Fret buzz...because of strings sagging?

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Little problem i have, my bass has had some fret buzzing for quite some time. And i've come to believe that the strings are so old that they're sagging down. This is proven when i hold the bass fretboard towards the ground and play there's no buzz. But if i hold it fretboard facing the ceiling i can't even play open strings without buzzing or completely muted strings.

So i'm pretty much asking for opinions on this theory and if it's correct or worth a shot, what strings should i get? Also is there a way to find out what gauge strings are on your bass/guitar other than reading off a package? caus i bought the bass without knowing how old the strings or what gauge they were.

[noob_saioke45601]

it could be old strings or it could be a fret. just in case i would get new strings if your strings on your bass are starting to wear in case they just suddenly snap or loose sound. theres some kinda gadget i found on one guitar site (cant remember what one though but ill find it) has a fret tester also that checks to see if a certain fret it buzzing and this little thing cost like 15 bucks or so.

i know nothing about bass strings but if they have ernie ball bass strings than ernie ball is a good quality (i personally like the ernie ball super slinky strings for a 6 string guitar). like i said im not sure if ernie ball makes them for bass or not.

i dont think there is a way to find out what size a certain string is by yourself but maybe you could take it to a local music shop and they might tell you.

[Chet Ubetcha]

If it's been so long that you question if your strings are too old or not...chances are that they need to be replaced. Replace the strings first. Stretch them good and make sure they hold pitch.

If that doesn't do it, your neck probably needs adjusting. Keep in mind that holding stringed instruments at different angles (eg: face down vs. face up) changes the string tension no matter whether they are old or not.