Where Does Fret Buzz Come From ? | Guitar Tech Tips | Ep. 31 | Thomann
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- Fret buzz on guitars and basses can be really annoying, we can all agree on that. But where does it come from? In this episode of Guitar Tech Tips we show you all the usual problems that can cause it.
Our neck setup video: • How to adjust the trus...
Gear used: tho.mn/7sajd
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/xuad
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:37 Possible reasons for fret buzz
0:51 The nut
1:31 Neck relief
2:18 String action
2:52 Uneven frets
3:45 Twisted neck
4:28 Test ride
5:10 Outtakes
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YES PLEASE, a video about filing the frets would be great!
Yes please! Thanks for this video too!
@@mrspykerwolf q
هو طب جحوي حتى حوي في ظخ حتى هو هههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههههه ه خحوسيي حتى م ان خم خخخخخ تحت اه اه تحميل خ خ
ث رب راه
®
Nice point Kris:
When seeking low action, simply balance acceptable fret buzz with comfortable string height.
If I already have the necessary tools and am getting buzz on low frets, but love where the action is at on the rest of the guitar... is it viable to shorten the low frets to allow clearance (instead of loosening the truss rod)? Or would that screw up the intonation in that area?
@@TheZynMan no don’t do that please
@@spencerludman3915 too late! J/K no I didn't do that. I'm just over here spitballing trying to re-invent the wheel
in general this series has been extremely useful so far. Thanks a lot guys and keep it up, your work is much appreciated!
This guy is really great. Wish I'd found him sooner. Well done, Kris, and thanks a lot.
The outtakes crack me up!
Yes, even with all the videos on youtube, you guys should have your own takes on all the fixes.
Thaaaaanks! :) What a compliment! We try to give our best.
//cheers, Kris
@@ThomannsGuitarsBasses Kris, Please consider making a video on How To change strings on the HB Dullahan and setting up intonation, etc ... thanks!
BTW Henning spoke of the challenges and of a tool, but I doubt I have any tool besides hex keys.
Nevermind, oddly found a basiuc string change one on HB's channel, it did not pop-up the first time : ua-cam.com/video/w0PTRVkOWNw/v-deo.html
Best Video that helped me to delet fret buzz on the lower frets, how the thrusrod works ,etc.
Few minutes work and my guitar had best action to play without buzzing. THX
Recently I ran into an unusual(at least to me) fret buzz issue while customizing my DIY tele kit. I leveled frets and adjusted the truss rod to try and get my desired string height, but it just wasn't happening. Then I noticed that the neck wasn't flat against the body. Neck pocket was flat, but the bolt on neck's "block" was cut/sanded towards the high strings and also downwards giving it a serious back-bow(even though neck was straight) and a sideways tilt, which ended up causing lower strings to die out on frets 20-22 no matter how high I set the strings. After sanding the block straight I was finally able to get my desired low and even action on all strings without any fret buzz.
Very useful video. I have some buzz after changing the strings, same gauge just different brand. Bit afraid of the rod neck adjustment, but I'll give it a go.
A lot of great information!! Thanks for showing basses as well and not just guitars! The episode where u met John Petruccis tech had great information as well! Thank you!!
Excellent tips. Great video! 👍
Now only if HB would actually use these tips to really quality check their instruments before shipping, that would be great
Very helpful. Many thanks.
thanks man for listing all the possible reasons!
Tx mate! Great work as always!
Would love to see a video on how to file those high frets. Want to start doing that myself but don't feel confident I would not destroy my neck.
yes please
Just pay a guitar tech. so he will handle it properly, it ain't very expensive, this is not fret replacement
the most understandable vd i think .. the way you explain the problem is just on point i really love it
Thanks so much! Really glad to head that. //Kris
Great info! I'd love a more detailed guide for leveling the frets.
Helpful. Love the outtakes, too.
