saddle adjustment -> hex wrench not fitting

[thadc]

Hello,

I have a new Albert Lee guitar with the vintage (chrome plated) saddles. I went to perform a saddle adjustment for some buzzing strings, but the allen wrench I usually use for my other electrics (fender teles and strats) does not fit! the one I usually use appears to be too small. The next largest appears to be too big.

I would greatly appreciate any advice. Great guitar but I need to get rid of the buzzing. THanks!

 

[franne500]

are you using inch og mm allen wrenches ? I use mm and they fit

 

[DrKev]

1.5 mm key. Fenders use summat else.

Where is the guitar buzzing?

 

[Larry]

Fender uses a .050 hex/allen EBMM uses a 1.5mm hex/allen

 

[thadc]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I need to find a 1.5 mm wrench. I am surprised the MusicMan would required metric while the Fenders don't. I am not even sure where to get the metric wrenches. Hopefully I won't have to send away for them.

As far where buzzing, the lower three string each buzz when I fret at various places while playing leads. I assume it is just fret buzz, which why I would be raising the strings.

 

[setenza]

Check the neck tension, could be the issue. Generally, the best way to work the action on a (good quality) guitar is by adjusting the truss rod. I say good quality because most guitars produced by quality manufacturers, such as EBMM, are spot on when they leave the factory. From there, the environments they live in have their way with them! Take it from me, I lived in Phoenix for a while; in winter it was 45 degrees and dry, spring 80 degrees and dry, summer 115 and dry, late summer/fall monsoon season 105 and HUMID, fall 80 and medium humidity. I learned that for each of these seasons I had to either tighten or loosen the truss to compensate for the necks's natural flex due to climate.

Because of all that, if I was messing with the saddles it would make it even more complex. I got fret buzz if the neck got bowed in, when I tightened it was good..then vice versa..you get the picture.

So, take a look at the neck before you mess with the saddles.

 

[thadc]

Great idea. I have to admit, I would not have done that (I am too quick to tweek saddles). But actually, the buzz is relatively consistent across the string so that would indeed suggest a neck adjustment.

Can anyone provide some advice on adjusting the neck on my Albert Lee? Are there instructions/guidance somewhere?

Thanks!!

 

[koogie2k]

thadc - here is a link to the Musicman site for some help on adjusting the neck.

Music Man Guitars

 

[DrKev]

Yes, go to music-man.com and look for the FAQs.

My rules of thumb is as follows - in this order - if it buzzes on the higher frets (17-22) raise the action at the bridge. If it buzzes on the lower frets (1-5) loosen the truss rod (turn to the left). Don't let yourself get too sensitive too tiny buzzes or you'll drive yourself crazy. A little buzz is fine by me if it's not intrusive when I actually play music.

(edit: a ha, beaten by Koogie!)

 

[thadc]

great. I read the MM site for how to adjust the truss rod. I assume it is a allen wrench adjustment, but I am not sure what the size of the truss rod hole is. Does anyone know? thanks again!

 

[DrKev]

It's just a wheel with holes in. Anything that will fit is good, I use a small screwdriver. Try not to poke it all the way through and don't use anything that might break.

 

[thadc]

Thanks again for the responses. Turning the little wheel by 3 holes took care of most of the buzzing. What an outstanding improvement on Fender truss rod type adjustments, by the way..

I really love this guitar. I have never seen anyone other than Albert Lee (and myself) play one. I have owned comparable strats and teles, in a similar price range, and there simple isn't a comparison. I don't understand why these things aren't selling better/faster. The one I bought sat on the wall at my neighborhood Guitar Center for at least 3 months before I simply couldn't stand it anymore and bought the thing. Easily the best guitar I have ever bought, especially for the price: playability, balance, tonal character, sustain, AND looks!

 

[Spudmurphy]

The Albert Lee is a great guitar. I love mine and would not part with them.

Welcome to the Albert Lee Owners Club or ALOC for short.

 

[thadc]

Thanks, I just joined the ALOC. How exciting! Incidentally, seems like the ALOC might need an avatar.