As mentioned in previous articles Electric Guitar Kits typically require quite a bit of work setting up for ideal playability after assembling. One of the issues you may well face is Fret Buzz, in some cases you may experience some minor buzzing when playing or in more extreme cases your string will actually completely deaden when you fret a higher note. There are several potential solutions that could help you reduce fret buzz. Very simply, you either need to fix a problem with the instrument itself, or fix your technique.
Is it your problem or your Guitar Kit’s
The first step is to figure out if the guitar kit is the problem. To work properly, all frets need to be level and properly crowned. There are tools available that will help you do this, but it can be a difficult job unless you are prepared to learn the processes required. Erosion to even one fret suggests that you need to do some leveling and re-crowning in order to improve performance and reduce fret buzz.
The Buzz-Off Fret Leveling Kit: Used to find and level high frets in order to remove fret buzz.
We will cover this in a future article but for now be aware that if you only intend on building one guitar this might be a job for your local guitar repairer. If you do however intend on building many guitars or just want to learn how to do it yourself there are several tools available to assist you to crown and polish your frets so they look and work like new.
Before you move forward and check any other potential problems with your guitar kit’s composition, ensuring that your frets themselves are in good working condition is essential. It’s the easiest place to start and could save a lot of work in the long run. Again, a practical, do-it-yourself solution can be found if you purchase tools specifically made for leveling, crowning and polishing frets.
The Strings are the Thing
Once your frets are in proper working condition or you have identified that this isn’t the problem and you’re still getting buzz you should move on to your strings. The strings shouldn’t hit anything under them, which is where neck relief comes in. Neck relief prevents the strings from hitting the frets but keeps them as close as possible to the guitar while it vibrates. Tightening or loosening the truss rod nuts adjusts the relief.
In order to get the optimal balance of neck relief and string height, you’ll need to spend some time experimenting. Strings vary in stiffness, so some need more distance while others need less. String experimentation can be done at guitar shops; if you choose to experiment yourself, it’s important to get a good wrench and learn the skills you need to do it.
Nut it Out
You also need to consider nut height, which you can determine by using an automotive feeler gauge. The key is to press down the string after the third fret; the distance between the string and the first fret should be about 10 one-thousandths of an inch. If it’s significantly more than that, you’ll need to hire a pro to cut your nut slots more deeply.
Don’t Fret It
If your guitar kit’s in good working condition and you still have fret buzz, it’s your technique that needs tweaking. With your left hand you should be aiming to push the string 45 degrees into the crack between the fretboard and the fret. It’s easier said than done, but it will reduce fret buzz.
Your right-hand technique is a bit harder to adjust. Basically, strumming too hard or improperly does nothing to help a fret buzz problem. Learning proper technique from a pro will not only improve your ability to play guitar, but it should help eliminate any remaining fret buzz problems as well.
Had a similar issue with your guitar? Why not add a comment below and join the conversation.
Remember if there’s anything we can help you with drop us a line at support@eguitarkits.com
good information!
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable info to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.
I have enjoyed looking around your blog and going through various articles. Reducing Fret Buzz in Newly Assembled Guitar Kits – GUITAR KITS | GUITAR KITS is a well written piece about a very intriguing issue. I anticipate your upcoming updates.
Random Google results can lead to wonderful blogs such as this. You are doing a good job, and we share a lot of thoughts.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
I don’t have an electric guitar but my Yamaha acoustic guitar buzzes. It has been buzzing for more than a year now but only on the high E & B and only at the first two frets.
I think it’s time to change the fret bars and even to have the neck straightened a bit. The strings tend to get further away from the fret board the further down I go.
I bought it used about 10 years ago and it’s given me so much pleasure but when I get that buzzing it’s most annoying.
Up until now, all I have read on this article is extremely boring, and seems to be written by writers that lack education. You’ve done a very good job conveying your passion with accurate information.
I appreciate the insightful post. Thanks.
Thank you for all of the effort on this blog
This was a great post, thanks for the info.
you have a great blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as well
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I’m impressed, I must say.
This was a great post, thanks for the info.
I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this excellent post!!
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
One of my favorite posts.
It is highly useful for me. Big thumbs up for this weblog post!
It is highly useful for me. Big thumbs up for this blog post!
Interesting read again! I really found some useful information on your site. Thanks for that. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for all of the effort on this blog
Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this excellent post!!
I’m a little surprised at how interesting your content is. I think you should make an ebook out of this information. Thank you for sharing.
It’s extremely useful for me. Huge thumbs up for this weblog post!
This really answered my problem, thank you!