Thanks John! Awesome to hear that. I love the outtakes too. :)
//cheers, Kris
Bruh, I'm out here tryna play some sitar
Really helpful
Thankyou
I just made a Cigar Box Guitar...had the fret buzz problem. Thanks for the video lesson which explain the logical way to cure and the cause of problems.
That's awesome to hear, congrats on fixing the issue! //Kris
Great info!!! Excellent video!
Thanks a lot Jose!
//cheers, Kris
Bless you Phil! Love the outtakes! :)
You mean Lukas. Bless you Lukas. :D That was a mighty sneeze for sure. Haha! Cheers my man! :)
//Kris
Great, I have fret buzz on the 8th fret really bad on the low E string, and pretty bad on all the other strings. Think I'm sending this one back.
Perfect thank you!
Hi. I like to see a video about leveling the frets and replace de nut. Best regards
first person I've seen to show easy ways of differentiating the different causes of fret buzz and how to tell the difference.
Thanks a lot! We truly hope these episodes are helpful for a lot of people. :) Cheers //Kris
Good video!
THANK YOU! 🎸🤟😎
Guitar tech.
Livin' the dream!
question - the allen key used to adjust the saddles on guitar and/or bass guitar - are they the same size or do they differ depending on the make and model of the instrument?
Thank you for your video....i do have buzz just at the first and second frets....do you think is the nut or truss rod?
I’d like to see a video for filing high frets
Good video.
Great tips. I get fret buzz only when I play the 2nd fret of the high E and B strings. High fret? Or twisted neck?
Can you compensate a twisted neck by raising/lowering some saddles?
i have this problem, when i add relief, some frets on high e string die when i press above 12th fret, and when i less the relief, the low strings start to buzz on low frets, what to do?
At last something informative from Thomann
All of their videos are informative...what the hell are you talking about?
Keen for the video about nut height
I have a problem with my music man bass, i play bass with a pick and i did everything i could possibly do for adjusting it, took it 2 times to my local tech and he only says it's me hitting the bass too hard, but im really in doubt if the frets material has something to do with buzz translating into the recorded tone, I have other 5 basses and not a single one do this, the Stingray's buzz is just annoying and very obvious
Relatively new to electric guitar ! I bought a relatively cheap epiphone les paul ( costs around 250 ) . It was perfect for about 1,5 year until I recently left it for a month without strings ( i was procrastinating looking for strings , oil and polisher for frets ) . After cleaning up the fretboard with the oil and polishing the frets , I put new ( but same size ) strings . And there comes the freakin buzz . I went to a store but he didn't fix it . Is it worth it to search for another Luthier or the damage is already been done? And what could have caused this ? Can it be totally fixed since it was ok in the beginning or there is no hope? It is so annoying since I spend much time practising without an amp
Just pu new condition takamani 320, well, only feet problem is the last 4-5 frets all to high, after buying I heard this exact model has the issue, it's like that area of feet board is raised up, so I guess scrapping off the tops all that can be done?
I have a really bad plastic rattling sound coming from my Epiphone Les Paul when I play it not plugged in. It sounds like it's coming from the strings so I changed the strings but I still have it. I can hear it around the tailpiece and the bridge but I'm baffled as to what's causing it.
Just bought a 2023 Ebony Epiphone Les Paul Custom. Fresh out of the box and tuned, it’s got a good bit of fret buzz at a few different strings/frets. I have done nothing but tune it. No professional set up. But my other guitars don’t have this problem and I haven’t really done set ups on them. Is that normal to have fret buzz on a new guitar out of the box (a few high frets when testing with a straight edge)? I feel like fret levels is a little more than a setup issue but maybe I’m wrong. Trying to decide on keeping or returning the guitar. Thanks!
i have slight buss first fret string 2 and 3 only when theres a need to strum them stronger than normal (nowhere else)should i file or no
Can you go into whether "buzz" comes in different sounds? Does buzz have to sound like a literal bzzzzz or can it be something else like a ringing sound, a tinny sound or a rattle? My guitar, let's call it a tinny rattle-ring, tinny rattle-rings only on certain notes in the middle of the fretboard. However, it only has dents or grooves close to the head. The neck does not look bent. The action is around 2mm at the 12th fret of the e string.
