Get Out the Buzz and the Sitar

Many - but not all - lower-priced import guitars may have mechanical issues that need addressing.

[@bfiume]

At 27:50 it seems you have fixed the problem(s). Watching the work you put in I learned a lot and I thank you. On a different note, man, you play!!! I’ll be hanging with you a long time.

[@dennismullin3052]

Always enjoy and look forward to your videos. So well done. Can’t wait for your next one. How many years have you been playing? Of your budget/inexpensive guitars which ones are you’re most favorites? Thanks again.

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hi Dennis! Thanks for your pleasant comments. As long as a guitar is 'fixable' it's ok with me. The high-end ones need way less attention, usually, than some guitars like this one. A twisted neck and a mal-aligned bridge is a deal-breaker for me. I began playing guitar in 1964.

[@rpalmese]

No need for a new bridge, just put a metal shim under the A saddle, inside the bridge, or grind the bottom of the E saddle to match the neck curve. Also, before grinding down the high fret, make sure it is properly seated all the way on the fretboard, sometimes they need to be tapped with a mallet, then filed, crowned etc.

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Rpalmese: Thanks for your input. As a side note, I decided to keep the original bridge for parts. True about the frets. Indeed, perhaps swapping the saddle's position would suffice.

[@oyobass]

For the bridge saddle height problem, you can use a set of nut files to lower the other saddle to match the radius. Then adjust the bridge height to compensate for the new saddle heights. The correct radius gauge can help with getting the arc right. The bridge on my $1200 Ibanez had 2 low saddles in the center, so it's not just cheap guitars...

[@flppr1]

Did you say why you needed to file the nut? If so, I missed it.

[@sergeantcrow]

Excellent!

[@sergeantcrow]

Nice guitar.! And you play well...

[@garybrady9531]

I like using welding tip files to match my strings but good idea

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

Hi, I’m new about adjusting my guitar. I have action ruller and feeler gauge. I adjusted my guitar with 0.10 feeler gauge and fitting well at 8. Fret and I adjusted my action 6. String to 2.00 and 1. String to 1.5 but I’m hearing buzz. Buzz starting 7. Fret to 13. Fret. Is that mean I’m playing really hard and causing buzz and must I play softer or I have to raise the strings or is that mean I’m adjusting truss rod wrong? I’m capoing the 1. Fret and pusing with my finger at (where meet my neck with body, 17. Fret) and checking with 0.10(0.25mm) feeler gauge and gauge barely touching to string. Can still neck relief cause buzz while feeler gauge fitting well? Or am I playing really hard and causing fret buzz and should I play softer or rise my actions? I’m sorry if my english is hard to understand but I hope you can understand my question and answer. Have a good day.

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Buzzing from 7th onward likely indicates that the neck is back bowed. Try loosening the truss rod a bit. Thanks for asking!

[@deandee8082]

you cut the nut level with the frets? should have added 2-3 more layers to get your height?

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Hmmmm, Dean, I believe I stated to layer the tape ABOVE the height of the first fret.

[@rpalmese]

You might need a proper fret rocker that doesn’t span more than 3 frets at the time.

[@fianvierecke2755]

but that kind of defeats the purpose of a fret rocker doesnt it? if ther are more than 3 frets you wont be able to find out wher high spots are

[@sergeantcrow]

What Amp are you using sir.?

[@guitarhowtos2148]

Thank you for all your pleasant comments, Sarg. For this sample I used a Blackstar ID Core...the little one.

[@marshallohio5512]

OMG, listen up kids ! All guitars need setting up when they arrive 🏠 home ! Nut action? Fret second fret and look for a small gap between first fret and string ! Sheet of paper thickness of gap ! Stop using feeler gages please ! Now, Address Nut slots until that small gap is achieved! Next, retune, saddle height and intonation! Okay, if high E/B string sounds sitar , then lift string out of saddle , and put a piece of aluminum foil between saddle groove and string ! DONE ! Bridge Saddles on overseas bridges assemblies are too wide for the high E/B strings !