Fix Fret Buzz Without Removing the Strings

Fret buzz is a very common problem. In this video Dan shows you how to find and fix fret buzz on a single high fret quickly and easily without even taking the strings off. Only a couple tools are necessary.
Items used in this video:
Under String Fret Dressing Files
www.stewmac.com/item/0334
Fret Rocker
www.stewmac.com/item/3770
StewMac Fingerboard Guards
www.stewmac.com/item/3744
Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Pads
www.stewmac.com/item/3730
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[@PetraKann]

Magical craftsmanship. In this disposable and plastic world these skill sets need to be passed on and preserved.

[@jebusgod]

my greatest find of the COVID-19 lockdown, Dan's videos, like a cross between Bob Ross the joy of painting and Norm Abram from new yankee workshop

[@catalinadog157]

@PrinceFcknCharming why does it matter?

[@catalinadog157]

PrinceFcknCharming thought u meant u got annoyed with ppl bringing up COVID, my bad

[@slappyshouse]

@PrinceFcknCharming Nice to see you’re living up to your handle.

[@jysmtl]

Nice way to put it. I discovered a lot during the lockdown and this is one of my favorites. Such mastery as Dan displays and shares is so valuable.

[@soulstalgiarecords77740]

The world is blessed to have people like this living on it.

[@MoparStephen]

I love these videos. Five minutes to fix the issue, 50 years of experience to make it look so simple! So many people don't understand that when it comes to pricing work or understanding what it takes to become a master craftsman.

[@texanfournow]

I want Dan's magnifying glasses. Not that I need them, I just think they're cool.

[@AngleIron426]

You can get them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmfIgHx-n7Z9bK8

[@Pgcmoore]

@@AngleIron426 thanks!

[@BAJARACER43X]

Leo Fender popularized that look

[@ChrisCookPrime]

They were never cool...until Dan rocked them!

[@svincentr]

8 eyes

[@buckjofiden4804]

Been learning from Dan since the 80’s when he did articles in Guitar Magazine. Done all my own repairs and set ups for the last 40 years. Dan is a legend 🏆

[@johnbruno6868]

I remember that!

[@benxie5624]

Wow, that is really the history ❤

[@LEEDAVEY1984]

You are the Yoda of guitar repairs. Wise, calm and informative. Brilliant work matched by brilliant knowledge.

[@bikesnbeerz]

Anyone about 40-50 years old and still miss their grandfather? I do. Dan reminds me of him.

[@slappyshouse]

He reminds me of my Dad’s father. He was a mechanic for over 40 years. Most of that knowledge was lost when he passed away. I’m glad my father listened to him, he’s passed his knowledge on to me. On top of that, he was a good man. I regret not spending more time with him.

[@noi5emaker]

Ever seen The World's Fastest Indian, with Anthony Hopkins? That could be my grandfather. He used to build his own car parts.

[@slappyshouse]

@@noi5emaker LOVE that movie! Also reminded me of my grandfather as well! I still say "Bob's your uncle" instead of "there you go".

[@noi5emaker]

@@slappyshouse Cool! My grandad had a blowtorch just like the one in the film. And often wore overalls. He was so imaginative and great with his hands. One of a kind really.

[@fotomule]

Absolutely I miss my grandpa Buster, who was just like Dan here. He died in 1986

[@roelheijmans]

In a 1000 years some archaeologist will dig up the two fretting sticks and wonders what the heck people from the stone age used them for.

[@jamesanthony8438]

And then they'll pull some stupid theory out of their arse about what it was used for. I've seen enough Time Team videos to know that's true. Take that time they found a metal "finger stylus" during a Roman dig. They said it was used like a pen, but anyone who's ever seen a finger pick knows exactly what it was... and the comment section reflected that. Sometimes so-called 'experts' have no earthly idea what hell they're talking about. =)

[@forester057]

In 1000 years we just as easily could be in the Stone Age looking back and marveling at the technology of the past.