If I already have the necessary tools and am getting buzz on low frets, but love where the action is at on the rest of the guitar... is it viable to shorten the low frets to allow clearance (instead of loosening the truss rod)? Or would that screw up the intonation in that area? This is a project guitar thqt cost 60 bucks new, btw, so risk factor is very low.
I dont want to take the bridge up because I like the low action I have but I have the 14th to 20th frets that dont ring at all. on the high E. I have been filling but nothing changes. should I just keep filling all of them?
My bass after putting on nylon wrap strings started to buzz at first and second frets. It was alright with a steel ones. What may be the cause? Thanks.
What about a fret that is too low? I'm having the second trouble with my Ibanez JS-24P, first one was the frets started to open up at the bottom of the neck.. neck replaced, now one fret is too low, whenever i strum A power chord, the first strings first A buzzes.. Help me!
I would like the fret fix video as well. Pretty please!
We made two episodes that show fret fixes: search for Guitar Tech Tips Ep. 41 and Ep. 50
Cheers! //Kris
I got little question I only got the 6 string buzzing on the lower fret ... is it a neck adjustement with the trust rod or it's a filing case ??? I had the same issue in the past, tried to adjust the trust rod, didn't really know what I was doing so I finnally send my guitar to a tech .. it cost me 100$ and everythings was perfect. The weather has changed and I've learned that the neck expand or contract when the humidity change ... so I don't really know how to fixed my issue.
If someone can help me that will be really appreciated.
and with low action, low e fret buzz is normal.. luthiers always seem to forget to mention that part.. ;-)
My guitar only buzzes when i play 1st fret on D .... literally everywhere else its clean when i compensate with adjusting the saddles... is it because theres a slight upbow or an improper 2nd fret??? I really hope its not improper frets because the luthiers around my area are all frauds 😔
i leveled frets but now all the frets buzz, i added relief and more higher action but still buzzing
i have no fret buzz on my new fretless selfbuilt bass with justanut insallted, where is the problem? ;)
still need to figure out how to do electronics, this is very complicated.
nice videos from you
key word fretless
Question if someone can help:
I have ESP with oFR. 25.5 scale.
It was setup for 10-52 strings when bought.
Perfect Float, all fine, no string buzz. Low action.
I changed the strings for 9-46 my playing style.
I managed to get stable straight float.
I did all well loosening tuning claw 3 springs since springs were pulling old 10-52, but i got awful string buzz.
Especially strings 4&5&6.
String Buzz is worse while open.
It stops in around fret 7.
The shape and tension of the neck is probably changed since i got thinner gauge.
Low neck tension and strings buzz, right?
In what direction do i pull the truss rods?
1/4 from left to right? 👉
Anti-clockwise?
Then let it adjust day or two?
If im experiencing buzzing frets, i need to loose the truss rods, right? Loosening the truss rod allow strings to create more pull on the neck?
To loosen truss rod, i turn truss rod anti-clockwise, right?
That's what I'm understanding but just wanna be careful.
Asking because of my english with the technical words aren't the best.
I easily might've got something wrong 😊 lol
Thanks guys 👍😎🍻
Hey, you should really watch our first Guitar Tech Tips episode, it's about the neck relief / setup: ua-cam.com/video/1kEiYJ1kvIM/v-deo.html
The truss rod is clearly too tight on your guitar now, because the new thinner strings don't pull the neck that hard, as the old strings were. You'll have to loosen the truss rod slightly (lefty-loosey) and the buzz will go away. Cheers //Kris
Don't forget....before you use a fret rocker you must ensure the fretboard is flat. For this you'll need a notched straight edge. Don't check the frets without doing this first.
