String buzz normal for on SGs?

[Markus1]

So the SG I just got had the action adjusted pretty high on the low E side, so I took it in to get it set up with factory string gauge. Now that I got it back, the low E buzzes to bad when I play it on my amp with no distortion at all, it sounds like only the E has distortion set on it.

After some googleing I see posts that say "oh les pauls and SGs are just like that".

 

Some people say it's because you pick too hard, but even with light picking it's noticeable and it's only the E string. It buzzes open and on every fret all the way down the fret board.

 

I plan to take it to the guitar shop tomorrow and ask if anything can be done to fix it. If not, I'm returning it to guitar center tomorrow. But, before I do, I'd like to know is this really just how SGs are? You either deal with severe buzzing or raise the action real high? I have 2 cheap guitars that I paid $175 and $225 dollars for. One made in Korea and one in Indonesia. Neither of these guitars has any issues whatsoever with fret buzz, and both have great low action.

 

I'd really like to know if these legendary American made guitars are really that bad. I mean the the sound of the guitar is great. I love the pickups and the overall tone of the guitar, but is that the trade off? You pay 3 times the money to get a guitar that sounds great as long as you adjust the action on one side that you hate just to make it playable?

 

The guy that tried selling me the 89 SG that had holes drilled in it told me the new SGs are crap. I assumed he was just being pissy because i decided not to buy his guitar, now I'm thinking he was right.

[sgplayers]

when you say the guitar was bought with the action a little high on the low e side that points to a problem that was already there. and no the Gibson s-gs and les pauls don't buzz naturally. it could be something as simple as a truss rod tweak or a fret that raised a little do to age. but don't give up on having a great sounding guitar with no buzz. sometimes a buzz can be a loose nut on the tuner also. I have seen some strange things cause a buzz,

[capmaster]

String buzz is not normal on any guitar. There may be some unobtrusive fault at the nut which can be fixed either by working over it, or by replace the nut with a new one. There are forum members who do or have done this on every new guitar.

 

Another point is that strings on new guitars in general need a little more action. The woods change remarkably during their first years what I experienced and still experience. But this should not exceed, let's say, 20% of typical string actions. Clearly my 1970s and 1980s guitars 'n' basses need less string action than my 2011 to 2013 ones, but those from 2011 have become better already.

 

Check or have checked for a faulty string - poorly wound strings do buzz on any guitar -, nut, bridge and truss rod adjustment. A slight correction of the truss rod adjustment should show its effect including betterment of buzz within a few hours. Any truss rod adjustment calls for a check of string action and a correction if required. If thereafter no solution is in sight, you may consider returning it.

[Catatonick]

My 2013 Standard has no buzz at all anywhere.

[kidblast]

Hi Markus,

 

It's really nothing more than needing a good/proper setup.

 

If the opened E String buzzes, you could have some back bow on the neck, but all of the strings would fret out in the lower registers (first 2/3 frets) if that was the case.

 

Sounds like what's happened is the nut slot for your E string could be too deep for the gauge of string you are using. when you pluck the string as it vibrates, it's knockin up against that first fret.

 

Often times, the fix is the nut is raised with a small shim, and then re-regulated,

 

or for the "hit it with a big hammer" plan, you could have some one install a new nut, but that's probably not necessary.

 

My SG Classic had this problem with the D string when I first bought it. The luthier I used shimmed the nut, and regulated it properly, fixed it just right.

It was quite an easy fix and it was not expensive.

 

I'm not sure where you're located, but just check around to find a good setup/repair guy.

 

They don't usually have people at GC that will do decent jobs with this, About all they will probably do is raise the action on you, which wont solve the problem.

 

Good luck.

[Aster1]

I don't have buzz like that on my 61 reissue SG at all. Since it would be fast and easy to test the nut slot just loosen the high E enough that you can slide in a fold or two of some typing paper (just a little tiny strip to raise the string in the slot). Don't worry about it looking like hell, this is just to test if raising at the slot cures the issue.

 

I'm with KB on the Guitar Center tech's. If the buzz reduces or goes away then you need a real guitar luthier and have a good setup done. Not just dicked around with, but a $75-$100 real setup. Big difference in the playing of that guitar and decided what you want to be playing for string gauge prior too. It really doesn't matter how much you pay for a guitar on the "setup" thing. They all seem to need it or someone that's really good setting them up.

