Buzz on my D string

[TheStugots]

I have noticed a fret buzz on the D string from the 1st fret to the 9th fret. When I look down the neck it's straight as can be. I ahve also checked my action on the low E and it looks fine. Anyone else have any other suggestions. I am going to call Taylor , but I just figured that some one might have or know a quick fix. I really don't want to send my axe to them.

[Stixx]

You said:I have noticed a fret buzz on the D string from the 1st fret to the 9th fret. When I look down the neck it's straight as can be.

There's the rub.

Neck ain't sposed to be straght, that's a quarnteed buzz maker.
LOL

Necks need a wee bit of relief otherwise every time the weather changes the least bit or you get a chill in the air the neck tightens up in responce to the change and wallaa buzzin to beat the band. Happens every time . There is a thread on the subject somewhere and I am sure someone will link it but in the meantime just search Buzzing frets and you will get there.

no sweat

[carolina410]

Had the same issue once before.

1. Check that the ball-end of the string is against the bridgeplate and not "hung" on the end of the pin.

2. Change the string.

3. Check for burrs in the saddle/ nut.

4. Have the dealer/ local luthier check it out before going through the hassle of sending it off.

In my case, it was a bad string. Looked perfect, nut I guess the winding got a break in it somewhere. String was darned-near new, too. Anyway, it was an easy, cheap fix.

As always, look for the easy things first.

[fnesnor]

What Styxx said. You should have some relief (a slight bow) in your fret board. Check out Taylor's Tech Sheets for more information on determining the amount of relief you should see along your fret board. Off hand, I'd look to loosen the truss rod an 1/8 of a turn. Don't overdo this kind of adjustment. It usually doesn't take much to get results. Good luck!

[carolina410]

Sorry, about my first post, I didn't catch the "fret buzz" part. If you are 100% sure it is fret buzz, then the string shouldn't be an issue. If you're not 100% sure, then the steps I outlined earlier may be of use.

[TheStugots]

When you look down the neck it looks just like the pictures on Taylors website.

[Roman]

TheStugots

I keep my necks pretty straight - my Taylors are a wee bit under .004" neck relief (7th fret - 1st fret capoed - 14th fret depressed). But, I also make my own saddles. I make sure the D string is at least 5.5/64" (12th fret measurement - bottom of string to top of fret). I don'd play too aggresively on my Taylors - with this set up, I can finger pick, flat pick and strum without a problem.

The key to every setup is the style being played and the attack the player has. It's very subjective when it comes to setups and buzz tolerance is a big part of the picture . . . (IMO).

[phuufme]

Jay - I too had some buzz on my 814 generating from the A string frets 4 -8 or so. I'd like to give you good news but the guitar was at Alamo Music with Tommy Shilts, luthier for a week, and he could not figure out where the buzz came from. Then, we sent the guitar to Taylor and they did some stuff to it, and it came back with the same buzz.

So, Taylor, being the customer oriented company they are, agreed to exchange my 814 for another. It should be in next week.

In my humble opinion, I believe that the buzz on my guitar was from something loose inside related to the ES system. However, I can't confirm or deny that (hmmm, maybe I should become a politician) - its just my guess.

There have been several threads on buzzing. Do a search under "buzz". Good luck.

[dogman]

When you look down the neck it looks just like the pictures on Taylors website.

Did you measure the relief? You should:

1. Tune to pitch
2. Capo at the 1st fret
3. Depress the (generally the low or high E - but can be any) string at the 14th fret
4. Measure the distance between the bottom of the string and the top of the 6th fret

It should be about the thickness of a business card (according to Taylor specs).

Hope that helps

[RRtalpkr]

Originally posted by TheStugots
I have noticed a fret buzz on the D string from the 1st fret to the 9th fret. When I look down the neck it's straight as can be. I ahve also checked my action on the low E and it looks fine. Anyone else have any other suggestions. I am going to call Taylor , but I just figured that some one might have or know a quick fix. I really don't want to send my axe to them.

Dear TheStugots:

I've had a buzz on various strings over the years I've played (>50)
& have usually been able to cure it myself. A guitar-maker told me of this one & it works. Also, it's both easy & cheap.

There's usually a lighter-gauge string to which one can change:

E.g.,

Medium to light.
Light to extra light.

Metal strings are all sold singly, so it's easy to get just that ONE string, buy it, & change to it. That should solve the "buzz" problem. If it doesn't, seek professional help. It may be that your help is only in the form of advice. If so, so much the better!

Best wishes.

Dan (Rio Rancho, NM)

[JedimasterPaul]

Is this an ES guitar that has the buzz - if so, try taking the batteries out.

[Doc]

Sounds like your nut might be filed too deep at the D string.

Check the string-to-fret clearance at the first fret.

[TheStugots]

thanks everyone. I have to do some troubleshooting now. I'll get back with you guys when I figure it out.