cwheat Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Received my new EJ-200 Artist last week. It's gorgeous, but there's a problem. Serious buzz at first fret. Each and every string when depressed at first fret buzzes. Doesn't occur at any other fret. In fact, if I only wanted to play the guitar from the second fret up, it would be great. Anyone else, encounter this, and if so, any recommended remedies short of sending it back? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubstar Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 action @ 12th fret? relief? nut action? has it ever been set up? many guitars come poorly set up from the factory or storage... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svannim Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Hey cwheat, I too am an EJ-200 Artist owner. I personally haven't had any fret buzz but the way I see it there are a few options. 1: You could try going up in string gauge. MIGHT help. 2: You could adjust the truss rod, but since there isn't buzz anywhere else, I wouldn't recommend it. 3: You could have the action raised a hair. or 4: You could take it to a luthier for a set-up. Tell him/her that there is serious buzzing at 1 but none above it. It's most likely that the fret is uneven and he/she can definitely fix it. (I'd do this.) I hope all is well soon. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwheat Posted July 27, 2011 Author Share Posted July 27, 2011 Thanks for the inputs. I put on a set of medium phosphor bronze and that seems to have solved the issue. Right now she's playing and sounding great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svannim Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Thanks for the inputs. I put on a set of medium phosphor bronze and that seems to have solved the issue. Right now she's playing and sounding great. Good to hear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted July 27, 2011 Share Posted July 27, 2011 Sounds like it might be a high fret. Using a credit card (or other short, straight edge), do the "rock" test. With the edge spanning 3 frets (or a few more), the card should not rock. If it does, you may need professional help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBeanz Posted July 28, 2011 Share Posted July 28, 2011 Sounds like it might be a high fret. Using a credit card (or other short, straight edge), do the "rock" test. With the edge spanning 3 frets (or a few more), the card should not rock. If it does, you may need professional help. Can you tell more about this "rock test"? Is there any video//tutorial around? I have the same issue. I have my EJ 200 Artist since last Thursday and it's buzzing sometimes, I couldn't identify which fret is buzzing. I suspect that the action is a bit low. I already planned to offer a professional setup to my guitar and to change to bone stuff, but I want to be sure that my guitar is well built. It's the first guitar I bought and I'm not sure about what to check. I played for 5 years before on the same classical guitar that my grandma bought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookkeeper's Son Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Can you tell more about this "rock test"? Is there any video//tutorial around? http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/GenSetup/Frets/frets02.html (scroll down a bit) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBeanz Posted July 29, 2011 Share Posted July 29, 2011 Interesting, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greatwhite_10 Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I own several Epiphones and, occassionaly, have run into a fret buzz issue. It's not a major problem because with a little tinkering, whether by my luthier or myself, it goes away. First, agree with the posts on changing out the strings for the heavier guage. When your strings are off, you can do the 'rock' test. Also, at that time, you might want to 'tap down' each fret wire. Seems Ephiphones have a fret wire issue (especially, if they haven't been humidified properly). It's a quick fix and worth the extra effort. Of course, proper tools and or experience is a given, so, head to your luthier for this if you don't feel comfortable doing this. Finally, a proper setup will be needed, especially, taking into consideration your personal playing requirements. Remember to properly humidify. Here in Arizona, it's critical. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate Leigh Posted October 27, 2019 Share Posted October 27, 2019 I have the same model. Mine Buzz 2 after a while I found after investigation that it was actually the tiny screws in the pickup on the side of the guitar rather than anything with the Frets or the strings. I tighten the screws and the buzzing stopped Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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