Gibson LP Fret Problem

[Shane28462]

What would make my 13th & 14th fret buzz on all strings? It buzzes slightly on the 13th and and bad on the 14th but after that ( 15th on) its fine. Its also fine 1st. through the 12th. I kinda thought maybe a high 15th fret but im not sure. Also any suggestions on how to figure what exactly is causeing this would be great.

Note: I use the tone pro's locking stopbar and bridge so none of it come's loose when the strings are removed so i know the problem isnt in the bridge or by the action being changed and the different strings are the same gauge????????????????

 

[captain cavman]

The buzz problem might be due to a neck curve change. It might be too concave due to weather change (humidity rate or temperature) or strings change (even with the same gauge , a different brand might be stiffer and induce more tension in the neck).
The cure if a truss rod tuning and maybe a slight adjustement of the action (string height).

if you don't feel confident , go to a local retailer, he will tune it for you.

 

[Shane28462]

I have checked the neck for straightness and the neck has a slight bit of relief so the neck is ok. I did find that my bridge has a 12" radius with my fretb. having a 10" radius which isnt good and i will be correcting later but even with that it still wouldnt cause every string to buzz on the 13th & 14th frets. You think maybe i have a loose/floating 14th or a high 15th??? I have checked everything and thats about the only things that seem to make sence.. Any other idea's????????

 

[Oldslowhand]

Is this a new problem ?
If it is I would say you might right
If it's an old problem it might need a fret dressing:33:

 

[orbiter]

get a small 2-3 inch long straight-edge.. something that will rest on only three frets at a time. Look at stewmacs fret rocker~ and find something that will work for you.. a credit card will work in a pinch .. but it is not very presice.

if it happens mostly on the two middle strings than I'd say it was caused soley by your bridge radius due to its flatter shape.. but if it's all strings .. I'd be checkin those frets.

set ruler on 3 frets at a time and work you way up the board.. it shouldnt rock [like a teeter-tooter] if it does .. the fret in the center is taller than the others .. or you've got a low or worn fret.

sounds like # 15[?] is tall.. if this is not the case .. your neck needs a touch more relief or bridge needs to be raised. IMO

it's not too uncommon for a fret at or around the neck-joint on a LP to rise.. I'm not exactly sure why .. but it happens. another thing that happens .. the tongue's can raise.. seems to happen w/ extreme temp/weather changes.

this can be hard to spot w/o the help of a notched straight edge.

 

[Shane28462]

Its funny that you mention the stewmac fret rocker as i had just ordered one yesterday. I actually have the stewmac string action gauge that they sell and using it shows that my 15th is slightly higher than the 14th & 16th

 

[orbiter]

Its funny that you mention the stewmac fret rocker as i had just ordered one yesterday. I actually have the stewmac string action gauge that they sell and using it shows that my 15th is slightly higher than the 14th & 16th

sounds like you've found your pest. I see this happen to people who solo @ the 12th alot.. just from wear and tare.

check for any signs of gappage between the board and the bottom of that fret. to be sure its not lifting (im guessing you've done this already .. but just in case)

The fret-rocker is great .. I put a little griptape on mine to help keep me from dropping it. that point would do some damage!

if you've had the guitar for awhile .. and frets are showing some flat spots .. I'd have the frets level'd and dressed.

 

[jammermatt1]

If you got it new, and haven't done it yet, you should consider a fret dress. LP's sometimes need a fret dress right out of the gate, and it seems to be a common thing. I got mine done for about 75 bux, and it played like butter afterwards. Throw in the extra bux and have your luthier do a supreme setup also.

-Matt