confounding buzz

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Robert Smallwood
Posts: 120
Joined: Sat Jan 07, 2012 7:33 pm
Location: Merimbula NSW Australia

confounding buzz

Post by Robert Smallwood »

Hi.

I have a strat with a wilkinson trem which I made some time ago.

The E1st string has developed a rattle all the way up ie on each fret , from about fret 10 and it even buzzes loudly on the very last fret. The string is not touching the end of the neck or the pickups.

I have put plumbers' tape around every grub screw and thread I caN find gone up & down the neck with 600 grit , a stewmac fret rocker files etc etc - ie there are no high frets underlying the E 1st string. As far as I can tell the frets are seated well.

I'm not sure where to look next.

I think this has come on over time and indeed i'd swear on some days it's worse than others but that's a little subjective.

Can anyone give me some clues and ideas on identifying the basic issue and fixing it please?

All advice welcome.

Thanks,

Rob.
Gordon Bellerose
Posts: 1186
Joined: Wed May 30, 2012 11:47 pm
Location: Edmonton AB. Canada

Re: confounding buzz

Post by Gordon Bellerose »

Ah.... the elusive buzz.
First of all place your hand on every piece of hardware while you're plucking the string.
Secondly tighten every screw.

I am assuming you have tightened everything on the bridge itself, thus eliminating that possible source.
It could be a saddle with a rounded edge or a sharp groove worn in it. Or a loose fitting trem handle.
It could also be the truss rod, although that should buzz with every string.
It could also be coming from a loose piece on a tuning head, or a string retainer.

If all that fails try changing the string.
I need your help. I can't possibly make all the mistakes myself!
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