[@duroxkilo]

​@@jamesanthony8438 your 'finger stylus' example was quite good.. a show or even a documentary is more on the entertaining side of things, not really meant to be a 'scientific paper'. imagine a person that studied a particular area/culture/history for 50 yrs, they don't need input from the comments' section (not saying that 'the public' is clueless). we shouldn't confuse reality shows w/ reality, as you've stated, the so called experts are exactly that: non-experts. but experts do exist and most of them don't have time to do makeup and appear on shows :}

[@jamesanthony8438]

@@duroxkilo I discovered something else that it could possibly be this past year, as well. I've seen things like that used for hand stitching/sewing as a thimble on an index finger so the seamstress doesn't stab herself with the needle. =)

[@duroxkilo]

@@jamesanthony8438 lol, that's great.. i've used those before w/ my nana, they can go on any finger as they come in dif sizes; it's main use is to help push the needle thru thicker fabrics. for leather they had to use pliers to actually pull the needle thru (a needle w/ a specialized tip)

[@mohammedaminefarid8389]

Watching Dan work on guitars is just soothing.

[@duranduran6415]

I wish I grew up with this guy in the family. The knowledge and skills he could teach would be priceless - most of all, he seems like a calm and great person to have around.

[@charlie-obrien]

I'll bet he's probably got some great bar-b-que tips also...

[@coryburns13]

Dan is truly a national treasure for guitar players...I can't even tell how many little tips he's just thrown out on the random while doing things that have totally come in handy for me while tinkering on my guitars. That dude has forgotten more than all of us will ever know about this stuff. Thanks Dan, Cheers!

[@theuserthatishere]

yep

[@voodoochild1975az]

EASILY one of the most important luthiers or techs ever. It's not just what he did, but his gift in explaining to all of us reading his articles and books.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

Simply amazing skills presented here. Learn something every time.

[@frankrizzo5710]

Yessir

[@seanmann6124]

Dan always a perfect solution!

[@godsinbox]

when that little sheet metal fretboard shield wiggles back and forth, IT IS SCRATCHING YOUR FRETBOARD! @3:10 what a barbarian!

[@reitairue2073]

@@godsinbox easy fix, use some low adhesive masking tape. No worries

[@rick1450]

Dan's videos are very helpful and informative . You can easily tell from his demeanor what a genuinely nice guy he is too.

[@nitoniwatori]

It's been years ... I watch many of your videos teach me how to fix various of problem for my own guitar ... and it help me fixed my problem so many times Glad to see You continue doing this .... Thanks

[@jefffeltes9309]

What a cool way to fix, and his voice was so soothing and yet confident at the same time. Thanks!!

[@MrYatesj1]

Dan you make it look so easy, its such a pleasure to see you work

[@jksguitarandmusic781]

I really enjoy watching these videos from Dan, so many great tips and tricks that make thing's much easier. Keep up the great video's, and thanks for such great tools as well.

[@shook9042]

Exactly what I need for a high fret on my LP! Thank you for the channel!

[@stanstolarski8325]

Dan Erlewine, you are a true craftsman in every sense of the term . . . I really like those "prehistoric filing sticks" you made back in the day . . . I've home made/hand made similar tools for non-guitar applications & will probably adapt this technique for precision guitar work. Appreciate your videos sir. Thank you. All the best to you & yours Dan & stay well !!!

[@davidfaulkner1246]

Your videos are great. Clear, simple and to the point. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.

[@bradprather6749]

Thank you for sharing the videos from your work bench, they're always a big help!

[@jamesallen1164]

this by far is the fastest most efficient way I've seen yet to fix the buzz . thanks for the info and I will be useing your technique if needed .

[@flouisbailey]

Fabulous workmanship in action.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

I could watch Dan work all day. Master craftsman.

[@joeshea1010]

Many thanks again, Dan, you're saving us all kinds of trouble with these sharings...