You got my attention at "filled up nuts".😅
I have only on the 4th string from open string to the two last fret, and still can't figure out why
So..... If I tight my Warwick bass neck ‘too much’ I only get fret buzz on the first five frets only on the g string side.... but if I set the bass as they say it’s a standard tuning for Warwick basses the buzz go away...... is that a twisted neck or it’s a bass made only for their specific setup specs?
It might be a twisted neck but not necessarily. Bass strings pull really hard on the neck and the truss rod can't always pull the whole width of it in a symmetrical way. It can also simply be, that due to the higher action of the lower strings they just don't start buzzing that fast, even though you overtightened the neck.
As long as there's nothing buzzing with the right neck relief, don't worry about anything at all. :)
//cheers, Kris
When I pluck the open G string, it doesn't buzz, but it buzzes when I play fretted notes .... The rest strings have no any issues.... What's the reason behind this
I got an Ibanez Pib3 Peter Iwers sig model, and I only have a buzz on the 5th fret of the low B string. Neck is mostly straight, action is decent low, but not extreme at least theres a 1/16th of an inch of room, and ALL 24 frets are fine, except the 5th fret on the Low B. 5th fret of all strings DO NOT BUZZ.... So, I am at a loss lol.
That sounds like the 5th fret is too high under the low B string. That is still an option even though the same fret sits perfectly under all other strings. Check the 5th fret under each strings with a straight edge (also called fret rocker; you'll find it in the gear link in the description box). I'm pretty sure the fret is gonna be too high under the B string.
//cheers, Kris
I'm only getting buzz on 13th fret from my 4th string quite heavy and a small amount on 5th string, what would be possible causes for that
Hi, if the neck is straight and doesn't have a twist in that region, then the 13th fret is too low or the 14th fret is too tall under the 4th and 5th strings.
But before you do anything, check the strings. Sometimes they have little "bumps" where you press them on the fret, which can also cause buzz. Hope that helps. Cheers //Kris
i'm having this only in the G string, around the 4° freat. It's driving me crazy man
I bought this guitar and it only buzzes when I fret at the first fret. Its most noticeable in the treble strings.. What could it be ?
What about if it buzzes open and when I fret near the frets close to the nut
It's the nut.
Holy shit, I never thought of a twisted neck. Maybe that is why I can't find any other reason after working on it. She's pretty old, and I almost fuck it up trying to fix it.
Hi, I think am the only One with bend buzz on hi e from 14 fret to the very last even AFTER the hi fret(18st).... I also deal with paranormal...
Trus rod not helping mine is like s shape 2 bend plz help
Every guitar I've bought from Thomann has had fret buzz... Had to send a couple back, they were so bad.
What if you have all of them?
Is it okay that my electric guitar is buzzing only when unplugged.. when its plugged it doesn’t buzz
Yes
I always have fret buzz from about the 12th to 15th fret regardless of what I do w my truss rod
Maybe your saddles are too low.
i hear a buzz on the first fret when i play the low E string (tuned to C using a 62 gauge string). is it possible that i'm using the wrong string gauge?
If it's a .62, tuned down and buzzes open, your action is set too low for that string gauge. You need to raise up the bass side of your bridge or the low E saddle just enough until it stops buzzing.
I use to saw that cartoon as well, lol
Twanging on the 10th fret. Rg electric ibanez just brought second hand eeerrrrrr
my neck is too straight but i cant loosen the rod
Very disappointed Thomann customer here, having shelled out £999 for a guitar that sounds worse than my £120 Fender copy!
I should've been suspicious when my evertune arrived, completely out of tune and with every string buzzing loudly.
After following the instructions in this, along with a few other, videos, I found that turning the neck screw made absolutely ZERO difference to the string buzz, particularly on the E-string.
Although I'm pretty frustrated with this guitar, and can already see how I could've spent the money far more wisely, I'll persevere for another week with it before considering sending it back, as it does look great, and presumably, sounds great also if I can get rid of all the buzzing.
