Fret buzz can be caused by the bridge!

Sometimes fret buzz is caused by the bridge, not the frets. When a bridge collapses, the middle strings get lower so they start buzzing on the frets. Dan Erlewine and Blake repair a guitar that had a tailpiece cranked down to the body, and the center of the original Tune-O-Matic bridge was sunken. Learn how to replace a Tune-O-Matic bridge, properly slot the saddles, set the radius at the saddles, then tune and intonate.
Download the PDF of Erick Coleman's guide to slotting T.O.M. bridge saddles here:
www.stewmac.com/item/I-TS0341
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge
www.stewmac.com/item/4566-N/
Original ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge
www.stewmac.com/item/4616-c/
Deadblow Fretting Hammer
www.stewmac.com/item/1296/
Gauged Nut Slotting Files
www.stewmac.com/item/0881/
Radius Gauges Notched, set of 4
www.stewmac.com/item/5433/
Understring Radius Gauges Standard width, set of 9
www.stewmac.com/item/5088/
- - - - - - - - - - - -
StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
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[@vanshankguitars]

It's nice to see Dan passing on his extensive expertise to the younger generation. Keep it up Mr. Dan!

[@TonecrafteLuthiery]

I thought you said "Dan's passing" for a sec and almost had to deal with my passing from a mini heart attack.

[@jordanmitchell380]

Not sure why but stewmac videos are so calming and make me feel peaceful and they're very informative.

[@J__C__]

Twoodford on KZbin has some really good ones, too. His voice is THE BEST! 👍

[@phallystorm]

because we also realize that instead of bringing the Guitar to a Tech, or Luthier, we can do the work ourselves, and save lots of money. That Idea calms me down

[@telequacker-9529]

@@phallystorm Real talk, I can't believe I used to pay a guy $110 to look at a ruler and turn a screwdriver

[@elonmust7470]

They make me angry.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

Because they seem small-town and relaxed and calm and patient. Love the old guy.

[@JosephGallagher]

"Play something that's not chords" Words of wisdom, sir hahaha

[@masque1313]

it is extremely generous of Dan and StewMac to pass along these incredible videos of how we can all work on our guitars. I just want you to know how appreciative I am of you folks taking the time to make these videos and post them for us!

[@MClark-bv9tn]

Yes sir I'm a beginner in the art of learning and playing the guitar so I am very appreciative for y'all giving your knowledge for free thanks so much, Matt

[@dennisdewinter1997]

I’ll echo this sentiment!!

[@ikefork2606]

When filing bridge saddles, I always stick a small piece of blue painters tape over the top of the stop-tailpiece to protect it from scratches and marring.

[@12south31]

Dont forget the pickups! Those little metal shavings love a magnetic pickup, and scratch up the covers when cleaning.

[@JohnSmith-wd9rc]

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I was scared the bridge would be scratched. I use tape when I file anything in the vicinity of that file. Only takes a second to do permanent damage.

[@12south31]

@@robertr.9419 Damn 2" ? That is some thick ass paint!

[@TheNeonRabbit]

@@robertr.9419 "Luthier"

[@McSlobo]

@@12south31 It depends on the material. I guess most saddles are made of material that isn't magnetic such as brass or zinc which therefore doesn't get stuck in magnets. Titanium is only weakly magnetic so it shouldn't cause problems either. However if you have steel saddles then you should take precaution.

[@JustRockMySoul]

you can see the old generation with the knowledge and the new generation with the video editing and illustrations work hand in hand perfectly. great job!

[@randysnell9218]

Dan taught generations about guitar and bass set up. We owe so much to him.

[@Multiabuse]

Dan has been THE guitar repair expert my entire life - at least since I put together my first kit guitar 26 years ago. I wish I had 5% of that man's knowledge of stringed instruments.

[@Wolf_K]

I’d rather have a functioning new bridge than a faulty vintage one, no doubt.

[@elephantcup]

Nothing vintage about that guitar. In 1960, they didn't emboss "1960" on the pickguard. That's a "1960 Classic" Les Paul that they made in the USA factory in the early 90s. With a bridge that bends under the weight of string tension. Just another forgettable chapter in the history of awful crap made by Gibson.

