The 'E' note (2nd fret on the D string) is buzzing l on the new Taylor acoustic that I bought online from ZZOUNDS. I have checked all of the other notes many times on each of the strings and this seems to be the only note buzzing. Any suggestions as to the fix would be appreciated.

Tony

Have a pro luthier/repairman do the job.

I agree. I have been searching for someone qualified but it seems like around here (Alabama) that is like searching for a needle in a haystack

I had this problem on an SX bass, there was a buzz on the A string octave, turned out the 13th fret at that spot, wasn't set all the way into the slot , it was a little high, a quick tap with a hammer fixed it. Likely the 3rd fret on your guitar's D string is a little high. If you want to try the hammer fix, first put a piece of masking tape on the fret first, so it doesn't get marred. Then give it a quick firm tap(BE CAREFUL!). See if that helps. If it doesn't, then you may want to take it to a luthier. Of course, if you don't like the idea of taking a hammer to your new guitar, then definitely just take it to a luthier.

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'08 Fender Am. Std. Jazz bass, maple fretboard, charcoal frost metallic finish
'10 Squier VM Jazz bass, maple fretboard, natural finish
Ampeg BA115
'09 MIM standard Strat, maple fretboard, sunburst finish
Fender Super Champ XD

My acoustic did that when it was new. I went up to 12's and it stopped. A year later dropped back down to 11's and no buzz, even tuned down to D. Maybe it was just break in.

What does ZZounds have to say? Are they willing to replace-repair your guitar? Maybe pick up the tab for an authorized Taylor repair?

Please keep us posted,
John.E

John.E:

I already contacted customer service and am waiting for a response now. Since this is the second guitar (first one arrived with defects in the guitar's finish), I am hoping they will reimburse me for a repair if that is necessary. I really don't want to return it for a replacement unless I have to. The only bad part is finding a luthier. It would appear that in my area of Alabama, a good luthier/guitar tech is hard to find.

Tony

A little word of caution,don't try to remedy that yourself if it is a factory defect in the guitar and only bring it to a Taylor approved luthier.If you go at yourself or engage a luthier/tech not endorsed by Taylor you would most likely void the warranty coverage and you'll be left on the hook for all future repairs.Since this your second bad experience with Taylor ask the store if they'll do a deal for you on another brand acoustic.BTW Martin has some great new acoustics and at pretty reasonable prices.Another thought just came to me,could it be possible that the folks at ZZsounds are bringing in factory seconds?Two bad Taylors in a row is strange for a brand that prides itself and is very well known for benchmark guitars.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

aww man thats crappy :/ One fret isnt shaven down properly and is catching by the sounds of it.
best wishes on getting it repaired through ZZ sounds though hopefully it'll be les stressful.

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A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski~

The way I tackle such problems is-

If the same note buzzes all over the neck (eg E 12th,7th & 2nd) it's something come loose and rattling amlified by the notes frequency.

If it is one note in one area its a setup problem.

Eitherway acoustics aint like electrics. Get it back to the shop.

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No no and no

I caution you:

It seems most have diagnosed sight unseen that your guitar has a high 3rd fret. This may or may not be true as oftentimes, simply a defective string, a mild reverse warp or even a high fourth fret can create the same symptom. So, before you go off looking to reduce the height of that third fret (which may or may not be the cause), I urgently recommend you consider having a bona-fide professional examine your high-end guitar. If you honestly can't find one, you'll obviously have to send the guitar somewhere for remedy as this way, you won't void the warranty and under warranty, you get the proper cause corrected. You did the right thing by contacting zZounds for guidance.

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You dig?

+1 I'd let a professional handle it without a doubt. If you screw the pooch on an acoustics neck, it's not like you can just unbolt it and replace it.

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Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal

The seller (ZZOUNDS) emailed me to get a pro setup, at my expense of course. I called Taylor Guitars today and the representative told me to change the strings and adjust the trussrod. He also stated that if that did not work, I should get a pro setup (again at my expense).

I do not feel that I should have to pay just to get a brand new guitar to minimal acceptable standards. I am not wanting the guitar set up to my own specs, just that it work properly to begin with.

I really hate to return the guitar but that is what it looks like I am going to do. After talking to Taylor, I called ZZOUNDS again. The rep there was uncooperative so I finally told him that I want to return it for a refund. He said OK, you will receive an email within 24 hours and hung up on me! Man I just love quality tech support.

I wouldn't deal with them again after you get the refund. I wouldn't deal with Taylor either for that matter.

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Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal

+1. Wash your hands of both.

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You dig?