All the truth about the buzz-stop. (IMVHO)

[MOGAZI!]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to start this topic for those interested in getting a Buzz-stop to solve the "jumping" strings issue and are looking for an opinion of someone who installed it.

Here's a little chronology of what i tried out before the recurring to the Buzz-Stop:
(if not interested just skip this part)


First of all I'd just like to make clear that I did not dislike or hate the sound of the original bridge on my MIJ Jazzmaster. After the first gig (actually after the first song) I simply realized that it was impossible for me to use it in a live situation. Some people might say that they've never had a problem with it and I do believe them, but I also think that it's largely a matter of playing style. I tried filing the saddles to make bigger holes, and use teflon tape to stop the little height-adjustment saddle screws from coming out during the set but after losing one ofthem i finally decided to switch to a Tune-o-matic bridge which turned out to be much better and more reliable but wouldn't rule out the occasional string jumping out (although not any one in particular) three or four times during the set. I tried to get a better neck angle, heavier strings, raise the bridge but nothing seemed to really eliminate the problem completely. I read around about the buzz-stop and although most people hated it i decided to give it a try anyway, mostly because it was my last option...


After a rather painless installation (using the same two front screws of the bridge plate) i found myself facing the first of the reasons why most people hate the Buzz-Stop. The guitar does feel different. There is obviously more tension on the strings and you can feel it immediately, especially when bending notes.. I don't own a s Stratocaster (to which most people compare the after-mod playability to) but i've played and tried a few fixed bridge guitars and that's not necessarily what it feels like. I would say the sensations is closer to switching to a slightly heavier set of strings than what you're normally used to. I guess that if you're not happy with the new feeling of the guitar you could try a lighter set before tossing the Buzz-stop in the trash...

The other main factor of concern is the sustain. The guitar feels "stronger". I would say the strings vibrate for longer and the sound in general is fuller (which you can notice especially when playing with the guitar unplugged).

Although mine was a forced choice, I'm starting to get used to the new feel of the guitar. At first I swore I would remove the Buzz-Stop if I was recording but now I think I would prefer to keep it on and take advantage of the afore mentioned sustain and tone improvement. But the most important thing is that it solved the issue where everything else had failed. I know many will think that this little add-on compromises the purity of the jazzmaster sound (and feel) but as said I use this guitar mostly for gigs (and everything else at the moment...) and my first requirement is reliability. I wouldn't even dream of doing anything similar to this or any of those steps before to a Vintage American model for example.


Hope this was helpful to those who encountered the same problem.

[Loomer]

Hey, MOGAZI! Clever name. I dig it.


I agree with your findings. A bunch here do as well. And the detractors of the 'Stop seem to fall into two groups. The first group dislikes them legitimately because they dislike the way the guitar looks and feels with a buzzstop; it totally kills the experience of playing an offset for them. The other guys like to hate on stuff.    And it's their American Right to do so, God Bless 'em. Even you foreigners... (self-parodying joke. save your indignation, rest-o-the-world.  )

This is a well-worn topic, but I always appreciate an open-minded and scientific explanation to one's opinions.

[Orang Goreng]

And it's their American Right to do so, God Bless 'em. Even you foreigners... (self-parodying joke. save your indignation, rest-o-the-world.  )

Well, we won't get the joke anyway, unless you write it in Mexican .

[Jay]

I didn't hate the way it made the guitar feel, just the way it made the guitar sound.  IMO the long lengths of string behind the bridge creating those extra overtones are what makes and offset sound like an offset.  Take that away and it's more any old solidbody with a wide coil pickup type sound—which is fine of course if that's what you like.

[Maggieo]

You know, it just occurred to me that putting heavier strings on will do the same thing as a buzzstop, but keep the unique sound of the Jazzmaster.  But then, that's free and easy and who wants to do that?!?! 

[K-Line]

You know, it just occurred to me that putting heavier strings on will do the same thing as a buzzstop, but keep the unique sound of the Jazzmaster.  But then, that's free and easy and who wants to do that?!?! 

I did try this, I put on 13's and re setup.  Then I could not play my style of leads with these cables.  Tried 12's, 11's, and then said the heck with it and installed the Buzzard and 10's and now have a great playing machine.  I do understand why no stop, it is a different tone.  I have a mustang bridge on mine and it never jumped but you loose the adjustment.