I just bought a Fender American Stratocaster. The string action seemed fairly high so I adjusted the saddles lower to where it frets more comfortably (would feel even better a touch lower), but now there is a fair amount of buzz. Does this interfere with sound quality/tone, and sustain? Is fret buzz a common thing on electric guitars, or do I need to set the action back up to where a gorilla could hardly make a whole step bend?
2007-01-12 10:33:22 · 8 answers · asked by Erik 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
Is it buzzing against the fretboard or is it somewhere else; ie by the saddle at the bridge, or the nut up by the tuners? Most def have a professional or someone knowledgable take a look at it. You are not going to ruin you guitar by tweaking it a little but you most likely will make it worse.
It is definitely going to affect you sustain, especially with a fender, because the strings wont vibrate as long. Probably a minimal effect on your tone.
2007-01-12 10:57:56 · answer #1 · answered by e_schwag 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds to me like you need a truss rod adjustment -- that is the rod that runs the length of the neck INSIDE the neck. DO NOT attempt to do this yourself, because when you turn the large adjusting screw -- you have to know exactly how the neck will settle over a period of say 24 hours. That is a job for an expert, and although it will cost you a few bucks, you'll finish up with the perfect action. You could mess about for weeks yourself, and totally ruin the guitar.
2007-01-12 10:57:41 · answer #2 · answered by marmat16az 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really want to minimize the buzz as much as possible. It does interfere with the tonal quality of the sound and will reduce sustain. You may want to take it to a pro and have them look it over (while you watch and learn), but don't pay a fortune either. There may be something serious like a warped neck or it might be as simple as getting different gauge strings.
2007-01-12 10:54:54 · answer #3 · answered by Lee W. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strings need a while to settle on the guitar. On guitars with relatively low action, that means they buzz. If your guitar spent too much time (depends on the guitar) with no strings, the neck might have relaxed and it is being pulled to the ussual tension. However, your neck may be distorted, frets worn or out of place, truss rod too loose or too tight.
2007-01-12 10:53:45 · answer #4 · answered by Sister Christian 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my limited understanding, buzz would be bad. I would have to agree with a previous statement, look for a middle ground. As far as interfering, I would have to say no, if that is the sound you are looking for. Otherwise, yes, that buzz would translate into a hum/buzz registering on your amp. It may also prevent you from achieving a crip, clear sound, again, if that is what you are going for.
There are plenty of others out here who know more than I, just wanted to get my 2 cents in
2007-01-12 10:48:14 · answer #5 · answered by top cat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the buzz will and does interfere with the sound quality you need to tune it all the way up the neck by the metal screws above the wamy bar
2007-01-12 10:45:08 · answer #6 · answered by michael m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go and have the neck checked out to see if it set proper and kepp using the the same gauge strings every time you chang them after it is set up correct
2007-01-14 14:17:20 · answer #7 · answered by madtownbass 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JUst try to find the middle ground. Maybe get a profesional to look at it.
2007-01-12 10:42:00 · answer #8 · answered by Beaverscanttalk 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