String Buzz Caused By Switching To Light Gauge Strings (Bass and Guitar)

If you have experienced string buzz after switching to lighter gauge strings, this video may explain the cause and cure.

[@berniepla]

THANK YOU! was wracking my brain over fixing my bass with new strings and this video helped me solve the problem.

[@sira4487]

I watched your vid because I accidently broke the G string for the first time. I should've watched these tutorials such yours before replacing any new strings. You are sincerely a big help.

[@Very-Relaxing.Soundscapes]

Thanks for the Information - I plan on doing this to my Bass A String next time I change Strings. However - I just put new Strings on a week ago. So... Here's what I did. *Temp Fix Tip* - I cut a small piece from a Cereal Box. Folded it in half & placed under the A String, between the String & the Nut. I cut the folded Cereal Box material so it's barely noticeable & it Works! Buzzing Gone! Not a long term fix. But, it'll work until I need new Strings. When I change Strings again, I'll leave it longer to get more winds. - Thanks for the Tips & Good Video!

[@Bob-Whiting]

Ya learn something new every day! Even us old dogs can learn new tricks, why don't I know this already? Geez, it's so simple. Thanks for this and happy 22.

[@AaronWhite-s1i]

Just bought a brand new Sterling Ray 34. A string buzz at the first fret. Looked at it closely and they put short scale strings on it at the factory, the step down in the string caused it to buzz at the first fret, after that it was fine. Changed strings (with proper post wrap) and buzz is gone.

[@purpleturtlehurtle]

Thanks for the information, very well explained

[@expendablepawn4878]

Thanks! I was thinking about more wraps around the posts would work, Good tips

[@DougHinVA]

the number of string winds around the tuner post can be adjusted to lower or heighten the string angle as it leaves the nut

[@steindor2]

Lifesafing video, thanks a lot.

[@eli_0213]

I have a question! What are those kinds of bass strings with the colored fuzzy ends called? I see you got mint green ones and im wondering where i can find them?

[@jamesteller7031]

This is spot on!

[@hortyist1]

First let me say Thank you for the great info you provide for us aspiring guitar geeks. Much appreciated...I have a question about my r60. I used your LP set up video and discovered the neck on this r60 was way too tight (neck relief over 20mls at the 8th fret) when I removed the truss rod cover it looked over tightened ( from Sweetwater) or Gibson !? anyway I made some adjustments but the nut got so loose I could turn it with my hand easy but still over 20mls at the 8th fret. will the neck relax over time do you think? or did I just throw a lot of money in the garbage ? I'm the second owner, the first owner left it in its case for 2 years (still smelled brand new) and had no idea about set up.

[@cagedoctaves]

This has happened on my brand new FGN 5-string bass which I've tuned to Meshuggah's Bb F Bb Eb Ab tuning (140 for the Bb and Ernie Ball Extra Slinky - 95 to 40 for the high 4 strings) The F string which now has a 95 has EXACTLY the problem you describe - looks like I'll have to replace this string and put more winds on the tuning peg. p.s. sorry to be pedantic but it's your BOTTOM string or LOW string and not your "top string" as you describe - sorry but that grates a little bit. However it's a very good video all the same - Cheers.

[@quantum98jung21]

Thank you! Very useful info I was looking for.

[@christopherstorrier5560]

Just need to push the string down as winding...3-4 turns takes it to bottom of tuning capstan (Fender) giving a good break angle...i go 2 1/2 tuners/times past each post...apart from D & G string as Ernie Balls are not the longest but long enough as most bass's have a string tree on the D & G strings....i wish someone made angled triple string guides, like the Sandberg types but leaning the other way so as to hide the old string tree hole.....

[@alanknott363]

@christopherstorrier Agree with the Sandberg triple string guide as a solution. I bought a copy / cheaper version of this guide which looked exactly the same as the Sandberg one for a JB copy, it solved my rattle from the A string and gave all strings a more even and equal break angle. Not expensive and saw it on Ebay UK. Best wishes.

[@qayyumyumz4190]

my guitar buzzing string 5 fret 12-15 but the other string is okay, no buzzing. does it need fret leveling?

[@diegovillacrez8349]

question can't you just wind on more coils on the tuning machine?

[@TheWhiteKnightDX]

Very usefull ! Thanks

[@andrewhigdon8346]

Please forgive my questioning anything at all, but that E string looks like possibly the worst tuning post wind I’ve ever seen. One wrap was stacked on top of the previous wrap, and it seems like that would lead to some tuning instability, at the very least, and when it flops off of its precarious position, it would detune by quite a bit, I’m sure. Whilst demonstrating best practice for bass tuner, nut, and break angle practice, it would seem that you would want to put your best wrap forward. But thank you for the insight. Duly noted

[@louaguado995]

You called the headstock a "headboard". This is the reason I like angled headstocks, no string tree needed.

[@bens3767]

Love the content but the fact that you have to go through so much to play lighter gauge strings tells me your guitar was not made for those type of strings but I get it everybody has to have it their way right away now a days

[@guitarguts5530]

A lot of bass guitars with straight string pull over the nut can have this problem. Most of the ones I have encountered it on have been Fenders and Squiers.