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**nexion218** · 08-07-2019, 01:44 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Maybe an issue of of backbow? Do you know how to measure relief? Some numbers would help... Also, are you sure that the fretjob this time is spot on? Not saying your luthier messed up, but everyone makes mistakes and sometimes one tends to skip the most obvious possibilities when troubleshooting... What about the saddles/string radius? Do they follow the the fingerboard radius? Are you sure it's the frets? Right now I cannot listen to the sound sample, but a few weeks back I started to hear a terrible rattling while playing one of my guitars. I started to panic thinking about the most horrible possibilities, but then I noticed that the strab button's screw on the upper horn of the body got loose and as the body vibrated as I was playing it was making the rattling sound... Not saying your issue is the same, it's just example to demonstrate that sometimes it help to observe the problem with a bit wider perspective rather than zooming in.

Also, some patience will help the issue, since in no time way more knowledgeable guys than I am will chime in to help you out.

**Mr. B** · 08-07-2019, 05:26 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Backbow, High frets, Action too low, flat fret tops. Those are my best guesses as to the cause.

**orpheo** · 08-07-2019, 05:39 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

sounds like fretbuzz to me. check the neck relief (should be 0.25mm, approximately), and then dial in the action. what you've got seems to be fine. Could be lower if the frets allow it (which they don't right now...).

after that, see if the string clears those buzzy frets properly. just press down the string 1 fret below the buzzing culprit, see if the string clears. pick the string, check again. if not, cry havoc, let slip the dogs of war and tear your luthier a new one cause he didn't level them correctly.

**ICTGoober** · 08-07-2019, 05:51 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

I'll chime in.... The frets are not seated completely in the slots.

**nexion218** · 08-07-2019, 08:26 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Managed to take a listen... First off, would be great to hear it clean. Separate, long notes picked individually. Or even the plain acoustic sound. If it doesn't buzz that way, the fretwork is fine in my opinion. Also, would you mind trying a lighter/sharper/fresher pick? The only time my single note runs sounded similar was when I was convinced that the thicker the pick the better I can play. When the pick got worn, ther thick rounded edges prodced a similar harmonic-like "chirping" sound.

**GuitarDoc** · 08-07-2019, 09:00 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Very slight fret buzz amplified by the stainless steel frets. Frets need to be rechecked by the luthier who did the job, especially between 5 and 12.

Also consider that with very light gauge strings (9 - 46) and Eb tuning, you are way more prone to get fret buzz/slap especially when picking hard.

I agree that it would have been much better to give us a sound clip that wasn't already buzzy with distortion. To accurately diagnose a problem with frets, you must do it not only clean, but even unamplified to get most accuracy.

**JB_From_Hell** · 08-07-2019, 09:16 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

"Your action should be high enough that you can fit your sex organ between the string and the frets" - Mattias IA Eklundh

**nexion218** · 08-07-2019, 09:20 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Originally posted by JB_From_Hell View Post

"Your action should be high enough that you can fit your sex organ between the string and the frets" - Mattias IA Eklundh

I'm so happy that that I can still play with low action!!!

**Clint 55** · 08-07-2019, 05:48 PM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

I'll just say that after my fret levels, I can play any action I want with zero buzz anywhere. So it could be a poor level or it's possible that there's too much bow but I doubt it.

**Mincer** · 08-07-2019, 07:45 PM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

My first thought is a back bow, but usually the luthier would have diagnosed that as the initial problem. I'd say if it still buzzes when you get your guitar back, the luthier didn't do his/her job correctly if that is what they were trying to eliminate.

**evh_slash** · 08-11-2019, 03:35 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Originally posted by Mincer View Post

My first thought is a back bow, but usually the luthier would have diagnosed that as the initial problem. I'd say if it still buzzes when you get your guitar back, the luthier didn't do his/her job correctly if that is what they were trying to eliminate.

Its weird because I went to see him and he double checked and went over everything again for me at no charge, he even then demonstrated to me in person that the frets were all leveled correctly . Now im confused ! It sounds like a subtle harmonic/pinch that comes out when picking the G/B string hard at certain frets...

**evh_slash** · 08-11-2019, 03:37 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Originally posted by Clint 55 View Post

I'll just say that after my fret levels, I can play any action I want with zero buzz anywhere. So it could be a poor level or it's possible that there's too much bow but I doubt it.

Is there a specific way one must level the frets when seeking to obtain buzz-free ultra low action or is it just a standard fret level job ??

**nexion218** · 08-11-2019, 05:12 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

It's quite specific, but at the same time it should be standard I believe: dead-straight neck and absolutely perfectly level frets, radius matching that of the fingerboard/nut/bridge. But if you know how to use a fret rocker, you can go over even the strung up guitar at the spots where you feel the buzzing. When you're using the rocker, you're only inspecting 3 frets at a time, so the effect of the relef should be negligible and you might be able to pinpoint the guilty spot. Not necessarily a whole fret, but just a spot. Also, how are your individual string actions? Are you sure that those G and B strings are not closer to the board than they should be? Then again, we only heard the problem with heavy distortion and delay, so...

**evh_slash** · 08-11-2019, 06:54 AM

Re: Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Originally posted by nexion218 View Post

It's quite specific, but at the same time it should be standard I believe: dead-straight neck and absolutely perfectly level frets, radius matching that of the fingerboard/nut/bridge. But if you know how to use a fret rocker, you can go over even the strung up guitar at the spots where you feel the buzzing. When you're using the rocker, you're only inspecting 3 frets at a time, so the effect of the relef should be negligible and you might be able to pinpoint the guilty spot. Not necessarily a whole fret, but just a spot. Also, how are your individual string actions? Are you sure that those G and B strings are not closer to the board than they should be? Then again, we only heard the problem with heavy distortion and delay, so...

I will test it again today & record another clip !! I chose to record distorted before because I felt it clearly demonstrated the noise. Stay posted !

The guitar neck is just under 16" radius (closer to 15.6 ish) and the bridge is radiused at bang on 16" (Ibanez Lo Pro edge) .

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Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

Help with Clanky Frets / Fret Noise...

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