 

That what I'd do and also a guitar luthier will tell you what they need to do upon inspection if you take it to them.

 

Aster

[Markus1]

Thanks for all the replies. As for the string gauge being a problem, that's why I went with the stock gauge for SGs. As for those that say I need it set up... I just did take it in to get it set up, and it wasn't at guitar center. I am taking it back to the shop I had it set up at to see if they can fix the problem without raising the action way back up, if not I'm just going to take it back to GC.

I don't know how to find a "real luthier" The guys where I take my stuff say their guy is great at it and he only comes in once a week. I don't want to just keep taking to different shops until I find a guy that really knows what he's doing.

[old mark]

No. I have 3 Gibson SG's, and no string buzz on any of them. As stated above, it might be any one - or even several - things causing this, but nothing that can not be corrected.

 

I really recommend having a good tech look it over and set it up properly...it will make a world of difference in the way it sounds and plays, and the $50 or whatever they ask would be a good investment...Playing a really well set up guitar is more enjoyable than playing one that is not.

 

 

mark

[Markus1]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I went back to the shop and talked to the owner, who wasn't there when I stopped in to pick the guitar up after the setup. He didn't think to tell anyone else about it since he's almost always there, but the tech told him to let me know the neck was "snaked" (bowed) some on the low E side. We pulled it out of the case and looked down the neck on each side and you could see a noticeable bow on that side.

 

I had looked down the neck before, but I was just looking down the middle of the neck and couldn't see anything. Now I know how to look for that in the future. I took the guitar back to my local GC and they asked if I wanted to trade it in, but they didn't have any used SGs. They offered to check other stores stock for me, but I'm hesitant to go through all of this again. I truly see why guitar center has such a bad reputation now. It almost seems like they deliberately sell faulty equipment just to get you back in the store so they can talk you in to buying something brand new, which is what happened with the amp. I ended up buying a new mustang amp so I'd have a selection of effects to play with.

 

This time they offered me $100 off a brand new 2013 Standard, which would be nice if I could afford to spend $1200.00, but I can't. So, I'm back to square one now and frustrated. Part of me wants to give GC another chance thinking I have a better chance at getting one with no issues, but at the same time I have had to return 2 out of 3 items I've purchased from them online, and each time, I lose the shipping costs. They do offer to give you accessories to replace the lost shipping costs, but that money could be used towards purchasing another guitar rather than a few packs of strings.

[kidblast]

This sucks Markus,

 

But, I don't think GC does this intentionally... With the volume they deal with, I can't imagine they have the time to use a fine tooth comb and inspect every guitar they take on trade, and re-sell to flush out these issues before they make a deal. At least they did offer to exchange it, Understand the frustration.

 

Regarding the diagnosis. I'd try to get a second opinion. I think it still is addressable. probably have to heat clamp the neck to get it true again, had a nylon string that had the weirdest neck bow develop I've ever seen,, all was not lost, I still have that guitar, and the issue was revolved with a heart clamp for a few days. It's not moved since (since 2 years this November)

 

It's up to you of course, but if you can find someone reputable/GOOD, let them see about this.

[Aster1]

Guess I'm confused on the story line. Was this a new or used guitar and what SG model is it for under $1200?

 

With new, I have had excellent luck mail ordering guitars from GC sister Musician's Friend. Actually, excellent results.

 

Hope it turns out okay for you. Others, that have purchased them, seem to love the new '13 SG Standard so maybe that's a place to save up for one. Or here's some "used" that are returned guitars to MF that they can't sell as "new" due to laws. I've bought a few Level 1's & 2's that I couldn't ever find any defects on from them. MF SG's

 

Aster

[Markus1]

This sucks Markus,

 

But, I don't think GC does this intentionally... With the volume they deal with, I can't imagine they have the time to use a fine tooth comb and inspect every guitar they take on trade, and re-sell to flush out these issues before they make a deal. At least they did offer to exchange it, Understand the frustration.

