any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

astrozombie

astrozombie

KatyPerryologist
Obviously a fret leveling is in order, but right now i only have one buzz on the b string.

its lioke the 17th fret or something.

any tips on how to fix it?
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

A fret level isn't necessarily in order. You might just have a high fret that needs to be tapped down a bit. There could also be a bigger issue with the truss rod or a hump/twist in the neck. Do you have a reputable tech you can take it to?
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

I have this same issue on my 335 right now - one string, one fret.

It means that the fret above that position is high.

That fret is rising and needs to be tapped back down (I use a door hinge pin punch and a hammer, I'm sure a real luthier would use a dead-blow sand hammer and a block of wood or something). That is the most likely cause and most likely fix.

Less likely, the neck has twisted - this is less likely because it would manifest itself in more positions and on more strings. The fix for that is beyond my knowledge and experience.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

there are a few techs I can take the guitar to although honestly right now im trying hard to avoid the cost because I payed a tech for working with a bone nut on my guitar.

is there a specific way to tap it down?

could I just use a flathead screwdriver?
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

You shouldn't use anything metal. Go to a hardware store and find yourself a small plastic faced mallet. StewMac do one that's perfect, but you can almost certainly find something that's better value locally.
 
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Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

astrozombie said:
there are a few techs I can take the guitar to although honestly right now im trying hard to avoid the cost because I payed a tech for working with a bone nut on my guitar.

is there a specific way to tap it down?

could I just use a flathead screwdriver?
Click to expand...

Yes, The handle end. Something wide and non abrasive. You don't want to go putting small dents in the fret.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

This is assuming the fret is high because the fret wire is raising up. If it isnt, tapping it down isnt going to do anything good.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

Ball&Chain said:
This is assuming the fret is high because the fret wire is raising up. If it isnt, tapping it down isnt going to do anything good.
Click to expand...

as of right now, I'm trying to see what sanding the fret a tad will get me.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

astrozombie said:
as of right now, I'm trying to see what sanding the fret a tad will get me.
Click to expand...

If its sticking up and you sand it thats not a good deal. Look at it and make sure that its not pulled out first tapping a fret back down is a heck of a lot easier than trying to sand one and not mess it up.

Sounds like you need to sit down and figure out whats actually going on why is it high. Is it pulled up or is it just a high from from odd wear.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

I wouldn't do anything to file the fret down. You need to find out what the REAL problem is, and fix that. That's why I recommended taking it to a tech.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

Turn the amp on an set it to gigging level. Sounds smart assed, but I'm serious. If you obsess over every one of your buzzes with the amp off, you'll end up with strings half an inch off of the neck and no frets left from all the leveling you'll do.
 
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Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

it buzzes to the point that the note is dead.

I havent done anything to the guitar because I dont have the right tools to try to tap it down. I'll report later.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

If the fret is rising up out of its slot, it should be pretty easy to spot. Check for a gap between the fret and board. If it looks ok, take a credit card and place it with the fret in question in the middle edge down and rock it back and forth. Its useally best to have the neck straight for this, but if you have some relief dialed in and the credit card rocks like a see saw, its a good sign you have a high fret.
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

im very inclined to think that the fret needs to come down. this buzz is sudden, the G string is also buzzing a fret down.

something happened.

maybe its the bolt on neck developing a hump?
 
Re: any tips on fixing a buzz on just one fret?

Ball&Chain said:
If the fret is rising up out of its slot, it should be pretty easy to spot. CHeck for a gap between the fret and board. If it looks ok, take a credit card and place it with the fret in question in the middle edge down and rock it back and forth. Its useally best to have the neck straight for this, but if you have some relief dialed in and the rocks like a see saw, its a good sign you have a high fret.
Click to expand...

I used a razor blade.

some frets rock around the 17-19th

edit: they barely rock.
 
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