rattle and buzz
MeredithI
Posted 2013-09-10 9:46 PM (#474657)
Subject: rattle and buzz



Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 135

Location: New Bern, NC

My Custom Elite C2078 is rattling and buzzing a LOT!!  It's not at the frets or strings.  It is ALL inside around the electronics.  I can hear it.  Several months ago I took it into my local guy who I trust when I was hearing buzzing on my D string.  He secured things and put some felt under one thing that was resting against something inside.  That helped.  But now I'm getting buzzing all the time, no matter what I'm playing.  I took OUT the removable preamp housing.  That stopped some of the buzzing, but not all of it. It's driving me crazy!!  I can make the drive to Raleigh, NC, a two hour trip one way, to see if the authorized Ovation guy there can help, but I don't know if he can do anything the local guy hasn't already done.  

grrrrrrrrrrrr

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tpa
Posted 2013-09-11 1:39 PM (#474678 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz


Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 565

Location: Denmark
Thas annoying. I do believe that most noises of that kind are coming from (internal) signal wires (or even the wire clip for securing these wires) touching the vibrating top. For inexplicable reasons the internal wiring is quite a mess on Ovations. At least it has been on both the Ovations I have had, of which one - my present guitar - is an Adamas. Could also be the inlays around the epaulets. If so the noises should be affected if you touch these inserts. Also a few more doomsday like theories may be proposed but try these simple things first. Good luck. Such noises are annoying.
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MWoody
Posted 2013-09-11 2:21 PM (#474680 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz



Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 13987

Location: Upper Left USA
I have felt your pain.
Try this:

Remove any straps, check the tightness of the straplock pins, loosen and then tighten the screws.
Remove the OP style preamp from the can, loosen then tighten the wing clamps on either side.
Remove the hatch cover, remove the picks and dust bunnies from inside. Check the wires and harnesses. Resecure the cover.
Check the nut securing each tuner by loosening and then tightening just a bit.
Repeat this procedure for any other items such as battery holders, TRCs, etc.

If buzzing persists set the instrument into a stand or other safe and secure position other than the case.
In a firm, commanding voice say "Bad guitar, Sit, Behave!"
Reaffirm the guitar that you still love it but it needs to behave then point to the case...

Take a time out and chill with your favorite beverage or snack. Red wine, dark chocolate and sharp chedder cheese works for me.

When you return don't be surprised if the bad behavior returns. Just be firm and loving. Know your limitations and never act in anger or haste.

Sometimes it will be necessary to place the guitar in the case and ask someone else to take a look.
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MeredithI
Posted 2013-09-11 4:28 PM (#474686 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz



Joined:
November 2012
Posts: 135

Location: New Bern, NC
Woody, I had actually thought about saying sexy things to it, making it dinner, then lying under the stars with it one night. What do you think? I may try that before trying firm disciplinary measures.

Seriously, when I took it to my local guy he said he did everything to it he could, so it's no use taking it back there. *sigh* I guess I need to schedule a trip to Raleigh, NC. I think there's a guy in Wilmington, NC too, but it's about the same distance from me.
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Mark in Boise
Posted 2013-09-11 5:13 PM (#474688 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz


Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12754

Location: Boise, Idaho
I've had a few odd reasons for buzzing. One was a broken brace right under the pickup. It turned out to be easily fixed with wood glue that has held up for years. Another was a pick inside my 1537. Interesting, since I never used a pick and a 1537 isn't a centerhole, so no telling how long the pick was in there from a prior owner. I also have a vague memory of trying to find the source of a buzz that turned out to be something vibrating on another guitar in the room. My other guitars often join in the chorus, even when I'm not playing loudly. It's typically in A.
If you could get someone else to either listen closely while you play the offending note, or if you do the same while someone else plays, you should be able to locate the source to within a reasonable range. Take out the preamp again and play while pushing inside the can to see if it stops. Take off the back cover and have someone else play while you poke around. You may be able to see the culprit if you know where to look.
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Ralph-Flinn
Posted 2013-09-12 3:03 AM (#474703 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz


Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 61

Location: Germany
Hello Meredith - another guess:
If the buzzing/rattling is recognized by playing the g- or d-string, it's possible that the plastic-piece at the output-jack (inside the guitar) has losen in case of shrinkage. If the guitar is plugged - the noise is gone, if it's unplugged - it's there :-)
If this is the problem - a little drop of second-glue on the fixing-point at the jack-clamp - where this plasticpiece is mounted - will eliminate these noises.
look at a picture of the Jack in this thread - where you can see the Plastic on the top of the output-jack-clamp.

http://www.ovationfanclub.com/megabbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=57...
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dwg preacher
Posted 2013-09-12 6:35 PM (#474750 - in reply to #474657)
Subject: Re: rattle and buzz



Joined:
October 2012
Posts: 349

Location: Denver, CO
Haven't had any buzzing since I quit drinking. Once in awhile my head rattles, though. ;-)

I've missed y'all!
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