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Post subject: Fret Buzz
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:14 pm
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I'm learning to set up my guitar, and could use some advice from a journeyman player/technician. I'm not going to take it to a luthier - I'm doing as well as the three I've already used (and they were very reputable). I'm using information from Fender.com, and lots of other online resources, and I have all the proper tools.

I moved from the factory 0.09 string gauge to 0.10's. I've adjusted the trem and truss to meet factory specs. The neck and body are in perfect condition. My nut, frets, and bridge are in perfect condition. I moved the neck pickup down a little, and the middle down just a tad from factory specs. I still get what I consider to be significant fret buzz (unamplified) when I set the action to factory specs.

Please understand that I'm a bit OCD about things I tinker with, and demand a great job from myself, no matter how much blood I spill. Also, my admittedly amateur ear doesn't hear much amiss when the guitar is plugged in.

Might I be whining about the fret buzz? Should I expect some, and quit worrying about getting it perfect?

Thanks,


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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 1:57 pm
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Hey, I took lessons for about a year from Shawn Lane's guitar tech here in Memphis and he said a little fret buz was expected with lower action and that as long as you dont hear it through the amp your good. I hope this helps.
Shawn Lane died in 2003 and many people believe he was one of the best guitarists ever. Guitar Magazine ranked him in the top 100. I don't care for his playing much but I thought you might wonder who he was.


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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:16 pm
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Fenders suggested specs for set-up is a good startng point. Now comes the balancing act of saddle, truss rod, proper string loading, and maybe nut adjustments.

First let me explain that I set-up my own 1976 Les Paul, Squier Strat,
and now a new MIM Fender Strat. I have taken my guitars to a local reputable simi-famous guitar tech. I too feel I do set-up an elec guitar
competently.

Let me ask some questions from you. Where is the buzz happening on the fret board or is it on open notes? Does your guitar have one or two string trees? Is the neck relief within resonable range?

Now let me tell you something. The guitar tech says some Fender buzz is common and something to live with. Screw that! My Squier has no buzz at all! My new MIM Strat has an anoying buzz going on at the D string thats driving me crazy! It was on three open strings at first. I built up the nut slots. It takes some days or even weeks of playing and adjustments to fine tune these things.


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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 2:42 pm
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Thanks for both of the quick replies.

The buzz is on open strings (current diagnosis), and most recognizable on the bottom two. There's one roller style tree for the first two strings. Neck relief is at factory specs. I'm not sure I'll be the one messing with the nut if that's the problem - that's one thing I would agree to let a luthier adjust or replace (I'm askeered I'll mess the headstock up too much).

Once I readjusted the trem to meet Fender specs after putting the heavier strings on, and adjusting the truss to meet specs as well, I found the string height needed to be at least half again higher than specs to eliminate buzz all together. I'm not even close to semipro capable playing the thing, but I'm working on that. This is one of their finest models ever, so I'm sure the foul up is all me.

Hopefully, between this forum and continued trial and error, I'll get some love out of it.

Thanks again,


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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:17 am
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That open string buzz might be as simple as not having enough windings on the tunning post. It results from not having enough angle behind the nut. Try plucking the open string and bending down that string behind the nut and see if the buzz stops. This type of buzz usually occurs at the open G and D strings when the guitar comes stock without a retainer for them.
Having that it is the open E and A strings might suggest that the saddles
need to be raised a slight amount. Try raising them about what the thickness of your high E string is. Tiny amounts on the adjustments make huge differences. The fret board may need just a slight more relief too.
I turn my rod nut in 1/16 to 1/8 turn increments to walk the fret board into a resonable smooth action. It really does take some time and patience to get the action the way you want it without the buzzing. Just keep in mind that the Fender specs is only a starting point for getting your own awsome setup! My problem buzz on the open D is all gone now! The action kicks!
And it only took me a full week of my evenings after work to WALK the action I was after! Good luck and stick with. Let me know how it turns and
trade some notes. Late.


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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:20 am
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Raise the action at the bridge on those two strings a little. Also, check that the hardware on the head is all tight.


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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 10:51 am
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i agree with Groove. raise the bridge a little bit if you dont mind playing with your action a little higher. i never really cared about a little bit of buzz though, especially through an amp.


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Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 11:20 am
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midnightflying wrote:
i agree with Groove. raise the bridge a little bit if you dont mind playing with your action a little higher. i never really cared about a little bit of buzz though, especially through an amp.


Yeah the strings are so close to the neck fretboard anyway. A little buzzing is fine.


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