[@rawjaw1881]

elephantcup well said. You can see how many neck repairs on the Internet of Gibsons with so few fenders. And that’s just the neck.

[@24avenged24]

@@rawjaw1881 That's the dumbest comparison you can make though. Even if Fender and Gibson necks broke at the exact same rate you would still see vastly more repairs on Gibson's just due to it almost never being financially worth fixing a bolt on neck instead of just replacing it.

[@sedrickalcantara9588]

It’s still a valid point. Gibson CHOSE to have permanent necks instead of making it easier to replace with a bolt on neck. It’s their fault for making a lower quality product.

[@24avenged24]

@@sedrickalcantara9588 There's plenty of valid reasons to build set neck instruments of bolt-on. There's pros and cons to both. Maybe you're right about Gibson quality overall, but saying set necks are inferior to bolt-on just makes you look like a moron.

[@antonioo8911]

Nice tip! Keep up with this kind of content, it helps a lot! Antonio, trucker, historian and guitar enthusiast from Brazil.

[@chrisw.7039]

Glad I came across this channel. Don't need any other with the excellent explanations of the information you guys give. 👍

[@guitarz]

These how to videos are absolutely life savers!!

[@jamesallen1164]

there is no doubt in my mind , this guy knows all the best ways to correct buzz from bridge to fret to tuning machine , and he shows us the best , quickest, most effective ways to do it which is a big plus in my opinion cause the faster you fix it the quicker you can play it . another awesome informative vidio from the best in the business!

[@alexhoecht6176]

You guys are absolutely awesome! This is exactly the kind of tutorial I was looking for to fix my guitar! Thank you so much, and keep up the great work

[@stewmac]

So glad we could help!

[@ConspiratorElec]

Glad to see some new videos from Dan and Co.

[@AudreyDurden]

I recently discovered that this was exactly my problem. I'm glad to finally see a good video about it.

[@bobsteel6916]

Dan Erlewine and crew are AWESOME!!

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

This channel is a goldmine

[@BrenTravisMusician]

You guys are great to watch. It's so relaxing and informative. We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and I guess your viewers all want to come hang out in your shop.

[@justpassingthrooo3505]

I'm learning something every time I come here. This is great.

[@henryhunter5026]

Nice job. A great non-invasive fix that keeps that vintage guitar playing properly and the original parts are there for the hang it on the wall collector who wants everything original.

[@sowtfhoe]

Oh my god, this just helped me so much. Been trying to work out where this buzz could be coming from for weeks....

[@RORGuitars]

Great video once again by StewMac! thanks guys

[@red-eyedblackbird8048]

I can see pure passion in younger guy!Great promise for tomorrow!

[@self4autism333]

Thanks, so much compassion. You must really love the guitars.

[@dominbuleto]

You just became my hero! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom

[@22.NUU.DRU.22]

Heck ya! Stewmac, I need every ONE of these vids. So important. Subbed a few vids ago😊

[@ELMAGNIFICO101]

i subscribed cause i like their relationship. and the way the older guy kinda moseys into frame in every video. cracks me up. keep it up ps. i also love guitars

[@poodle559]

Well I never! Been living with a fret buzz on the G on my Paul for ages had the frets done, nut checked, the truss rod adjusted and the fret board checked for twist. Never been able to get rid of the buzz. Just checked the bridge on the back of this vid and guess what, it's bowed like a bannanna. Thank you StewMac.

[@ridemx1416]

Mine does the same I've just learned to deal with it. Checked the bridge and mine is bowed as well. Already ordered a new one.

[@cybrunel1016]

poodle559 The main reason they bow is the fact most are made of non aircraft grade aluminum. If you upgrade I recommend you use stainless steel or brass.

[@cybrunel1016]

@@ridemx1416 Make sure you order one made of stainless steel or brass or it will happen again. Aluminum just can't handle string tension over time, especially the string slots.

[@ridemx1416]

@@cybrunel1016 I ordered a stainless one. Thanks though.

[@koryokuwano3458]

Happy New Year, Master!

[@local-rigs3610]

I don't need to do this on any of my current guitars, yet I was mesmerized and watched the whole thing.