 

Regarding the diagnosis. I'd try to get a second opinion. I think it still is addressable. probably have to heat clamp the neck to get it true again, had a nylon string that had the weirdest neck bow develop I've ever seen,, all was not lost, I still have that guitar, and the issue was revolved with a heart clamp for a few days. It's not moved since (since 2 years this November)

 

It's up to you of course, but if you can find someone reputable/GOOD, let them see about this.

 

I've already returned it. Part of my problem is I didn't have the luxury of time on my side, and I didn't want to get stuck with something unfixable that might get worse, or cost hundreds of dollars to fix. I was getting very close to the end of my 30 day period that I was able to return it. I agree they probably don't do it on purpose, but I do think when someone trades in, or sells a guitar to them, someone should at least give it a good once over. I am no expert by far, but once I knew what to look for it was obvious how bowed the neck was on one side.

 

The customer service from the Terra Haute store has been great compared to my local GC. They actually sent me an email asking about my purchase that I hand't responded to until I had the guitar set up and found the issue. Once again my local store said they would not refund my shipping, and didn't even offer to make up for it with free strings or anything. Although I didn't ask this time either because I just wanted to be done with it.

 

Andrew from the Terra Haute store not only refunded my shipping from this purchase, but also refunded the shipping from the amp I had to return a year ago and is STILL offering to send me $40 in accessories to make up for it. I am pleasantly shocked at how hard he is working to keep his customers happy. This is not my usual GC experience.

[Markus1]

Guess I'm confused on the story line. Was this a new or used guitar and what SG model is it for under $1200?

 

With new, I have had excellent luck mail ordering guitars from GC sister Musician's Friend. Actually, excellent results.

 

Hope it turns out okay for you. Others, that have purchased them, seem to love the new '13 SG Standard so maybe that's a place to save up for one. Or here's some "used" that are returned guitars to MF that they can't sell as "new" due to laws. I've bought a few Level 1's & 2's that I couldn't ever find any defects on from them. MF SG's

 

Aster

 

It was a used SG Standard. The finish was eaten through under the head stock, which I was willing to live with but with my limited time to decide to return it, when I found the neck was warped I decided to just take it back rather than take any risks.

 

I have heard good things about the 2013, and if I could have afforded it, I would have done so right on the spot. I do actually have enough money to buy it I just can't afford to spend that much on the guitar, especially since I'm just a hobbyist and don't make any money playing.

 

I'm trying to think of anything I can sell to raise the extra money. Trying to save up will be difficult as I've just started to pay off some school loans, but the gears are still turning so hopefully I'll come up with something before too much longer. After holding that thing and playing on it the G.A.S. is worse than ever. lol

[moucon]

Hello Markus

I just caught this thread. I do set-up/repairs and buy/sell vintage guitars as a hobby-business. I've owned half a dozen SGs over the years and played one professionally 5-6 nights/week in the 70's-80's. You've had a lot of consistent, good advice here so I'm not going to repeat all of it - other than to ask "why aren't you listening?"

 

- Buzzing is not normal on any guitar but unless something is really screwed up - like a cracked head-stock or loose neck/body joint - it is easily fixed.

 

- That said - SGs are very thin and quite "flexible" on their own. Pete Townsend used the neck for a whammy bar, and every SG I've owned has had somewhat of a "rubber neck" so any aggressive play will create buzzing etc if the action is set very low.

 

- If you have had the guitar professionally set up, and are still not satisfied with it- take it back to that guy or find another qualified tech (NOT at GC for the most part) and have them re-do it. Without seeing the guitar it sounds to me like you don't have enough neck relief (neck too straight, or back-bowed) coupled with probably a high fret or two. Minor issues for a good technician.

 

- Weather is a big factor for SGs with a low action. A perfect set-up today can be a back-bow tomorrow. It's best to learn how to tweak your set-up yourself so you can take a little tension of the trussrod, etc. if you need to.

 

- Please stop the crazy talk about trade-ins, "sending it back", etc. etc. Swapping one poorly set-up guitar for another poorly set-up guitar is going to lighten your wallet and not much else.

