H-150 Fret Buzz

[Buster]

I hope there are some experts on the forum that can help diagnose the fret buzz problem on my new H-150. The buzz is on the 3 lower strings (D, A, and E), but primarily on the A and low E. It is a huge problem in the first and second positions, all down the neck on the 6th string. Everything above the 12th fret really doesn't sound like actual notes, very dead sounding. As you can see from the picture, my action is fairly high. So, I don't think it's that. I have also made some minor truss rod adjustments to give the neck more relief, but it doesn't seem to have helped. I think the problem may be the nut. It looks like it wasn't even cut for the lower strings. There is no slot for the 6th string, just a small groove made by the pressure of the string. It doesn't seem to be sitting in anything, but rather resting on top of the nut. Has anyone else had similar problems? What should I do?

 

Thanks!

 

Let me know if you need more pictures.

[Buster]

Another shot:

[Keith7940236]

Did you purchse it from a dealer? I would think that they would have set up the guitar for you.

[Buster]

I bought it online from an authorized dealer. The salesman said the set-up was ok, but would probably need to be "tweaked a little" as a result of the changes in climate. When I got it, it was similar to many other factory set ups I've seen.

[davesultra]

Funny, I just picked up a barely used 2011 H-150CM in VSB that has pretty much the same issues you've described. I've decided to buy a bone nut blank and take it up to either Elderly Instruments or Dave Collins and get it set-up right! I have to admit the nuts are the weak link on our H guitars.

[Kuz]

I have been told by 3 experienced luthiers that if the string doesn't buzz (hit the 1st fret) when the string is played open (ie play just the 6th string unfetted) then the issue is not with the nut.

 

You need to get it to a reputable luthier/set-up man. If you just took possession of the guitar, the dealer should help pay for the cost, IMHO. If you have had it for a few weeks then climate changes might have taken over.

[the jayce]

Kuz is right on. A good set up tech will fix it right up. I've had to take guitars in about 3 times over a period of 25 years for this same frett buzz type problem, and they always came back perfect. Good luthier can work miracles for ya. Worth the 100.00 to have it done exactly to your specs..

[GuitArtMan]

I'm going to suggest something easier and less expensive - a new set of strings. While I've never had a set where all three of the wound strings buzzed, I did buy a box from a major manufacture and have about 50% of the D strings buzz right out of the box. The manufacturer acknowledged the defect and set my a bunch of new D strings. It's worth a shot.

[FredZepp]

I'm going to suggest something easier and less expensive - a new set of strings. While I've never had a set where all three of the wound strings buzzed, I did buy a box from a major manufacture and have about 50% of the D strings buzz right out of the box. The manufacturer acknowledged the defect and set my a bunch of new D strings. It's worth a shot.

I was about to suggest the same thing... New strings, check the relief, ...

[Millennium Maestro]

Kuz and Jayce are 100% correct. Take it to a good tech!

 

My first take from your photos is the nut may not be cut to a correct depth, it does not look low at all (Professional Adjustment) Just from looking at the Photo! I will also say the nut is not the issue! Just one of the setup adjustments you will need.

 

A Good Setup also needs

- A straight true neck with slight relief

- The Bridge Height Adj and Saddle intonation

- Truss adjustment to work with you string guage

 

A pro setup is the best way to get everything out of your guitar, In my opinion.

 

If your in Vegas PM me!

[golferwave]

Good point about the strings. Might be my eyes but they look a little corroded in the picture...and as the others have said, a good set up is king for any guitar. I have all the tools if you're close to me. Good luck!

[smaj]

If you are close to Waterford , Michigan , stop in at Motor City Guitar on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ask for Dave B. , I'd be happy to take care of you for no charge.

[Guest HRB853370]

If you are close to Waterford , Michigan , stop in at Motor City Guitar on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ask for Dave B. , I'd be happy to take care of you for no charge.

 

What an incredible offer! Just another example of the quality of folks that are on this forum!!!!

[Steiner]

If you are close to Waterford , Michigan , stop in at Motor City Guitar on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ask for Dave B. , I'd be happy to take care of you for no charge.

Now that's cool!

[heritagefan7]

Now that's cool!

If you are close to Waterford , Michigan , stop in at Motor City Guitar on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ask for Dave B. , I'd be happy to take care of you for no charge.

++++++++1

[davesultra]

Planning to swing by there on Monday!

[Buster]

Thanks for all of the feedback. I'm aware that taking it to a tech is the best option. I was just hoping there would be some quick fix that I could pull off at home. I'll definitely try a new set of strings, though.

 

If you are close to Waterford , Michigan , stop in at Motor City Guitar on a Sunday, Monday or Tuesday and ask for Dave B. , I'd be happy to take care of you for no charge.

 

Thanks for the offer man. You are very generous and kind. I wish I lived near Michigan. Speaking of guitar techs, does anyone here know a good tech in the Oklahoma City or Tulsa area?

[golferwave]

Mark Chatfield (Cowtown guitars former owner, and the former lead guitarist for Bob Seger & SBB) lives in the Tulsa area now and has a guitar shop there. Not sure of the name of the shop but If you can look him up he can get you the help you need.

[Buster]

Just changed the strings to a fresh set. It's still buzzing on the bass strings (not as bad, but still quite apparent). Looks like she's going in for a professional set up. Thanks for all the help guys.

[golferwave]

Let us know how it all turns out.

[Buster]

Just got the guitar back from the shop. I had the nut filed correctly and a set-up done. Unfortunately, the tech ran into the same problems that I did. The neck will not allow for enough relief, even with the truss rod as loose as it will go. It only needs a little bit more to be perfect. We were able to make some of the buzz go away, and improve the playability (it currently has amazing action, especially on the treble strings). The current hypothesis is that it is a climate problem, i.e., too much humidity. I'm going to throw some silica gel packets in the case and try to get the moisture out over the next few days. Any other dehumidification tips would be much appreciated. Additionally, I'm going to leave it in the case with the strings tuned up 1/2-whole step to try and add some relief. If these methods don't work, next step will most likely using clamps and heat. Hopefully it won't come to that. Thankfully, there is nothing "major" going on, so I don't think it will need to be sent back up to Kalamazoo under warrantee.

 

On another note, the tech was very impressed with the look, build-quality, feel, and sound of the guitar. He completely overestimated the cost when he guessed. = )

[Millennium Maestro]

The heat method sounds intimting and awefull but it really works well, I have seen it done with excellent results. On a side note I had a guitar I bought that had the strings removed for an extended period and that too caused a non adjustable backbow.

 

You will end up with a very special instrument when all is said and done!

[FredZepp]

 

On another note, the tech was very impressed with the look, build-quality, feel, and sound of the guitar. He completely overestimated the cost when he guessed. = )

 

That's the kind of tech that we like, one that appreciates the work at Parsons St .

 

I hope that you get it all squared away quickly , so that you can start to enjoy that 150.

[Buster]

Just another update. I emailed Heritage Guitars about the issue. I wanted to check with them prior to doing anything drastic to the guitar. I got a reply in less than 24 hours (amazing customer service). They said to send it in for review. Has anyone here sent their guitar back to the factory? If so, what was the experience like? How long did it take to get it back?

[tbonesullivan]

Just a question, but where are you located? If it's gone through extreme changes in moisture it can take weeks to months to really settle in.

 

Anyway, good luck with the issues. I'm sure that heritage will be able to make it right.