[@dostacos1]

Local-Rigs same. Great info.

[@Glicksman1]

I learned about wrapping over the stop tail piece to relieve the down pressure on the bridge and which also decreases string tension, increases harmonic character, from pictures of Duane Alman's Les Paul. He wrapped over a few of the low strings, think the low E A and D. Later I saw guys doing this for all of the stings and I asked them why. They told me and it made so much sense to me that I never went back to that punishing behind he bridge down angle that some think is the key to "sustain" or whatever. It's not, and it does tend to collapse the ABR bridge and leads to many other problems as you have shown us. Another thing I learned in time was not to set my action to low, even if the guitar could do it. This way the strings strings ring out so much better with a little air under them. No fret buzz or any very subtle (or not so subtle) rubbing that robs the guitar of tone and sustain when it is played with vigour. BTW, you probably know it, but Martin guitars have their legendary tone in part because they are designed not to have very low action. They may be a little harder to play, but that sound! It's really worth the extra effort. Cheers, Dan.

[@dennisdewinter1997]

This was a super helpful video. Thanks so much!

[@ImKevan]

just a tip from one guitarist/builder to another, i always put a little masking tape over the pickup poles, just in case any metal filings manage to make it down that far, its just one of those little things that bugs me when you have little bits of metal stuck to your pickups, and i mean, its not really hard to clean the metal off, but hey, a roll of masking tape is cheap, and if you get the good stuff they use for painting, it peels off super easy without leaving any marks on pickups or pick guards plus its just handy to have around in general, great video though!

[@alphajames33]

Thank you so much for this. Very useful and educative.

[@stewmac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Firdaus_Sulaiman85]

This channel has helped me a lot. I'm already subscribed. I've given you a like button. Greeting from Malaysia. 🇲🇾😎

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

I started listening to the Prime Movers recently, Mr Erlewine is extremely cool

[@jfmax2000]

Excellent Work Bro... And Dan The Man Steps in to Give The Final Approval.. Lol... Awesome Stuff Guys 😃💯💯

[@Gearhart_Music]

There's some great info in this video!

[@Higgsinophysics]

Thanks for this explanation

[@robertpurdy4452]

I just replaced the bridge on an Ibanez Artcore semi hollow. The bridge had collapsed, I originally deepend the grooves on the outer saddles but it was definitely better when I replaced the bridge with a higher quality Gotoh bridge.

[@ronaldwhite5887]

I usually learn something every time I watch your videos, thanks to Dans experience and knowledge and passing it on to the rest of us.

[@cesar.arrano]

Awesome instructors

[@jackvozar7263]

Dude...totally worked!!!

[@thiagosarraf7265]

These guys are really good fixing a guitar

[@johnhunter4181]

I thought I was getting fret buzz after I installed a roller bridge on my Les Paul but it was harmonics generated in the short length of string between the bridge and tailpiece. These roller and tunomatic bridges to some extent are playing harmonics on the string. Notice how Paul Reed Smith bridges have long grooves across the full width of the saddle to properly stop the string vibration passing to the tailpiece-I think it makes a big difference. I made my own brass saddles with a flat top and groove to hold the string across the top and that fixed my weird noises that sounded like buzzing.

[@rodbrown8306]

The young fella with the old pro, great watching this video.

[@creationinspired200]

Thanks dan 😊

[@auchustos]

I didn't know bridges bended :o you always learn something new

[@dokdorian]

10' inch radius on les paul? wow thats new!

[@EnterJustice]

00:49: the bridge itself is flat, but the saddles differ in height to match the fretboard radius. If the bridge collapses, however, the middle strings get lower and start buzzing on the frets. Just taking notes... These guys are great teachers, I'm feeling a lot more confident about how my guitars work.

[@ResoBridge]

The 6 saddles in a Nashville or ABR-1 bridge are normally identical. The height difference for the 12 inch radius is created by the recesses for the saddles being moulded to different depths.

[@brownsparlour9813]

what a great video!

