Hi, I've done a set-up and adjustment on my maple neck Eric Johnson strat, but I still get buzzing on the low e and d when I use a pick. I've had the guitar since new, and its not had too much use.

I used the specs on the Fender website to start, and I'm sure its all right- the truss rod adjustment is right, and the action is already quite high.

Should a Strat be completely buzz-free, or am I chasing rainbows?

Any advice, comments, gratefully recieved.

what guage strings are you using and did you do your setup and then follow it with different guaged string? what fret is it buzzing at, one?

I am interested in the answer as well. I have done the same setup and follower Fender's specs but still have buzzing. I have D'Adario 11s on mine.

Every Strat I've ever owned has had a little buzz, or growl as I like to call it. However, if it is completly deadening the strings out, seek out different guage strings or have your nut height checked.

I use .10 gauge super slinkys.

It buzzes pretty much all the way up... just after you pick the note. Doesn't deaden the note at all, but just removes a little bit of the clarity.

Growl... I like that!

Are you hitting the strings too hard?

Not being funny but you did say


Perhaps your a little too vigourous with the pick? Its definately the cause if you dont get the buzz when using your thumb.

Personaly I have no buzz on my guitars, its entirely possible to acheive. It does involve a certain amount of compromise though, particularly on light bass strings such as slinky's. The lack of low end tension out of 10'sets led me to recently go back to slinky top, heavy bottom strings. The tension is far more balanced across the fretboard. The .052 low E does require raising though.

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No no and no

Fair enough... I tried it with my thumb, and its much better! Clearly more picking refinement needed... thanks.

I'll try the heavier bass strings, good idea. Presumably I'd need to do the set up again though for the higher tension strings.

Unfortunately you will but its no real biggie. The bass string saddles will need to move forwards (them slinky top heavy bottom strings are a great fix for 2 point trem guitars, where the low E reaches the end of its saddle adjustment) and the action will have to raise on them. Half a turn each grub screw on the bass saddles at most. Then maybe the bass side of the tremclaw will need tightening a half to full turn.

Its really no biggie, you could do it yourself with a little care. here are the instructions.

http://www.fender.com/support/stratocaster.php

Anything on that page is pretty much do-able by the layman. I'd leave the microtilt and truss adjustment sections alone though. Best getting someone with a little experience to guide you through them.

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No no and no

Thanks for the link... I'll try the heavier lower strings next set.

I doubt much would shift the 5 spring EJ trem!

I tend to get a slight buzz occasionally, but it usually does not come through the amp. Is the buzz noticable when playing through the amp?

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Its more as a slight deadening of the initial sustain... one of those things that I notice rather than others.

It sounds to me like your setup is probably okay. If the buzz was ringing out through the amp I would be concerned. My favorite guitar tech always says that if it doesn't come through the amp it is not an issue.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

Tried and tried to believe it, but it still doesn't seem right... I've booked in for a Plek fret dress + set up.

If it still doesn't work, I'll get a new hobby!

Can you explain this a little more please mate?

Do you mean that the note dies down quickly then fades out as per normal?

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No no and no

Robert

Try not to get too frustrated, I'm sure it will end up well. I doubt that you need the plek machine, but if you like...it won't hurt anything. I have Ernie Ball 10 - 46 on all of my guitars...mostly for the convenience of being able to buy strings "by the box", and not having to keep track of whats on what. I keep my action very low (as low as possible) and I never have a string buzz. I have a super great tech (here in So Florida) and he tech's my guitars while I'm with him, going over every move he makes with me. Try to find a tech that will do your guitar while your there watching. If he wants you to leave it, try to find another. Just my opinion

Good luck and don't worry
Noodles