 

- NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER purchase a guitar you have not actually played (carefully). As you gain experience you'll be able to tell a great guitar that is playing poorly b/c it needs a $100 set-up... and a lemon. Yes - Gibson and other companies do make some guitars that are not as good as others. It has always been that way - there is nothing "worse" about the modern Gibsons, except the really crappy ones have not yet been culled out by the marketplace. The reason "every" '62 SG seems great is because only the good ones are still around. There's no magic other than the junkers were turned into firewood decades ago. The same will happen with the guitars being produced today. I'd say today Gibson quality is 10x more consistent than it has EVER been in the past. Don't listen to the message board trolls shouting that quality is terrible now etc etc. It is simply NOT true. So your job is to be very selective and find the best one out of a bunch.

 

Good luck.

[Markus1]

Hello Markus

I just caught this thread. I do set-up/repairs and buy/sell vintage guitars as a hobby-business. I've owned half a dozen SGs over the years and played one professionally 5-6 nights/week in the 70's-80's. You've had a lot of consistent, good advice here so I'm not going to repeat all of it - other than to ask "why aren't you listening?"

 

- Buzzing is not normal on any guitar but unless something is really screwed up - like a cracked head-stock or loose neck/body joint - it is easily fixed.

 

- That said - SGs are very thin and quite "flexible" on their own. Pete Townsend used the neck for a whammy bar, and every SG I've owned has had somewhat of a "rubber neck" so any aggressive play will create buzzing etc if the action is set very low.

 

- If you have had the guitar professionally set up, and are still not satisfied with it- take it back to that guy or find another qualified tech (NOT at GC for the most part) and have them re-do it. Without seeing the guitar it sounds to me like you don't have enough neck relief (neck too straight, or back-bowed) coupled with probably a high fret or two. Minor issues for a good technician.

 

- Weather is a big factor for SGs with a low action. A perfect set-up today can be a back-bow tomorrow. It's best to learn how to tweak your set-up yourself so you can take a little tension of the trussrod, etc. if you need to.

 

- Please stop the crazy talk about trade-ins, "sending it back", etc. etc. Swapping one poorly set-up guitar for another poorly set-up guitar is going to lighten your wallet and not much else.

 

- NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER purchase a guitar you have not actually played (carefully). As you gain experience you'll be able to tell a great guitar that is playing poorly b/c it needs a $100 set-up... and a lemon. Yes - Gibson and other companies do make some guitars that are not as good as others. It has always been that way - there is nothing "worse" about the modern Gibsons, except the really crappy ones have not yet been culled out by the marketplace. The reason "every" '62 SG seems great is because only the good ones are still around. There's no magic other than the junkers were turned into firewood decades ago. The same will happen with the guitars being produced today. I'd say today Gibson quality is 10x more consistent than it has EVER been in the past. Don't listen to the message board trolls shouting that quality is terrible now etc etc. It is simply NOT true. So your job is to be very selective and find the best one out of a bunch.

 

Good luck.

 

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately the only way I am going to be able to play before I buy is if I buy one brand new, which I just can't afford to do. I've checked every pawn shop I can find, and there just are no SGs aside from Epiphones, even the shops that deal primarily in musical gear. There's one store that I know and trust, that my dad used to buy from when I was a teenager that has plenty of Les Pauls but he told me he rarely sees SGs come in.

The problem with the guitar wasn't with needing a little neck relief, the neck was warped on one side. Once I was shown how to properly look down each side of the neck, it was glaringly obvious. And the buzz was so bad the low E sounded like I had found some magical way to apply distortion to only the low E string. The problem could have been fixed, but it would have been costly.

I have ordered from another guitar center, this time I asked plenty of questions, had pictures sent to me and had the guitar set up for free. After being set up I was told by the tech that it had no issues. I'm not saying I trust a guitar center tech 100% but at least this time I'm at least getting more information before I order.

I don't understand what you mean by "i'm not listening"? If you mean that I just need to take it in for a $100 set up, then it is you that is not listening. I have taken it in to get it setup. The neck is warped, and it's only warped on one side. It is not something a simple set up can fix. Are you suggesting that I take the advice of random people in a forum over a professional at a local shop? To be honest I don't quite understand why people keep telling me about GC guitar techs... That is not who I had do the set up on it. It seems you are the one that is "not listening". I did have it professionally set up, I didn't have it done by a GC tech. I was told that it would be an expensive issue to fix.

If you are not going to read what I have said in it's entirety then please do not bother wasting my time with a worthless reply.