[@danielvalles9554]

Thaaaats why my LP was buzzing!!! and exactly where it was buzzing in the beginning of the video!!! I've been sooo Neurotic about my frets, thinking it was that, but my bridge is collapsed affffff!!!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Now that's something alot of Musicians don't realize. Fret Buzz can be caused by the bridge if it collapsed.

[@leamog]

I agree. Musicians wouldn't realize that. Also chairs can fall over if one leg is removed. Eg, "A pile of oily rags can be ignited by a nonchalantly thrown zippo."

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@leamog They really need to start realizing that.

[@metaljeffenc]

The thumbnail has an obvious typo. "BRIDGE", not "BRDIGE". I will gladly take that guy's job.

[@g-woonk]

I have the same problem on a strat, i figured out it was caused by one of the saddles screws not being tight enough.

[@robertkorn]

That's not the same problem at all....

[@freto_cognito9001]

@Fred Wills Yes you are exactly right. I've actually had people complain about the tune-o-matic saying it's a shame they can't adjust individual strings, which just leaves me scratching my head. In my experience it's a pain in the butt to match the fingerboard radius precisely on a fender style guitar. It is possible, obviously, and having an under-string radius helps tremendously. I use a small slip of receipt paper as a guide for me. Get the two E strings where you want them and then lower the other strings into the radius until you can't pass the paper in between. That's my method and it works pretty well. May have to try the string buzz technique as that seems a lot easier but somehow more subjective maybe. lol

[@guitarhobbywithdannythemedic]

I really like the old mentor guy!

[@Sungodv]

Dan is a true American treasure...

[@anthonyshaw8698]

Wow!!! Thanks so much. I've been having fret buzz. Got a 335. Adjusted the truss rod I don't know how many times, and the neck looks fine. Probably it's my bridge that is the problem. The bridge does look a little bowed.🤔

[@marcuslake9870]

Thank you, folks.

[@ontogeny6474]

Nice! Thank you.

[@dulla8469]

i have a strat, a squier strat, i set it up with a video on youtube, and it played perfectly, like frets were all leveled no buzz, the action was perfect the way i set it, and then i polished the frets cause bending and vibrato felt like it had friction on it that was making it really annoying to play, so i got steel wool and polished the frets, and it played really good, after that, but after a couple of days i decided to make my tremolo bridge a floating bridge, cause i didnt want the tremolo to only do dive bombs, and after loosening the back screws, i did it perfectly also measuring exactly how much it needed to be lifted off from the body that way its perfectly in tones and semi tones when increasing the tension of the bridge, and i assume that when making the bridge be angled the way it is on the floating bridge, the saddle height, also got lower, but i dont have any fret buzz that is constant, but i feel like in some frets, it plays perfectly but if i move my finger by small increments on that same fret the buzz happens, its usually really close to the fretwire on any fret, and someone told me its natural, but ive played this guitar for a month before, so i know its not normal cause it played perfectly, if anyone knows why this is happening please let me know, cause its weird and it doesnt look like any fretbuzz that ive seen on other guitar making it hard for me to know the cause

[@robertkitto6412]

This is a very informative and well put together video. I have an issue with a fairly new guitar were every fret is buzzing. Any tips please to get rid of this? Thanks

[@mikecooper8462]

What causes the bridge to collapse? Would you recommend purchasing and installing a new bridge vice the shop repair? Good presentation- thanks.

[@tomcaron9113]

Saddle Savers in Tusq saved my new Sire T3 Tele for the “sitar” sound from my original Asian one.

[@baalzephon849]

Gotta love Dane Erlewine. Raise your stop bar folks or top-wrap your strings!

[@AM2PMReviews]

I was thinking about making a project guitar. I could get a light bodied cheap strat. Set it up nice and putting tex special pickups in it...then paint it with fiesta red and maybe relic it. Do you guys have fiesta red and nitro to make it look old?

[@danielzubov]

brilliantly thanks!

[@McFly-guitars-n-stuff]

I think they left something out in this video. They should have polished the slots they made in those saddles. If there's any sharp edges, that's where you'll have strings break. I'm surprised they didn't do or mention that. They certainly didn't forget to mention any of the tools they are trying to sell LOL. I've been enjoying watching Dan Erlewine videos since 1993.

