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July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | I have a 1711 Standard Balladeer. Depending on the temperature, I get an occassional buzz coming from it. If I adjust the truss rod slightly, I can make it go away for a little while, then it comes back as the neck adjusts itself. I have seen other guitars that have a place above the nut that has a cover that hides one end of the truss rod, with the other end inside the body of the guitar. I can find the end of the truss rod inside the body, and adjust the truss rod. Where is the other end of the truss rod? I would like to try to put a little something inside with the truss rod to see if I can stop the buzzing all the time. Any ideas?
Chuck
In the middle of the Atlantic, heading for home. :) |
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November 2002
Posts: 3666
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | Chuck, truss rods usually only adjust from one end. As to the neck readjusting itself, is it the frequent changes in humidity you may be encountering? I have adjusted my necks once, and not messed with them again, unless I changed string gauge or messed with the nut or saddle for some reason. I'm sure someone else has an opinion here. I shall retire, and monitor the conversation. BTW, Welcome Home!! |
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June 2002
Posts: 6202
Location: Phoenix AZ | I think usually the truss rod is only accessable from one end (the headstock). A K-Bar is also accessable from only one end (inside the guitar body). Are you sure it is the rod itself that is buzzing? Maybe the truss rod cover screws or something else? Assuming you find what it is, you may want to try rubber cement on it. It's easily removed later. Dave |
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Posts: 14842
Location: NJ | Chuck;
You're probably best off waiting until you get the guitar (and yourself) home safe and sound and wait until the guitar has had enough time to acclimate to VA's temp/humidity, THEN adjust your truss rod (a LITTLE at a time).
Are we talking string/fret buzz here, or does there seem to be something buzzing on/in the guitar? If it's the latter, adjusting the rod isn't going to be a cure. Check all the mounting hardware (tuners, rod cover, etc.), check the battery/holder, the pre-amp assembly, internal wires, and the braces for something that might be loose/vibrating.
Good luck! |
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Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | Right now the plan is to wait unti I get home and things are more stable before I try anything with the truss rod. So far I have checked mounting hardware, pre-amp assembly, internal wires. I have changed strings from light to a different brand of light strings, and now from light to medium strings. It has medium strings on it now. They have managed to last the longest with the buzz. I have checked for buzzing strings. The only thing I have not checked for is loose bracing, as I do not have a mirror I can stick inside to look. Once I get home I will check for loose bracing. It just seems that with the temp changes here, the buzz comes and goes. There is no truss rod cover on the Balladeer. That is one reason I was wondering how the other end of the truss rod is attached. I don't know if the guitar has the K-bar or not.
Chuck |
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November 2002
Posts: 3666
Location: Pacific Northwest Inland Empire | The "other end" of the truss rod is not technically "attached". The entire truss rod is essentially sandwiched between the neck and fretboard, in a tight-fitting slot, not glued in, adjustable from either the body cavity, or the peghead (not both). I'm stickin' with the humidity/temperature scenario, at this point. Hey, can't you borrow a cosmetics compact with a small mirror from someone to inspect the bracing? Tape it to a coat hanger for extra reach. Y'know......Yankee Ingenuity. OOPS, I forgot you're from Virginia. Sorry!! |
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Posts: 1026
Location: Back in the Valley of the Sun Mesa Az. | Chuck,
You could thump the face of your Balladeer with your thumb around the braces to see if it produces any buzzing. |
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July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | Now that I have been back in Stateside for a week, I thought it might be nice to update everyone on the final solution for the rattle/buzz I kept hearing in my Balladeer. I took it in to the local GC yesterday. They have a repair person there five days a week, certified to work on Ovations and Kaman products. When I would play, he could hear the noise. When he would play my Balladeer, no more noise. We finally decided that it must have something to do with the high action at the nut and the fact that I have permanent grooves in my callouses from playing the last nine months. He lowered the action at the nut, cleaned up and dressed the frets while I patiently waited. Now I just have to get the grooves out of my callouses to make sure I am getting the strings pressed down correctly. It was well worth the $25 to find the source of the noise (me) and get the guitar set up better. Thanks for all the advice from the group here. :) |
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March 2002
Posts: 15686
Location: SoCal | Those must be some calluses. |
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July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | Odd looking callouses. High on either side of a groove. Makes it hard to get the string pushed firmly against the neck. Now I just have to figure out a way to get the callouses smoothed out so that I don't ahve a groove through them any more. Any ideas? Last night I used an emory board to smooth them some, but the grooves are still there.
Chuck :( |
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March 2002
Posts: 15686
Location: SoCal | Possibly use a moisturizer on your hands. Your wife will love you and your friends will think you're gay.
By the way, I haven't said it before, but thanks for all that you and your co workers did in the middle east. You done good and we're proud of you. |
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July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | My shipmates here and I appreciate all the support we have received here on the home front. After nearly 20 years, I only have another 10 months left before I start my retirement. Of course, that also means getting another job, place to live, and all the other stuff that goes with moving out of the military life. Who knows, maybe it will give me more money for more Ovations as well! :D
Chuck |
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Posts: 1498
Location: San Bernardino, California | Hemp oil is good for softening callouses. You can get it at some health food stores. |
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May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Chuck
I have worked in many high tech industries, and ex navy guys are always in demand because of their training and ability. Hit the civilian world running and you will do fine. I spent 18 years in the nuclear industry, and our most talented guys were ex Navy, some of them visited the north pole on the atomic submarines, best guys you will ever meet. (they were chosen for that ability)!
Bailey |
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Truss Rod question