues/solutions.
Replacing a nut is too big a job for most players but it's no big deal for a proper repair shop. It might even correct some issues you didn't know you had.
I drilled a tiny hole through the string retainer and screwed it down to stop it rising. Solved it for me. 👍🏽
Fender should have thought of that!
Just put more winds on the shaft, at least 3 times around, enough to push the string take off point to the bottom of the shaft, so your angle to the nut is way steeper.
Nah that doesn’t work if you’ve got a heavy plucking/picking technique, there’s a reason Leo Fender moved the string tree to the A and D strings when he designed the Stingray.
I noticed that you only have 2 wraps on the A machine head, I know if I don't have minimum 3 on any of my Fenders whether they be MIA, MIJ, MIM or the Squire line they sometimes depening on the stings I use have a slight buzz. Next string swap out, try wrapping at least 3 turns going down and see if that cures it.
Dude, you're not getting enough break angle by having more winds around the post. Looking at yours, the string retainer did absolutely nothing for your string post. I used to have the exact same problem with the open A string buzz when i thought it was the nut. I solved it by having a lot more winds and always ensuring i can get the string to wind to the bottom of the post as much as possible. Did the trick for me and it can do the same for yours too. Ditch the rubber band and just give it more winds😭😂
You are right, you need 3-4 turns of string wound around the tuner shaft, and to do this you just need to read the manuals, which recommend cutting the strings 4 inches long after the tuner, and not 2 inches, as in this video)
man my fender has that EXACT same problem with the A string. I was considering getting a stealth retainer but it i guess not now. Oh well I appreciate the review
Add one more wind to that A string and you’ll be fine
But this is mainly used from what I’ve seen for larger gauged strings like a B or E string
My homemade jazz bass had this issue, I originally thought it was due to my neck twisting forward past the nut, however a bit of research and this is a fairly common issue with the headstock design. (winding the string with 2 or 3 laps around the tuner post may help fix the angle from the nut, reducing the open string buzz)
I couldn't use this type of retainer because I chose to install a set of Wilkinson tuners that have press fit bushings instead of a threaded nut. However I fix this issue with a capo behind the nut lol, bass plays fantastic and I dont get that annoying rattle when playing the open A
I screwed on an extra string tree on my jbass. Its a MIM jbass so I wasnt too bothered adding it but would do it to an AM jbass
I changed the bridge on a squire bass to a Ray Ross bridge and installed DR blacks
I noticed this extreme buzz and it seems to disappear once I dampened the string.It is on the A string.I adjusted the height od the bridge for that string with no improvement
I did work out that a rubber band should be useful.
I also wondered if I had more string wound if it would make a difference,
It seems to be a fender flaw.
Have you checked all your compliance measurements, truss rod , string height, neck straightness, have you done a full set up or had it done. Out of the box settings suck.
A heavier 3 string tree lower down the headstock would do it I would think
That's a ridiculous price for that little piece--thanks for your review. What string gauge are you using?
The Sandberg string retainer is a much better solution to the problem, and are available for 4 or 5-string basses.
In the old days bass strings would have fabric wrapped at the end of the strings, this would end the buzz
Hi!! Did you change to a thinner string gauge? Many times the fault is fixed by changing the gauge of the strings that Fender uses by default (045-.105) the string is vibrating inside the nut because of a thinner gauge.
It happens the same with my jazz bass (,Mexican). I bought it brand new en 2021. Have you tried filing the nut?
Im pretty sure the buzz is about strings height
You need to cut the nut right (the angle of the slot)
Subbed
It sounds like that buzz is coming from your bridge.
You néed heavy vintage tunners, more weight on thé head
I had a jazz deluxe w this buzz. Sold it. Won't buy any bass with that A string buzz ever again.
I dont think this would work for a Made in Mexico bass, as the washer around the tuner posts are not hex like in the video... too bad it didnt work.
Yeah. Only works for US basses as far as I could tell.
Nut problem, awful cut
blue tack
With every fender and FSO bass I've owned, going back to 1986, I've never had this problem.
How nice for you. Very helpful. Thanks?
@@Great-Documentaries Learn to install your strings correctly. It's already been covered here in the comments plenty. You're welcome.
Stick with the rubber band. That’s what they are designed for!
Washer? 20 cents.
Bruh just get a fret rap lmao it’s like 7 bucks
Learn how to properly string a fender bass.