[@minisurfbanana]

I just got a fender elite. Opened up the box n it played perfect. Action was low. Few hrs later my B string started buzzing. Almost the whole length of the string. Guitar was delivered n was outside for a couple hrs before I got it. It was about high 40s low 50s outside. I figure the guitar settled into room temp. And the string started buzzing. I wonder if the neck I moved? A little help thanks!

[@philbarrows424]

I like that Stu Mac gives you an alternative to their product as well as their own👍🏻👍🏻🎸🎸

[@Pgcmoore]

outstanding!!!

[@kosycat1]

Wow I've had a les paul for 10 years and I never realized this. Going to check mine right away. i play with 11's too

[@BigCleverName]

How'd it turn out?

[@kosycat1]

@@BigCleverName haha I forgot to check.. it looks like a still have a good radius on there

[@uptownphotography]

Excellent as always... By any chance do you have a video if a saddle is at full travel and your string is still slightly flat. (In this case on my low E string). If there was no spring on the saddle screw I could get the extra adjustment travel, but not sure if I can remove it without causing a new problem. I thought of reversing the saddle, but I don't think it will give me enough adjustment. Can springs be removed without problems and is there a video on that procedure? Note: These are new strings with about 10 days break in period on a LP style guitar. Thanks. Phil NYC Area

[@krauz111]

very good video

[@JENDALL714]

Once I get the markings after hitting it with a fret hammer, I use a jewelers small tip screwdriver to notch it deeper. I have a set with various sizes and it works perfectly!

[@George_K.]

Shouldn't you tape the pickup before filing?

[@beerman7079]

No

[@Acroposthion]

I certainly would. Loose fillings + electromagnets = bad.

[@juanvaldez5422]

Hans Landa get over yourself

[@George_K.]

Truly the answer is no, don't tape it - especially if you're lazy, don't have tape or never heard "better safe than sorry".

[@juanvaldez5422]

@@George_K. tape is for manginas with small wee-wee's

[@jerasowilo8817]

Couple years ago that happened on a 2005 Gibson SG Standard I bought used that turned out to be quite buzzy. The TP was completely screwed down without top wrapping and all the strings were leaning on the back of the Nashville bridge. The bridge had completely collapsed and no radius left at all. Had then a look at my 1992 Gibson Les Paul Standard which I realize was starting to suffer a similar fate and that without having the TP screwed down. Those pot metal bridges are certainly not the best quality. I ended up ordering Pinnacle machined steel bridges from Philadelphia Luthiers which are probably not gonna suffer the same fate.

[@Mephilis78]

You don't say it, but it is a 90s Les Paul Classic. Absolutely great guitars.

[@tylerrichman9]

This is exactly why you shouldn't crank the stop tail piece all the way down. I'm well aware that many players do this to top wrap but it's just a bent bridge waiting to happen. I've had my local luthier measure and put set screws into the tailpiece posts so there is a solid connection all the way down to the bottom of the hole. On the bridge studs, he made new posts from all thread to go to the bottom of the holes. All the sustain without a bent bridge.

[@Glockerstein]

Very helpful thank you. Should I file notches on my Strat saddles for the same purpose of straightforward string guides?

[@beerman7079]

No

[@andysixxlett2632]

Very helpful :)

[@thiago4853]

This is another good reason for overwrapping the strings to the tailpiece

[@mori-patte]

Also wrapping around adds some vintage tip

[@johntripp5159]

Pretty fundamental what about acoustics? do you recommend a new bridge insert or a shim?

[@thijs199]

I bought a fret end file, I think with a regular triangle file I can make the overall shape, and the close to wood stuff I'll do with the special file. got a whole bunch of sandpaper wet/dry on the way as well so I think I'm gonna be good. If it all works out I might actually polish it. I happen to have these fairly big polishing wheels made of nylon, and it's used for brass material. Do you think that will work out on nickel frets? well I'll be trying it with a cheap guitar first anyway. But still. Maybe in the future I will refret a guitar, but I think for that I rather have someone specialized do it. First instrument I'd refret is my US fender. And by the time those Jumbo's can't be filed anymore probably I'll have saved enough to have it refretted with steel frets. I had my martin refretted with that and over 4 - 5 years there still isn't even close to a dent to be found at all.

