Help a Setup Noob

[misterwhizzy]

I've got some fret noise on the low E string, particularly around the second and third frets. When I pick the string, I hear the fret more times than not. How do I know if it's an action issue or a truss rod issue? I can replace pickups and magnets nearly in my sleep, but setup doesn't come nearly as easily to me.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Near the 2nd 3rd fret could be truss/action, but could be nut.

1. Use a straight edge and see if neck is flat. measure first to where body meets neck
- Alternate approach is hold down string on 1st fret and where body meets. If the string is on all the frets - you may need 'relief'

This means a truss adjustment

2. Alternately - you might just need to raise the action a touch. Especially if just that string. Just screw up whatever raises the whole bridge just a touch.
- This may mess up the action higher up the neck though. Personal issue. Your call.

I refer you to youtube for Truss adjustment:

You go through a cycle of truss / action / truss action. Don't hurry. This stuff is really easy, it just requires screw driver, hex wrench, and then just take it slow.

If the truss/action is NOT the problem, nut slot too low.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Thanks, Ace. Just what I was looking for.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Meant to say "nut" at the end of that first line.

Also, meant to say "raise bridge on bass side"

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

If it's only one string at one or two particular frets, you have a fret issue.
So, if your fretting on the second fret at it buzzes it the third, take some
fine sandpaper (600 or above) or a fine Emory board and level your fret.
Easy Peasy!!

Peace,

Darrin

 

[Aceman]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Good point Darrin.

Before I go to the fret solution though, I'll check everything else. The problem with starting with frets is that if he over does it on the first two...he could end up needing to do the whole board. At 22/23/24, just filing a fret is easy. At the 1st couple, there could be repercussions all the way down the board.

OR he has to go back to action/relief adjustments.

But yeah - I totally overlooked the fret option.....

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Also there’s a possibility of a raised fret which might just need to be tapped back down into place.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

It looks like a slight raising of the action on the bridge side and about a quarter turn truss-rod adjustment is all it needed. I know I need to fix the intonation a bit, but that's much less of an immediate concern. Thanks for the advice.

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Glad you got it fixed.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

Really just a fear issue. If I mess up a pickup, I've got half a dozen backups. If I mess up a pot, that's an easy fix too. But if I break a neck, that's a big deal. I'm still a bit frightened of nut replacements on this Gibson, but the PRS SE I just did was pretty simple. Live and learn, I guess.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Help a Setup Noob

:lmao:

Quarter turn at a time, you'll be fine.