Buzzzz - guitar maintenance

[stevie2sticks]

Hi I’m getting a bit of a buzz sound from my MM Blues 28, can’t describe it any better.

Now I’ve never done any maintenance at all. Other than changing strings I just rock on with it.

Next time I change strings, are there any pitfalls in taking it apart, cleaning inside and putting it back together?

any advice appreciated before I have a go at fettling it.

kind regards
Steve IOM

[Michael Messer]

Hi Steve,

There are not many pitfalls, but if you don't need to take it apart, then don't.

My first question is how old are the strings?

There is very little in a single cone wood bodied guitar than can buzz, so don't dive in without going through a few checks with me and others on here.

Sometimes just loosening the strings and tuning it up again can solve the problem, but if the strings are old, that has to be the first thing to change.

Shine On
Michael

[pete1951]

Buzzes ( especially on a reso) are often hard to track down. First check and bits that screw on, strap bottom, m/heads, cover plate screws ( make sure you use the correct screwdriver- if you don’t know the difference between Phillips 2 and a Pozi 1 stop now) . Also how experienced are you at putting in screws? It’s easy to strip the head or the threads on cover plate screws.

Give the strings a close look, is one of the ballends rattling on the cover plate?

Are you sure the buzz isn’t coming from the string hitting the frets? You could put a pencil between the frets and strings and see if the buzz goes away.

There are lots more things it could be.

Pete

[stevie2sticks]

Ok good advice guys I’ll try new strings - many thanks

 it is a very high buzz a bit like when you do harmonics, I thought at first it was my tinnitus playing tricks (it’s better that it’s strings)

[Michael Messer]

Jul 31, 2022 19:02:52 GMT stevie2sticks said:

Ok good advice guys I’ll try new strings - many thanks

 it is a very high buzz a bit like when you do harmonics, I thought at first it was my tinnitus playing tricks (it’s better that it’s strings)

Steve,

A high pitch sound could be coming from the strings on the headstock. Unlikely to be coming from the cone or bridge saddle. Try new strings and let me know.

Guitars are like cars when it comes to locating a sound that shouldn't be there, the sound resonates through the whole thing and can be really hard to locate.

Shine On
Michael

[bonzo]

Hi Stevie. I know it has been said before but if using MM Newtones don't trim the ends 'til the strings are up to pitch!
This may sound silly but I've found that gravity plays a part in buzzing.
Play the guitar flat, lap style, then upside-down and in left and right hand positions. I bet it won't buzz in all positions and that could help in locating the problem. Also don't discount the hot and changeable weather. Did the guitar heat up at any time? Metal expansion etc.....

Good luck, it will be alright in the end! 👍

[stevie2sticks]

Think it’s fixed 👍thanks for help

[Pickers Ditch]

Aug 2, 2022 7:25:22 GMT stevie2sticks said:

Think it’s fixed 👍thanks for help

Wotcha Steve.
Good news.
What was the solution?

[Michael Messer]

Aug 1, 2022 8:10:20 GMT bonzo said:

Hi Stevie. I know it has been said before but if using MM Newtones don't trim the ends 'til the strings are up to pitch!
This may sound silly but I've found that gravity plays a part in buzzing.
Play the guitar flat, lap style, then upside-down and in left and right hand positions. I bet it won't buzz in all positions and that could help in locating the problem. Also don't discount the hot and changeable weather. Did the guitar heat up at any time? Metal expansion etc.....

Good luck, it will be alright in the end! 👍

Bonzo is correct about gravity and how you hold the guitar. When that is happening it is usually a pit prop (mushroom post) or a truss rod (Liz) problem. For example…. Laying it flat puts more pressure on the back and can stop a rattling pit prop.

Shine On
Michael