NGD...But not happy

[treyhaislip]

Re: NGD...But not happy

So sorry to hear about that! Loved the Adrian Smith models that I've played!

+1 To taking it to a reputable guitar tech, sounds like some fret leveling is needed IMO.

[Ascension]

Re: NGD...But not happy

I've seen strings with a dent or a bend that made that happen.

Yep same here change the strings and then get back to us.

[Ascension]

Re: NGD...But not happy

This affects open notes only. His problem is on D, 2nd fret.

What's the radius? Wonder if the center bridge saddles need a shim to match the board radius for super low action?

[greekdude]

Re: NGD...But not happy

^^^ I think OFR is radiused at 12" stock. It could be but if it was the case, it would affect higher frets more than 2nd fret.

[allbutromeo]

Re: NGD...But not happy

What's the radius? Wonder if the center bridge saddles need a shim to match the board radius for super low action?

10"-16" compound radius IIRC

[treyhaislip]

Re: NGD...But not happy

10"-16" compound radius IIRC

According to the specs, its 12"-16"

SPECIFICATIONS

Adrian Smith SDX
products general
Model Name: Adrian Smith Signature SDX
Series: Artist Signature
products body
Body: Basswood
Body Shape: San Dimas
Body Finish: Gloss
products neck
Neck Shape: Speed Neck
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Jumbo
Position Inlays: Dot
Fretboard Radius: 12" to 16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm)
Fretboard: Rosewood
Neck Material: Maple
Neck Finish: Oiled
Nut Width: 1.6875" (43 mm)
Scale Length: 25.5" (64.8 cm)
Truss Rods: Dual-Action
Truss Rod Nut: Butt Adjustable
products electronics
Pickup Configuration: H/S/S
Bridge Pickup: Jackson Humbucking Bridge Pickup
Middle Pickup: Jackson Single Coil Middle Pickup
Neck Pickup: Jackson Single Coil Neck Pickup
Pickup Switching: 5-Position Blade: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickup, Position 3. Middle Pickup, Position 4. Middle and Neck Pickup, Position 5. Neck Pickup
products hardware
Bridge: Top Mount Floyd Rose Special
Tuning Machines: Jackson Tuning Machines
products tools
Truss Rod Wrench: Standard Truss Rod Wrench
Floyd Rose Nut Adjustment Wrench: Yes
products miscellaneous
Strings: NPS, Gauges: .009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042
Unique Features: H/S/S pickup configuration, 22 jumbo frets, maple neck w/rosewood fingerboard, Floyd Rose Special bridge, 5-way selector switch
products accessories
Pickguards: White

[75lespaul]

Re: NGD...But not happy

I'm sorry to hear that. Some good advice has been posted and I hope it all works out. That's a beautiful guitar. My buddy just got one as well and returned it for similar reasons. Some buzz, couldn't set it up the way he liked. The deal breaker for him was having to take off the neck to do truss rod adjustments. He's a Les Paul guy, so that just freaked him out, lol.

[blues]

Re: NGD...But not happy

Sounds like the fret make have raised up and needs to be re-seated.

[Masta' C]

Re: NGD...But not happy

If it takes you 15 tries to do a truss adjustment, you really shouldn't be doing it yourself. Besides, as others have said, a bad string (it really does happen) or a raised fret is far more likely the culprit here. You can change the string yourself, but a tech is definitely worth the investment if the problem persists.

[guitar_bat]

Re: NGD...But not happy

If it takes you 15 tries to do a truss adjustment, you really shouldn't be doing it yourself. Besides, as others have said, a bad string (it really does happen) or a raised fret is far more likely the culprit here. You can change the string yourself, but a tech is definitely worth the investment if the problem persists.

1. Thank you all for the suggestions. I've got more help here than the Jackson forum.
2. I did contemplate a string change, but couldn't believe that could cause the buzz on new strings.
3. I'm going to take it to the local Jackson service center this week for advice or warranty work.
4. I didn't expect it to be perfect out of the box. Who knows how long it sat in a warehouse or if UPS dropped it or whatever. Plus it is MII..
So again thank you all for your input and I can't wait to start playing this beast

[ledvedder]

Re: NGD...But not happy

Bumping an old thread. I just got a brand new SDX today and it has bad fret buzz starting at the 7th fret upwards. Did you ever sort out the issue with yours?

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

[nexion218]

Re: NGD...But not happy

You have two, well, three option really:

1. Give up on the thing, return it, get your cash back, bust a bank and buy a USA/CS, maybe those won't have these problems. Not a real solution though and I personally wouldn't do it. Busting a bank would be fine by me, but the USA/CS Jacksons are sold for stupid money. In my opinion the difference in price is immensely disproportionate compared to the difference in quality/features.
2. Take it to a tech and let him sort it out.
3. Learn how to do it for yourself. Really no rocket science. Change strings. Check relief. Check action. Check fret level with a rocker. If you find some high spots, saned 'em, polish 'em and enjoy. If too many spots or completely frets outta whack, take it to a tech/luthier, as doing a complete fret level on a compund radius board might be a more advanced job. Also, find a Jackson user's manual on the web. The one that they give with USA models. They list the recommended setup specs, use those as point of reference. Try to aim for the upper limits of those specs. An X series guitar will most likely not be able to perform within or below USA setup specs.

[Mincer]

Re: NGD...But not happy

Usually this sort of thing is easily diagnosed and repaired by a good tech, and worth fixing. It mostly comes down to a fret issue, and it is silly to pass up a otherwise great guitar on something easily fixed.

[ledvedder]

Re: NGD...But not happy

Usually this sort of thing is easily diagnosed and repaired by a good tech, and worth fixing. It mostly comes down to a fret issue, and it is silly to pass up a otherwise great guitar on something easily fixed.

My concern here is that it would void the warranty and I wouldn't be able to return it if there's still issues after a professional setup.

I think I'm going to get the Charvel So Cal that I was originally looking at.

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk

[Mincer]

Re: NGD...But not happy

Setups/fretwork shouldn't void the warranty. It is easy enough to look up what your warranty covers. Replacing parts and messing up the job probably would void it.