[@flaviodelisa]

Obrigado pelas informações

[@ilciavo]

I've put cork pads and tape to cushion the buzz of the bridge saddles and screws

[@TonecrafteLuthiery]

Is the side of the bridge (the distance between the screws they're mounted on,, I mainly mean) more or less standardized for all brands? Wondering if I can buy a preslotted tuneomatic from Stewmac and fit it on a Dean with a similar bridge system. Pretty much an identical bridge system actually, I'm just not sure if the overall side of the thing from mount to mount is the same.

[@irwinscott]

I always throw a little piece of cardboard or paper between the bridge pieces on my bass. Took me a good while to find out that was what was rattling.

[@barbershoppodcast]

And THATS why I use only the 80's style block and tackle chrome over brass bridges on my tele's - all those caveman ashtray w barrels design picks up wayyyy more random harmonics and buzzing.

[@nigel_tufnell]

great video. you should cover the pickups while filing though. the shavings will stick to the pickups and you can't get them off again.

[@Iam_Dunn]

Nigel Tufnel ....Same tape u use to cover them also makes an excellent shaving removal tool. :)

[@ThatGuy2042_]

Brass is not magnetic.

[@nigel_tufnell]

Yeah OK :) they could at least mention that it's OK Not to cover them. If you do fret work it's important

[@beerman7079]

No

[@photondebuger45]

I have no idea how but on a whim i went to look on my guitar because it's a tuneomatic too and it was sunken in too. I was like amazed.... Because i had like my bridge quite high and oddly adjusted soooo.... What i did is not a solution at all was took off the bridge and the saddles on a very flat surface i whacked it straight again, checked it with a straight machinist ruler and it was real straight. Put on the saddles on *right* i may add i made a note where they went and that was like magic. It felt Soo comfortable and good and the middle strings the D and G weren't so low too that they buzzed and the rest the E A and B and were like incredibly high. I really think imma replace it i have light strings on there i think that happened when i did put heavier strings on it because I'm sure the bridge i have is just pot metal.

[@David..]

This actually was an issue I’ve been chasing forever on my old 007 Elite.

[@markpell8979]

Did anyone else notice that this Gibson Les Paul had a fretboard radius of 10" according to the Stew-Mac radius guage, which was then used to calibrate the radius of the string notches in the saddle pieces of the new bridge? The standard Gibson fretboard radius is 12" so was this one possibly reshaped to a more-pronounced 10" radius as part of a prior refret, maybe to make it feel more like a Fender neck to its owner? This is actually a thing; some Fender fans don't bond with Gibsons, etc. because the necks feel too flat for them. Presumably the nut would've been replaced to match the fretboard radius If this guitar had the Fenderizing radius mod. But without working on the bridge too you would probably have buzzing middle strings, especially with low action on the E strings. This seems more likely in this case than a less-pronounced saddle radius of the ABR-1 bridge due to 'collapse' deformation under excess string tension. If I found a fretboard radius other than 12" on a Les Paul I would immediately know it had been modified, probably when its frets were replaced. If the bridge in that case is not collapsed, that is an ideal opportunity to replace the middle saddles with the optional higher ones.

[@deeno1114]

This has happened to both my 80’s les Paul customs

[@ParanormalResponse]

Total pros!

[@radiohead102]

Can this happen on a strat or tele style guitar? I have both that I can't seem to get rid of the buzz. Tried fret leveling, nut adjustments, professional setups, etc. Still buzzes. I'm not a heavy picker either. I have plenty of guitars that don't buzz. Any suggestions?

[@angrytroll27]

For that attachment at 6:18. Mark either side of it with a marker makes things a lot easier then fumbling around

[@jesguitarist]

I'm just curious. Is it possible to do that to a Graphtech Ghost Piezo bridge? My Gibson Les Paul studio has 12 inch radius but my Ghost piezo bridge seems just flat. Just wondering if i have to file the bridge slot would it affect the Piezo system? Hoping for answers. Thanks!

[@davidallen346]

There's a Gotoh ABR-1 pre-slotted bridge replacement without the spring you can purchase