MM Blues - string buzz

[Deleted]

I've changed my tuning from open G to open D and the 6th string now buzzes (Strings Newtone 56-13).  On an ordinary acoustic I would slightly release the truss but as a complete novice I'm not sure if I can do this with a resonator without upsetting things (from what I've read they do seem to be a bit sensitive) .  I was thinking of changing the 13 to a 15 anyway because I only play slide and I think this would make playing easier.  I'd appreciate any advice.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bluesdog,

Changing from DGDGBD to DADF#AD shouldn't alter the string tension across the strings, especially with MM Newtones.

When you say the 6th string, do you mean the bottom E string?

What MM model do you have?

Where and how is it buzzing - from what you have said it sounds like it is buzzing because it is hitting the frets? If that is the case, then adjusting the truss rod a quarter turn to relax it is fine.

I would definitely recommend going to a 15 on the top E. I designed MM Newtones to have a 15 on the top, not a 13. The 13 was something that developed because of customer requests for 13s.

Shine On
Michael

[Deleted]

Hi Michael

It's an MM Blues.  It is the bass E and I'm fairly sure the string is vibrating against the frets particularly 1-5.  It was absolutely fine in open G and I had been playing it immediately before re-tuning; I was working with your tuition DVD in fact and I was at the point  of progressing to open D tuning so I re-tuned and the buzz was apparent straight away.

I'll put the 15 on anyway and see if that improves things, if not I'll relax the truss rod a 1/4 turn.

Many thanks for your assistance, I'll let you know how it goes.

Cheers
Bluesdog

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bluesdog,

Yes please, keep me posted about it.

(I have moved this thread into the Main Street section to keep all MM business stuff in one place, so as not to clutter the forum with MM stuff everywhere)

Shine On
Michael.

[Matt]

WhenI tune up to open E my 4th string (D)often buzzes, for me it's the miniscule gap between the ball end and the body that causes it at that pitch. It's a loud, abrupt buzz, as opposed to the more prolonged buzz I associate with fret-buzz. (Just a comment on buzzes, I know if the ball wasn't in that position in the tail piece the buzz wouldn't happen).

[Michael Messer]

Hi Matt,

There are ways of stopping that problem....here's a couple...

When you put the strings on, use a piece of wire (or old string) in the hole in the ball end as a way of keeping it flat while you tune it up to pitch. On certain guitars I always do this. I keep a short piece of 56 string in the case for this purpose.

Or..... Cut a piece of felt or leather and slide it under the tailpiece where the ball ends touch the coverplate.

Or... Take off the tailpiece and bend the front edge down a little, which raises the slots away from the coverplate.

Shine On
Michael

[Deleted]

Hi Michael

Just to update you on progress.  I've changed the ,013 for a .015,  released the truss rod about a 1/4 to 1/3rd of a turn and flossed the 6th string bridge slot (Robin's suggestion) and I have achieved a bit of an improvement but the 6th string still buzzes when tuned to D (in both open D and open G tuning) although only when played open, there isn't any buzz when fretted at any fret.  Robin of Busker Guitars mentioned that the truss rod can have a dead spot and it may be I haven't actually moved it very much but I'm a bit uncertain how far to take it, would another 1/4 turn be OK?. 

When I tune the string to E the problem goes away.  I also measured the set up and it is a tad under 3mm on the bass side.

I've asked Robin for any further suggestions and If you or anyone else has any hints at solving the problem I'd be grateful.

Cheers

Bluesdog

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bluesdog,

It is always so difficult to offer advice without having the guitar in my hands, but I would try another turn with the truss rod. You can always tighten it up again if you go too far. Do the adjustment with the strings tuned up to tension....open D or G tuning.

One other thought; have you changed the bottom E string, just in case it's the string.

Keep me posted, we'll get there.

Shine On
Michael.

[Deleted]

Hi Michael

That extra 1/4 has almost got rid of it altogether, I think I'll let it settle as I have known  guitars to change ever so slightly following a truss rod adjustment and as I have released tension any settling should improve things.  I think I'll also put the rest of the new set of strings on over the weekend, I hate having strings of different ages it gets confusing.

Thank you for your help, it's much appreciated, I'll let you know how things are in a few days.

Cheers
Bluesdog

[Michael Messer]

Hi Bluesdog,

That sounds like you are getting there. Buzzes on guitars are so frustrating sometimes. You are right to let it settle for a few days before doing anything else.

If you have any questions or concerns about it, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Shine On
Michael.

[Deleted]

Hi Michael

Thank you for your help it's very much appreciated, as I said yesterday I'll let you know how things go.  It's good to know that there is support when things go wrong , both you and Robin of Buskers have been really helpful

Cheers
Craig

[Deleted]

Hi Michael

Update - Put new strings on and let it settle, it still has an occasional buzz on the 6th (bass) string but I think it's acceptable as it is only occasionally and largely lost in the mix of general slide and string noises.  If it gets annoying I'll rebuild the nut slot with super glue and baking powder as suggested by Robin but I'll only do this if absolutely necessary and at the moment I don't think it will be.

Thanks again for your help

Cheers
Bluesdog

[Michael Messer]

My pleasure, Bluesdog.

Shine On
Michael