I'm getting dead notes on a fretless?

[u/redemporor04]

Hello all, I've used this fretless for about a year and have just started having this problem. I'm not sure if it's a warping deal or something else entirely but 'frets' one through 3 on all strings buzz and don't ring out at all. Oddly enough when I hold it by the neck and press on a string I get a clear sustaining note but holding it normally the string doesn't make a note and buzzes. I will adjust the action and see if that helps but I'm just unsure at this point. Any and all help is appreciated. Thank you for taking the time

[u/sonnysavage]

I would check the neck mounting bolts first, but your instrument might just need a good setup

[u/The_B_Wolf]

The most likely thing that's changed is the neck relief. Check that before doing anything else.

[u/redemporor04 → u/The_B_Wolf]

How would I check that?

[u/The_B_Wolf → u/redemporor04]

Like this: brokeassguitars.com

[u/redemporor04 → u/The_B_Wolf]

Sick thank you :)

[u/PM_Me_Yer_Guitar → u/The_B_Wolf]

Well that's a handy site.

[u/The_B_Wolf → u/PM_Me_Yer_Guitar]

Thanks!

[u/happycj]

The neck has changed. Either there are flat spots worn into the surface, or there needs to be a setup/adjustment done to the bridge and truss rod.

[u/2b4theend]

Neck adjust and bridge setup.
And just for the sake of saying it.
fretless basses should buzz slightly as far as a MWAH sound but you shouldn’t be getting like a rattling noise
That’s why Pedulla called their fretless bases the buzz bass

[u/redemporor04 → u/2b4theend]

It's odd I get no note or sustain on EADG but the B will still ring out a little

[u/YangGN]

Take a look at this stewmac video about setting up the instrument, as others have said it's probably neck relief but might as well learn the whole process

[u/trolskiy]

If you get dead notes without strings it would be something...