but outta the blue(about three days ago) I started getting a rattle or buzz on the 4th string in all frets. I changed strings today and I still get the noise unless I precisely apply pressure at a specific point on the string within whatever fret I'm playing. Obviously, this is not acceptable. Anyone have any ideas on what the prob could be? It's a 57 vintage.

Is the rattle coming from that string's saddle? Loose height adjustment screw?

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

All the height adjustment screws are in place. I have them set all the way up. In other words, flush with the top of the saddle.

It's possible that the hot summer WX has caused a shift in your neck's geometry. Try inspecting your fretboard for any anomalies and, if necessary, adjust your trussrod for the correct amount of relief.

HTH

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

First, I lowered the set screws on the 4th string and it was worse. Then I tightened them down as far as they go and it sounds back to normal. However, I'm now at the end of my rope. I think this is total bull sh t! I will be calling customer service tomorrow. Thanks for y'all's help. I'll let you know how it goes. I can only hope they are customer friendly, cause I'm not happy!

Ok.. I'm confused..
You can't adjust your guitar and you're going to kick customer service butt??

so like I don't understand.. the guitar like 2 days old?

have you taken it to a local shop?

If the shop says the neck is warped then I think you have a customer service issue...

don't you?

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This is my guitar, there are many like it but this one is mine.

Relax. Guitars are made of wood, and wood expands/contracts with changes in seasons and humidity. Some adjustments are needed. Check out Fender's set up guide for starters: http://www.fender.com/support/stratocas ... _guide.php

Fender customer service will probably only tell you to set it up per their guide or take it into an authorized repair center for them to make some tweaks. Something you can learn to do yourself. This doesn't sound you have a bad guitar since the problem is ONLY the 4th string. I hope there is a simple solution. Good luck.

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Obligatory gear list: Fender, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Gretsch, Vox, Martin, and more Fender.

Why?...they are adjustment screws,meaning they ain't supposed to all be the same height.

You need to read the set-up guide, get some basic tools, and take some measurments. Think about what you are changing - and why.

Fenders are easy to adjust and they provide just about all the required info one would need.

Sounds like a simple tweak or two.

First, and I apologize, let me give some background info:
1) this is the first musical inst. I've ever owned. It is 23 months old,
2) considering #1, it was a large investment on my part, and
3) this is not the only issue I have-it is just the only "playing" issue.

With that said, I set the saddles high because I play hard(is that incorrect), and adjusted them and the pickups to achieve the sound I like. That's why I still had room to raise the fourth string saddle. My baby sounds ok now, and my blood pressure has returned to normal, I hope. I did not call CS-yet.

Thanks for the input guys! BTW, my nearest authorized Fender tech is 150 miles from away. That's why I didn't take it in immediately.

23 months old? And what is Customer Service supposed to do?

It's YOUR guitar - read the Fender Set-up guide! And/or any of the numerous guides or books available - they will tell you all you need to know! And what to buy...

With no service tech near you - sounds like you will need to learn how to handle basic maintainance yourself. No worries - it's easy and fun!



http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player-Rep ... 0879302917

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

12bar's take:

1) there's probably nothing 'wrong' with your guitar. being a functioning instrument it will need some periodic adjustment. it's nothing to freak out about, just a fact of life for almost anything with parts that move.

2) If you are unfamiliar with how to maintain your instrument you you should plan out a way to take it in to a reputable tech. In fact I would suggest you do this, at least this time. I understand that it's a long haul to get it done, so maybe phone ahead, explain to the tech that you need to travel, and that it's your only instrument and get a solid appointment date, so you aren't without an instrument for long. this might be tricky, as you have been tinkering, maybe make a weekend or overnight trip of it. some techs will take a guitar and have it sit for a while as they work on other stuff, but some friendly talk can usually get them to help you out.

3) Once it is set back up and in a place you like, that may be the time to pick up some reference materials, books and websites abound to help you out, I suggest either one or both of Dan Erlewine's "Guitar Players Repair Guide' and/or 'How to Make Your electric Guitar Play great' as go to material. for your purposes the 'How to' one is probably better. the other book covers a lot more ground than set ups, and really everything you absolutely need is in one of the chapters, however the 'How To' one focuses on set ups in particular, and in considerably more depth. get the other one when you want to move beyond just set ups.

the you can work at maintaining your set up, and making small adjustments, and slowly learn enough that you will be able to tackle any of these issues in the future.

making a positive contact with a good tech is never a bad idea, even if you do the lion's share of your own repair work. you never know when you'll need some superior knowledge.

So just remember guitars are machines, so this type of issue will come up, especially if you play often and play hard. No need to get worked up, you just need to have a plan in place to deal with them as they appear.

2 years is a long time without a set up, you'll be amazed how much more joy you get out of your guitar once it is set up properly.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.