Hey Paul, so sorry to hear that. You should know, that you have 3 years of full warranty which includes fret buzz issues and inacceptable / unplayable setup issues. Please contact customer care and inform them about the situation. In most cases they will ask you to send the guitar back for a setup and overall check. If it's just the setup that caused the buzz, you'll even get the same guitar back after the luthiers set it up and made sure all is good. Here's the mail address: sc.cc@thomann.de
Cheers, I wish you the best with the guitar! //Kris
Low action is only a good idea for shred.
For most other music it's actually detrimental.
How so?
@@gabrielmarshall9132 it kills sustain
There is no acceptable amount of fret buzz for me. I had to learn how to level and crown because unless you buy an American PRS or the manufacturer happens to plek their instruments you are guaranteed to have frets that are not level especially if you bought a Fender.
6 hours jacking up guitars and basses for a sub 6 min video.
I most identify with MAL from the cartoon Kris mentioned.
9 hours fixing all the stuff ya jacked up for the video. still that's less time than my computer takes to render a 2 min video :0!
It's not that bad actually. I'm pretty good at jacking up guitars real fast. Haha!
But yeah, it takes around 1.5 hours to shoot a GTT episode and a full day of editing for me to shorten it down to 5-6 minutes. Yeah it's a lot of hassle for such a short video.
But we love doing this and luckily people appreciate it. :)
Ohh, and MAL is awesome. My fav was Ma-Ti.
//Cheers, Kris
Guitar Tech Tips, Hit The Tone, GTT, HTT, I’m sensing a pattern I wonder if Industrial Tone Trends or ITT will be next and cover: Room calibration, lighting and projector options maybe even reverse phase noise generators to help mask loud environments? Have a great week all and have a great December 🤘🏽
fret buzz you say? I have 3 frets that sound the exact same note?? second string, the 21-22-23 fret. zero videos on this topic. wow. I dont want to go for high action, you know so what to do now.
Hey, that's unfortunate. You have that issue because the hight relation between those specific frets isn't right. Most probably the 23rd is too tall and touches the string even when you want to fret the 21st or 22nd. The frets need levelling and in order to do that right I recommend visiting a guitar tech. Unless you have some experience with this and trust yourself to do it on your own.
In case you want to see how that goes, check out this episode: ua-cam.com/video/BxuHZwoZ6S8/v-deo.html
Cheers //Kris
I have fret buzz on all frets
Captain planet he is a hero......lalalalalala
Hello, what if only one string is buzzing? For example on my electric guitar the string number 3 is buzzing all the time with fret notes or open notes, what can I do?
From what i gather it would be the nut thats the problem if an open string is buzzing.
3:01 that's a FRETROCKER ! Not a "staightedge" !
I have a buzz on the a string. The others are fine.
If it's only the A string it could be the string action, or the nut groove being too low. Or is that buzz at one specific fret? //Kris
Obviously my case is the worst one, damn it
i've been now a day till finding about of illness my guilter who name me this problems..asap.
Ok good sir.
a gibson les paul buzzing? why spending so much money on a guitar?
NUT
Seems like 99.9% of guitars regardless of price have uneven frets. This is probably the downfall of having a mass produced product. Each guitar needs to be carefully set up, but that would take way too much time and time is money.
So you guys admit that you sell instruments with defects... 😂
Danke schön 😅
Filled up nuts = blue balls
I play drums what am I doing here
Slowly becoming a guitar player maybe? Haha! Just guessing dude but who knows.
//Kris
Only a Gibson is good enough....for that 🤣 !!!!
To be fair, that's my Gibson and I put that nut on it last year. I need to swap it anyways (I just went from super thick strings back to normal so this nut has to go) and "destroyed" it on purpose for this video. Otherwise I couldn't have shown this issue to you guys.
//cheers, Kris
I get fret buzz from open notes and fretted notes 🥲