[@joshtaylor5733]

this is such a good video. I could watch videos like this all day!!!! How have I only just found you after years of doing my own repairs? Thankyou for fast and accurate info 👊

[@michaeltucker4090]

I'm a proud member of the old school. Thank you sir I can see you reside there as well. Your video's are informative, well thought out, and show real solutions that work. Bravo you have earned my support 🤗

[@voodoochild1975az]

I picked up both of his books early on in my playing days.... Dan is kind of my guru for guitar work. I consider getting those books among the best guitar decisions I ever made actually. Happy to stumble into his videos on youtube.

[@scottsmith4145]

Thats an ingenious technique and tools for this issue! Wow. Love it.

[@kennethmanuntag]

Thank you...you are one of the best all your videos are straight to the point.. no annoying introduction or something... very helpful information👍👍👍

[@guyguyguyjean]

It just feels good to watch !!Such a skilled and passionate dude!!👍

[@DjiDo]

What kind of WIZARDRY is this! Absolutely love your videos, could watch em all day long! Cheers

[@kristopherdetar4346]

A true American treasure this old guitar luthier. Much thanks Dan from a piano technician whom loves your videos.

[@rodneyfrothingham2579]

Always clear and on point. Long time subscriber. This was a superb useful piece of knowledge.

[@reitairue2073]

Awesome, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you for the lesson man. Much appreciated.

[@frodeleirvik]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos... Keep them coming!

[@theeouapolal7262]

There you go!!! Someone that actually knows what he's talking about!! I just saw a video where the guy's resolve was "all guitars have fret buzz", which is complete nonsense!! This guy here, understands the cause and how to fix it!! Personally, I've often used longer edges to gauge more frets than 3, and I always do this kind of work after removing the strings (I change strings often anyway, so for me it's not worth the extra trouble), but it's always refreshing to see someone with a little know how and experience tell it like it is!! With so much misinformation out there, this kind of knowledge sharing is MUCH APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@JBearwa]

Wonderful to see a craftsman at work. And this is exactly what I wanted to know

[@deanraddick9041]

Always love watching you work Dan 😉

[@bellowphone]

Love those little gizmos! Another fun and helpful video, Dan.

[@kennethkowalchuk7868]

Good tools used with good skills. thanks, useful.

[@SteamHammer7]

gosh these videos are life savers, I'm working on my first guitar which is a epiphone les paul sun burst. & it feels like love ❤️

[@marcor.wagner]

thanks! that is wonderful, classy work

[@w.l.graves7228]

thanks dan , absolutely right on the mark as usual !

[@kadekozak4830]

been watching you since i was a young six stringer, now i’m able to do all the luthier work on my because of your tools and tips

[@Wileylikethehawk]

This is just pure delight. Amazing.

[@andercoyote4170]

This is the only KZbin channel I trust for guitar repair advice and instruction.

[@lightfoot413]

good skills here and we need the right tools too thanks

[@tjroune]

Such fantastic videos! Pertinent information being taught so well!

[@juseth2]

Awesome video!! This was exactly what I needed to know! Thank you so much!!

[@ilciavo]

Just what I needed 👍🏾 thanks

[@4magicboxes]

What fine gentleman and master of his craft.

[@hotlov72]

Subscribed! So glad I wondered across these videos

[@salesdogfightink]

Great video. Going to try and fix my high fret this weekend. Wish me luck!

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Dan is a GREAT guy, besides his skills and enormous talents, he takes the time to answer questions from , us, his fans.

[@mosfet51]

Love old timers like you. Well done sir.

[@richardteran2474]

Thanks for those great tricks, god bless you!

[@SOOONJE]

Oh man you are just amazing, you are the king of all the guitar fixtures and fittings in the world, God just graced you. Thank you so much for all the videos you make for us.

[@johndrover6005]

Love this old school fix! Bless you sir 😊

[@chaoticag3nt249]

This is very helpful. Thank you for making this.

