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Joined:
December 2005
Posts: 117
| I heard that higher gauge strings can reduce buzz on guitars. I also wanted to try because people have said you get more sustain and better harmonics.
Anyway, I put some higher gauge strings on. (Just 13s when I was using 12s) and now the lowest string will sometimes buzz open. I assume this is because the string is slightly fatter and maybe is hitting the frets. Does this mean that the neck is bowed probably? ]= |
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Joined:
March 2007
Posts: 665
Location: Tychy, Poland | i don't know about buzz (for me it's weird) but as far as i know, higher gauge strings reduce sustain and harmonics. |
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Joined:
February 2004
Posts: 2487
| I suppose if you use a larger gauge you will put more tension on the neck and in turn lift the strings slightly more than they were before. This is very fuzzy math though and all you should need is a trus rod adjustment. Sounds like your might actually be slightly over tightened. Perhaps the previous owner used heavy strings on it. As for the high E buzzing open....? Well a wild guess, without looking at it, would be the nut was cut to deep or the slot has worn out. Cut a new nut or you can cob it with a very tiny shim on the high side once you get the nut loose. Good luck. Take it to a good luthier if your not ready to try this.
Randy |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7247
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Without the guitar in hand, it's pretty hard to diagnose.
Strings shouldn't buzz, and the general causes can be any, some or all of the normal adjustment points such as... in no particular order...
- neck angle
- truss rod adjustment
- nut (notch depth, width or height)
- bridge height
- bowing
- warping
- twisting
- string guage
- string tension
- tuning (especially de-tuning)
- playing technique
None are rocket-science to adjust, just need to figure out what the "real" issue is. |
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Joined:
October 2002
Posts: 153
Location: Huntington Beach, CA | I agree with Mr. Ovation (and who wouldn't with that title!) but generally the greater string tension should "improve" a buzz condition since it lifts the strings at least slightly further away from the fretboard. Of course, if the action is the cause, there are better ways of dealing with it, like adding a shim or two under the saddle. |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | nonis :
Anyway, I put some higher gauge strings on. (Just 13s when I was using 12s) and now the lowest string will sometimes buzz open. I assume this is because the string is slightly fatter and maybe is hitting the frets. Does this mean that the neck is bowed probably?
Mr.Ovation :
Strings shouldn't buzz, and the general causes can be any, some or all of the normal adjustment points such as... in no particular order...
- neck angle
- truss rod adjustment
- nut (notch depth, width or height)
- bridge height
- bowing
- warping
- twisting
- string guage
- string tension
- tuning (especially de-tuning)
- playing
Eman :
techniqueOf course, if the action is the cause, there are better ways of dealing with it, like adding a shim or two under the saddle.
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It seems " buzz " did not occur before the string change , does it buzz on every fret ?..
..What guitar is it ?..is it a type where the strings are pushed through the Top , and secured by a Pin , if so , maybe the string is " not seated well " , this can cause a sound that can be mistaken for " buzz " ,
Remedy : Do it over again .
If that`s not the case , than ,perhaps the string is of a type more pliable ,than the ones used previously , high tensile strings flap around a lot more.
Remedy : use same type/brand in the gauge you want.
But ..that the Neck would Bow just by changing strings.....Hmmmm...never say never , but...mnaah..( that would not induce Buzz , just would make it harder to play )
Putting a shim or so under the saddle would be effective , but would also cause strings to be in a steep angle , might be a little harder to play.
Playing Technique : Mr.O raises a Good point there , pulling string outwards will certainly cause a good deal of " Buzzr "..
Vic
..let us know of any progress.. :) |
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Higher gauge but more buzz