[Aster1]

Sounds like you've got 'er all figured out and hope you can scare up a great used SG. As a suggestion, you may want to tone down just a bit on your replies to someone to get any answers (even bad ones) in the future. Just a thought.

 

Best wishes

 

Aster

[kidblast]

hang in there Markus, let us know how the story ends.

 

Good luck!

 

/ray

[Markus1]

Sounds like you've got 'er all figured out and hope you can scare up a great used SG. As a suggestion, you may want to tone down just a bit on your replies to someone to get any answers (even bad ones) in the future. Just a thought.

 

Best wishes

 

Aster

 

I understand where your coming from Aster1, and I realize that people don't always read your entire post on forums let alone the entire thread. However, it's insulting to tell someone "my question is, why aren't you listening to the good advise given to you" when the advise in question is given by people who haven't fully read the information you have posted.

 

Being repeatedly told I need to get the guitar properly set up:Problem solved, when you've already stated that you have done so gets old, but it's understandable. Being told you're the problem because you keep trading in guitars that just need to be set up, after you've stated you already did that and where told there is a serious issue with the guitar is another thing.

 

People come to forums for help, not unsubstantiated criticism by someone who can't even bother to take the time to get a grasp of the issue before issuing said criticism. I appreciate any information anyone gives me in a forum online if they actually know what they're talking about and they actually take the time to understand the problem before throwing out their two cents. I'm not saying it is anyone's job here to help me, but someone claiming to be a professional and telling me I've had a lot of good "consistent" advice who obviously hasn't paid enough attention to the fact that the "consistent" advice was incorrect in the first place, and then insinuating that I just can't seem to accept good advice is crap.

 

I know that there are people online that may not be qualified to answer a question but still think they may have something to contribute, and I appreciate the effort of anyone that is trying to help. Not paying attention and telling me I'm the problem for not listening is pretty much the opposite of help.

 

I apologize if I have offended anybody else that has offered advice, even if it was unhelpful. I don't expect you all to solve my problem. But, as I stated before don't insinuate I'm an idiot if you didn't even bother to read. If you've have read everything and I have been an idiot, I will be the first to admit it.

[Markus1]

I understand where your coming from Aster1, and I realize that people don't always read your entire post on forums let alone the entire thread. However, it's insulting to tell someone "my question is, why aren't you listening to the good advice given to you" when the advice in question is given by people who haven't fully read the information you have posted.

 

Being repeatedly told I need to get the guitar properly set up:Problem solved, when you've already stated that you have done so gets old, but it's understandable. Being told you're the problem because you keep trading in guitars that just need to be set up, after you've stated you already did that and were told there is a serious issue with the guitar is another thing.

 

People come to forums for help, not unsubstantiated criticism by someone who can't even bother to take the time to get a grasp of the issue before issuing said criticism. I appreciate any information anyone gives me in a forum online if they actually know what they're talking about and they actually take the time to understand the problem before throwing out their two cents. I'm not saying it is anyone's job here to help me, but someone claiming to be a professional and telling me I've had a lot of good "consistent" advice who obviously hasn't paid enough attention to the fact that the "consistent" advice was incorrect in the first place, and then insinuating that I just can't seem to accept good advice is crap.

 

I know that there are people online that may not be qualified to answer a question but still think they may have something to contribute, and I appreciate the effort of anyone that is trying to help. Not paying attention and telling me I'm the problem for not listening is pretty much the opposite of help.

 

I apologize if I have offended anybody else that has offered advice, even if it was unhelpful. I don't expect you all to solve my problem. But, as I stated before don't insinuate I'm an idiot if you didn't even bother to read. If you've have read everything and I have been an idiot, I will be the first to admit it.

[kidblast]

Markus

 

We understand the frustration.. part of the problem is people don't READ the posts in their entirety before replying.

 

Some of us hung in there with you and offered as good of advice as possible. Hope that has helped.

 

so, how's it winding up? have you taken delivery on anything yet?

 

let us know, SOME of us would like to hear the final results. (and will read your entire reply!!)

[Markus1]

Markus

 

We understand the frustration.. part of the problem is people don't READ the posts in their entirety before replying.

 

Some of us hung in there with you and offered as good of advice as possible. Hope that has helped.

