Is my first fret (especially on my lower strings) supposed to sound like crap?

[Dinosawesome]

Because it does. If it's no suppose to be sounding like crap, how do i fix it?

[Bassinator89]

Because it does. If it's no suppose to be sounding like crap, how do i fix it?

I dunno, I think my crap could sound different than yours, what do mean exactly?

[Specialsauce]

if it really doesnt sound right at all, get a setup.

[TheBassStylee]

be a tad more detailed, otherwise you cant get helped..

[ian g m]

Yeah, absolutely, your guitar should always sound like crap.

Seriously, what do you think?

[aznrocker]

Because it does. If it's no suppose to be sounding like crap, how do i fix it?

I think I know what your talking about. If you're talking about what I'm thinkin about, then:

Either the strings are to low on the fretboard

or

You aren't pushing the string down hard enough.

It's most likely the first one.

[aznrocker]

What kind of guitar do you have?

[Akira]

Probably an action issue.
Try pressing down harder. IF that doesn't work, take it to a professional. If you had to ask whether or not it is supposed to sound like crap, do not mess with it on you own.

[Kendal]

Because it does. If it's no suppose to be sounding like crap, how do i fix it?
It could be a number of things....your amp, strings, or your guitar.

[Trellio]

is it like a buzzing sound? I think I catch your drift. the action is probably too low on the guitar.

uh don't ask me on how to fix it, I'm a physician, not a surgeon.

[maco]

If you're not pressing hard enough, it'll buzz. If you are pressing hard enough, and it's still buzzing, the action needs to be raised. Do a set-up (or get a pro to do it).

Setting up your bass:
Always adjust the truss rod before the bridge. Get a set of allen wrenches (I probably spelled that wrong...whatever...they're the L-shaped hexagon-end things). Loosen your strings and move the centre string so they hook on the outside edge of the neck (ie. get them out of the way). Now, use a phillips head screw driver to get the truss-rod cover off (if there's a cover). Use the allen key to turn the truss rod left ie counter-clockwise (this loosens it). Since it's your first fret that's buzzing, it's the truss rod that's having the most effect. You should only have to turn it 2 or 3 times (like from holding the key vertical to about 10 o'clock would constitute a turn). Once the thinnest and thickest string both have clearance between them and the metal fret, you can stop. Put the cover back on. Put the strings back where they belong and tighten them back up. Now look at the 12th fret (the metal part closer to the body, not further). Check to see that the strings are all about 2-3 mm above the metal. It should be closest on the thinnest and highest on the thickest string. You are measuring from the bottom of the string to the metal fret. If the strings are too far away, get your smallest allen key. Use this to turn the little screws on the saddles left. Left will lower the bridge. Make sure each bridge sits level as well. If they are too close, turn right.

Do that and you'll be done buzzing. You might want to take it to a pro, though, if I didn't make perfect sense. I only know how because I work at a guitar store and had to do it when the set-up guy wasn't there so I grabbed the Guitar Doctor and made him teach me ^^

[Akira]

If you're not pressing hard enough, it'll buzz. If you are pressing hard enough, and it's still buzzing, the action needs to be raised. Do a set-up (or get a pro to do it).

Setting up your bass:
Always adjust the truss rod before the bridge. Get a set of allen wrenches (I probably spelled that wrong...whatever...they're the L-shaped hexagon-end things). Loosen your strings and move the centre string so they hook on the outside edge of the neck (ie. get them out of the way). Now, use a phillips head screw driver to get the truss-rod cover off (if there's a cover). Use the allen key to turn the truss rod left ie counter-clockwise (this loosens it). Since it's your first fret that's buzzing, it's the truss rod that's having the most effect. You should only have to turn it 2 or 3 times (like from holding the key vertical to about 10 o'clock would constitute a turn). Once the thinnest and thickest string both have clearance between them and the metal fret, you can stop. Put the cover back on. Put the strings back where they belong and tighten them back up. Now look at the 12th fret (the metal part closer to the body, not further). Check to see that the strings are all about 2-3 mm above the metal. It should be closest on the thinnest and highest on the thickest string. You are measuring from the bottom of the string to the metal fret. If the strings are too far away, get your smallest allen key. Use this to turn the little screws on the saddles left. Left will lower the bridge. Make sure each bridge sits level as well. If they are too close, turn right.

Do that and you'll be done buzzing. You might want to take it to a pro, though, if I didn't make perfect sense. I only know how because I work at a guitar store and had to do it when the set-up guy wasn't there so I grabbed the Guitar Doctor and made him teach me ^^
Don't do that. Don't try to adjsut the truss rod yourself. As simple as it is for someone who knows how, if you just mess around you will screw your bass.

[maco]

hey i said ya might want to take it to a pro if i you dont understand that perfectly and all....

ive never actually had my bass set-up by someone else before, though...i got taught on a customer's Jackson guitar and then went home and set-up my new bass myself (and it no longer buzzes to hell and back)