[@jonasulfsfalt4451]

I like the own made old school fret files. I have two homemade myself and I just love em. Thanks for nice video!

[@spectralprism3225]

Love it! Great vids great info!

[@GeorgeFoxMusic]

More videos please!!! excellent tutorial ,thanks Dan.

[@PaoloNovaro]

This video was like butter to my soul

[@whatspadethinks]

If our digitally overloaded times is good for one thing it is the retention & distribution of knowledge. More so than the printing press, the internet has a reach and permanence that is jaw dropping. I bought several of Erlewine's books in the 90's and for most stuff just seeing black & white pictures wasn't enough to fully grasp the techniques needed to do fine work. These videos are priceless and make doing these repairs much less nerve wracking. Trussrods, pots, soldering, pickups, and action setups used to make me nervous but now I am much more comfortable with it. Not an expert by ANY means but I am much more secure in messing with my guitars...

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

Beautiful... thank you sir! The tools for the right job...and of course a lot of knowledge!

[@goswo]

Always the highest level of competence. Respect

[@mdub2000]

this was an amazing piece of advice thank you so much!

[@ericlynch9560]

That was outstanding. I've been a session picker and road guitarist. Never know how to set one up. Subscribed.

[@electrojazz14]

this video has helped a great deal removing a few buzzes on my 335 so thank you

[@LOVE2Flute]

Thank you so much! I happen to have this exact issue. Now I know; time to get the right tools.

[@mrfrontranger7911]

That is a great set of files.

[@headbangerministries]

My man, a true guitar craftsman and displays passion and care. I need to send you my guitar!

[@oldguy5381]

Thanks Dan, good information as always 👍

[@BillLarkinmusic]

You sir, are a godsend. Thank you so much for this info!

[@regislourenso]

Nicely done, Dan. That's craftsmanship.

[@vmichqelz]

Bro can i use knife?, Cuz i dont have any tool

[@martinheath5947]

Exquisite work 👍

[@thememoryhole9355]

This is great. Thank you

[@fatguyscanhike7656]

Literally worked perfectly for my Jackson!! Thank you so much sir !

[@chucklakeridge7944]

The most informative video of guitar care I ever watched!!

[@vmichqelz]

Bro can i use knife?, Cuz i dont have any tool

[@depretorevincenzo6617]

You are the man Dan!

[@ryusei323]

The pure definition of craftsmanship

[@gentamara]

I am a simple man. When I see an old man fixing something while explaining I give 100% trust on ‘em.

[@soundknight]

Stew Mac thinks of everything! I want this set.

[@Greenlantern30]

I learned something new today. Thank you!!

[@paulcorreia6742]

The amazing luthier, nice work !!!!

[@mccloysong]

A genius craftsman. So grateful for you.

[@gobble_gang]

Very very helpful and informative!

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

Awesome!! Thank you!!!

[@ohmuseek4290]

This man is always so funny and have good advise.

[@guitarraspedales8784]

Love this videos!

[@jj96zkkm]

Thanks for shared ur knowledge.

[@johnw8916]

Thanks for this because of your video I identified a high fret causing E A D to buzz, the hight fret was 5. Thanks Dan.

[@cycomiko73]

Now that was straight to the point and so helpful, now I know what to buy and how to file the frets 👍👍 the older generation is all business, if this was some young person the video would be like 25 minutes to show you 2 minutes of what your looking for. Great video straight to the point!!

[@RichardKraneis]

Wow. I subscribed and liked your video right away. I will try this repair on my 1969 Sears Roebuck student guitar with fret buzz on one note. With your advice, I know I will succeed. Thank you.

[@AngelicusImmortus]

Awesome. Superb skill.

[@markpascua4946]

This channel deserves a lot of subscribers

[@walther9161]

A wealth of knowledge!!!

[@he11bent6]

I fought getting this forever. I just got an Epi. LP that I love with 1 high fret. This is the way, I finally just ordered one with an understring file. Thank you!