Fret buzz first fret

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SadFuzz
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Fret buzz first fret

Post by SadFuzz » Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:44 pm

Restrung my JM and getting some annoying fret buzz on the first fret.
I've tried messing with the saddles and raising the action to no avail.
Should i adjust the truss rod?
Maybe a shim needed?
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adamrobertt
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by adamrobertt » Sat Jul 18, 2020 5:03 pm

SadFuzz wrote:
Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:44 pm
Restrung my JM and getting some annoying fret buzz on the first fret.
I've tried messing with the saddles and raising the action to no avail.
Should i adjust the truss rod?
Maybe a shim needed?
Adjusting the bridge won't help first fret issues, nor will a shim. Giving the neck some relief (loosening the truss rod) COULD help, maybe, but I also kinda doubt it.

Sounds to me like your most likely culprit is low nut slots. You didn't go down a gauge on your strings, did you?

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andy_tchp
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by andy_tchp » Sat Jul 18, 2020 5:46 pm

Buzzing on the first fret when played open, or it's buzzing when you fret notes on the first fret/s?
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low_fidelity2100
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by low_fidelity2100 » Sat Jul 18, 2020 11:09 pm

andy_tchp wrote:
Sat Jul 18, 2020 5:46 pm
Buzzing on the first fret when played open, or it's buzzing when you fret notes on the first fret/s?
Yeah, important distinction.

Buzzing on the 1st fret when played open = nut cut too low.
Buzz when fretted at first fret = either relief needed, or High fret further down the line.

If the first, you'll need to replace the nut (or shim it) to gain some extra height so it doesn't rattle when played open.
If the second, loose the truss rod a 1/4 turn and wait 3 hours for it to settle and see if its fixed the problem (some necks don't need time to flex after a truss rod adjustment so it may be a noticeable improvement immediately). If 1/4 turn doesn't fix it, try another 1/4 turn. And jf it still doesn't resolve itself, you most likely have a high fret further down the line.

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SadFuzz
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by SadFuzz » Sun Jul 19, 2020 12:50 am

Its buzzing when i fret at the 1st fret so i'll try adjusting the neck today and see if that changes anything.
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timtam
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by timtam » Sun Jul 19, 2020 1:11 am

OK that clarifies the picture. Most likely a high fret. If the buzzing is confined to the 1st fret, then probably the second fret. Do you have fret rocker ? Don't adjust the truss rod or anything else until you have tested for a high fret. If found, then see if it appears partially unseated or not.
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SadFuzz
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by SadFuzz » Sun Jul 19, 2020 1:36 am

I don't have a fret rocker.
It feels solid, no appearance of being unseated.
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timtam
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by timtam » Sun Jul 19, 2020 1:55 am

Try a short metal ruler or straight edge. Even if it covers more than 3 frets you may still be able to see more clearance over adjacent frets than the high one, if present. An action gauge may also be flat enough to act as a rocker (if you have one), or at worst use a credit card (try several edges to confirm your findings). If the buzz is bad enough that you don't want to live with it, so that a fret needs at least spot leveling, then you're presumably going to have to take it to a guitar tech (unless you have the leveling tools) ... so you could just take it to one for a quick diagnosis first.

Or you may want to equip yourself with a small set of your own diagnostic tools ... fret rocker, feeler gauges (for relief, and first fret action), action gauge.
"I just knew I wanted to make a sound that was the complete opposite of a Les Paul, and that’s pretty much a Jaguar." Rowland S. Howard.

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Scout
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by Scout » Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:28 am

Anything that spans three frets and is stiff and flat can be used as a fret rocker, say the edge of a credit card or a razor blade .
The theory is if span three frets and the straightedge rocks it’s pivoting on a high fret , it shouldn’t pivot.

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Scout
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Re: Fret buzz first fret

Post by Scout » Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:29 am

Oops, just like Tim tam said. :)

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