slight buzz around 7th fret

[mikeller]

A few weeks ago we had an outdoor show on a cool evening. Since, my Silhouette has developed a slight buzz on and around the 7th fret.

Last weekend I tried adjusted the relief (used a .10 feeler) which I notice is more than my other two 'balls, and raised the action - but the buzz is still there.

I am wondering - would too much relief cause buzzes in the middle frets ? That doesn't seem logical to me, but my logic may be wrong...

Any comments would be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[TNT]

Hey Mike,

Just a couple questions: I assumed that you're speaking of a "fretted" buzz @ the 7th fret (not open string), but which string? Is it all the strings you fret @ the 7th fret?

Truss rod "relief" positions the frets "further" away from the strings in the middle portion of the fretboard, which "eliminates" buzz.

Typically cool/cold evenings sharpens and hot evenings flattens as well when tuning.

Are you sure you didn't "tighten" the truss rod??

 

[mikeller]

Yes, I was referring to the fretted note. I notice it more on the D & G strings. Putting a capo on the first fret and fretting the highest fret where the neck meets the body, I can easily slide a .10 feeler gauge.

I'll check it again today. Thanks

 

[TNT]

Hey Mike,

Yeah, I hope you were able to get it set up okay!!

Since you capo the first fret, in theory then, the first fret then becomes your "nut". And, if there is no buzz there (that is on the second fret, then your open string clearance is fine.

Then, if you have decent clearance under the strings, as you mentioned, on the last fret, you're fine there too.

Then, if there is a buzz @ the 7th fret, well then you're not fine there.

Get that neck "straight" with truss rod adjustment, and it should line up just fine. Those frets are milled perfectly, so you really don't need any relief to remedy buzz.

All my Musicman guitars have "absolutely no relief" (although some players prefer this, I don't); the necks are "straight as an arrow, so if there is any buzz at all (anywhere), I just patiently/diligently take each fret individually and lightly/delicately file to personal perfection.

I don't recommend this, unless you've experimented enough already on your other non-valuable project type guitars, etc. . .

 

[whitestrat]

Yes, I was referring to the fretted note. I notice it more on the D & G strings. Putting a capo on the first fret and fretting the highest fret where the neck meets the body, I can easily slide a .10 feeler gauge.

I'll check it again today. Thanks

When I got some of my balls, they had a few dead spots at the upper frets, especially when you bend the strings. I thought it needed more relief or had to send my necks for a dressing.

But then, I mistakenly turned the truss rod the other way, totally straightening the neck, and I raised the action slightly to my preference (abt 2mm clearance at 24th fret).

Guess what? Dead spots gone... Whahahaha... Now, I always try this before considering other options...