clintonl
hey guys, I am a total noob to guitars, been playing for about 3 months, with a few lessons. Recently a capable player, friend from Jozy, played some tunes on my Ibanez, and noticed that the D string makes a nasty Buzz in the 10th fret. Only this string, and in this fret! he tried all sorts of adjustments to remedy,and it changed nothing. Sure it plays a bit easier, but that buzz is weird. Anyone know anyone in Cape Town who can sort this out, if it can be sorted out? Or any advise to give for me to adjust it?
thanks
Clinton
Bob-Dubery
First thing. Did you put new strings on as part of the adjusting/trouble-shooting process?
A while back I had a problem with a buzz that started suddenly and that various things didn't cure. Then I noticed that the string was kinked over one of the frets (presumably from a slight accident a couple of days earlier - the guitar fell with fingerboard towards a shelf, hit the shelf and bounced back again, that must have been when the string in question got kinked).
clintonl
Hi Bob, thanks for the reply. I put new strings on about a month ago, but never noticed anything then, as I wasn't playing that high up. But I will certainly replace the string in question, for a test.
Thanks
Gearhead
Gearhead is not Capetonian, plenty of them on the forum though. If you want help through the site, it is a good idea to tell us more about the Ibanez so we know what adjustments you have.
You say the D string buzzes IN the 10th fret. Do you mean it buzzes on the 10th if you play the open string or do you mean it buzzes when you fret it at the 10th fret?
If it is the former: What happens if you fret the string at the first fret and play it? And the second etc?
Either way you might be looking at a high fret or a low string.
Here's the high fret check:
If you have a ruler of about 70-200mm that's pretty straight you could put it on top of the frets but PARALLEL to the strings (in your case between the G and D string) and look from the side. You might want to look with one end of the ruler over the 6th fret, then the 7th and so on. Go back and try to see the pattern.
If the ruler touches on the outer frets that's okay because that's your neck relief. If it's touching all frets at the same time that's also fine, it means there's no relief. If it touches on one end and on the 10th fret, then it's high.
A high fret can be caused by the thing loosening from its slot in the fretboard, an overall poor build or (and then it's not really the fret) because the neck is warped. Since you're talking about one of the middle strings I'm assuming it's not warped (but have a look down the neck just to make sure).
You can check the seating of the fret by taking a razor blade, lying it flat on the fretboard and running the edge along the bottom of the fret. It should not go between the metal and the wood.
Here's the low string check:
Have a look at the bridge from one side and see how the strings are not all the same distance from the body. Almost all steel stringed guitars have the strings in an arc, which should be nice and equal to match your fingerboard and nut radius. The best way to check this arc is to have a template of the specific radius but since only specialists have those, you will have to do it by eye. If only the D buzzes you could actually pick it up anyway. Your Ibanez might have per saddle height adjustment which makes it an easy job to change.
clintonl
Whoah, brain fried!! ? Thanks gearhead...I'll do my best, with all the data you provided.
Thanks
clintonl
oh, as far as the setup of the Guitar goes, I really have no idea, I only strum arb chords, and some strange noises that I hear as tunes...? I change strings,and strum along, to guitar pro.
clintonl
The Buzz is actually in th 11th fret, when I fret the string.
clintonl
hey guys, ok, some more feedback...It seems that its from the low E and includes the A D & G Strings in the 11th Fret, when fretting the said strings in the 11th fret. Not just the D string as initially stated. 10th fret, and 12th fret sound perfect. I don't have an razor blades handy to check for hi frets, but I do see 12th 13th and 14th seem ever so slightly higher than the rest, how to fix this...??It's an entry level Ibanez GRX20 Electric.
Gearhead
Eh... warranty? First take it to the place where you bought it three months ago.
The problem might look different after a renewed setup, but it would now seem to me this 11th fret is low, which is quite a bit of work to rectify. The shop will either take a bit off the 12th and up or refret the 11th I suppose.
Anyway, show them and tell them it's not acceptable. BTW how do you store your axe while not playing?
clintonl
I bought it from a work colleague who has emmigrated... ☹ It has a shiny black vertical stand that it sleeps on. Not sure where it was purchased, or if its stiull under warranty, looks brand new still ? That is why I asked for a reccommended Axe grinder in Cape Town who can sort it out ONE TIME! Sometimes the shops just have posers who sell you products,and not really knowledgeable of setups...
Gearhead
Well chances are you need someone who knows what he's doing. There's a couple of members in the Cape that are up to it, maybe the one that also advertises here and moderates the forum? ?
Until it's fixed, why don't just stay away from notes up the neck?
AlanRatcliffe
Hi Clinton
Yup, sounds like either your 11th fret is a bit low or the 12th is a bit high. Either way a fret dress will fix it. The guy to speak to is Foster van der Merwe at 021 939 5259.
@Gearhead - thanks for the plug, but unfortunately I only work on my own instruments these days. ?
clintonl
Thank you guys, you have all been really helpful. I will Call Foster this morning...It's quite annoying, knowing something aint right. One last question, who would you recommend for Lessons Looking to pay around R80 - R100 an hour. The guy who taught me previously is completely blind, went for 12 lessons with him, no offence to him or his abilities, I just feel I need someone who can see my technique etc as well, as teach me to play well.
thanks
Clint
clintonl
Dropped the Axe at Forster van der Merwe, what a cool guy. Wish that everyone who offered services, were that friendly. We would be far better off...
Thanks Guys, thanks Foster
AlanRatcliffe
? He is a nice guy. Also does good work and has it ready when he says it will be ready.
Vintage-Vibe
General info blurb guys:
As from next year, Foster has told a few people that he will be going into guitar building full-time & dropping the repairs - another 1 bites the dust sadly !
VV
AlanRatcliffe
I spoke to Foster today Gareth and Yes, he's giving up his job at the SABC to get into guitar building fulltime, but is also going to continue with all guitar services, set-ups, repairs, refrets etc.
I'm sending him details on how to join the forum, so he should be here soon. He's a bit new to the Internet, so we'll have to be gentle on him though... ?