 

so, how's it winding up? have you taken delivery on anything yet?

 

let us know, SOME of us would like to hear the final results. (and will read your entire reply!!)

 

I do understand that people don't read post fully. That's my point... don't insult someone if you don't even know what's going on. For everyone else, I appreciate all the replies, and all help. (Even if you didn't fully read :P)

 

Anyway, I just got a 2012 Standard that I had pictures of sent to me, and I asked a lot of questions, and they even had the "tech" there set it up for me. Apparently his idea of a set up is just adjust the bridge back down on the side it was raised and call it good. When I asked him about string buzz he said "nothing out of the ordinary" (another "they just buzz" person apparently). I got the guitar yesterday and there was some string buzz, but nowhere near as bad as the last one was. I looked it over and the neck looked fine, so I figured it might just need a little relief. I took it in to my local shop today after work and the owner confirmed that everything looked good on it, so I'm going to drop it off Saturday to get it set up with new strings. (I seriously doubt the GC tech bothered to set the intonation, although I haven't bothered to check yet).

 

This thing is damn near mint condition. They told me there where chips through the finish on the top back "corner" of the head stock and sent me pictures showing it. I decided as long as everything else was ok I didn't mind it too much as they were pretty small. However, this instance of GC people not properly inspecting used gear worked in my favor. Once I got the guitar I ran my finger nail, over it and realized it was just some off-white paint from a wall or something that had transferred onto the guitar, I chipped a little off with my fingernail and when I realized it wasn't chipped finish, just used a little guitar cleaner and it pretty much wiped right off.

 

I spent awhile talking to the owner at the shop down the road and he brought up the same thing you hear a lot of people online talking about. Gibson's quality control really does suck these days. He talked about unboxing brand new Les Paul customs to find the headstock had completly broken off. He said when they get them in they have to really go over them with a fine tooth and comb, and talked about getting screwed a few times by not unpacking things until 6 months later when it was too late to file a claim with Gibson. Although, I think he was talking about during the 6 years he worked at Guitar center since there are only about 3 Gibson dealers in this state and 2 of them are GC.

 

It was kinda sad, he said he hates being in the business these days, he said they make it hard to actually make any money on guitars if you're a small shop.

 

The only downside to my latest purchase is it didn't come with a case. Which, I'd like one of the older ones that still has the shroud thing that covers the guitar, so at least I'll get the case I want. and here's a couple pics of it. I LOVE the wood grain on it. (Although these pics don't really do it justice.

 

[Aster1]

NICCCCCE!!!

 

Looks good from this side of my computer monitor. Check around on a good case and see what you can find.

 

Looks like the "fiddling around" paid off and the wait came thru for you. Hope it is a great guitar to hang on to for you. [thumbup]

 

Aster

[Markus1]

NICCCCCE!!!

 

Looks good from this side of my computer monitor. Check around on a good case and see what you can find.

 

Looks like the "fiddling around" paid off and the wait came thru for you. Hope it is a great guitar to hang on to for you. [thumbup]

 

Aster

Thanks bud, I agree. It was a toss-up between this one and a 2011 at another store. I went with this one because of the wood grain from the pics they texted me. And this is it for me. The only reason I'd buy another would be to upgrade to something better, but this was over my budget to begin with so it's going to be a loooong time before I'll be able to spend money on another quality guitar.

 

I fell in love with SGs after I got that last one, even though it was messed up. The way these guitars are angled make playing them feel so natural, and they sound soooooo much better than my korean, indonesian, japanese guitars.

[Markus1]

Had the SG set up, no fret leveling/dressing or anything and the guitar is pretty much perfect. There is just a tad of string buzz, but he set the action extremely low. And this buzz isn't heard through the amp. I looked online and found there is a shop not too far from where I work that has a plek machine (only one in the state according to the plek site - got lucky there), so I think I'm going to have that done one of these days, though that will be a ways off as it's $175. But it plays great as it is.

[charlie brown]

You may(?) have to do some slight additional TR adjustment, as the humidity changes.

Nothing drastic, but around my part of the country, that's a routine proceedure,

as the seasons change, and the humidity, especially! Glad it's playing more to

your preferences, at present, anyway.

 

CB