mdmoore255 Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Hey guys, I bought a used 2010 J45 that has a buzz coming from somewhere and I cant figure it out. Get this... It only happens when I "thump" an open "A" with my finger. There is something about that frequency that is causing a buzz somewhere. I'm almost certain it is not neck relief. I have ran a piece of paper under the strings all up and down the fretboard and it doesnt impede the buzzing sound. It really sounds like it is coming from under the bridge plate somewhere, maybe related to the electronics. Nothing I do can make it stop when a play a strong open "A". I've messed with the saddle and bridge pegs etc etc. I'm going to take it to the luthier one day soon, but just curious if anyone has ever experienced anything like this. It's a bit of a drive for me to take it in for examination. Thanks, Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Hi Mike, Does the 2010 have Grover tuning machines? I had a buzz which ended up being a loose bushing which was allowing the washer below it to vibrate. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 Hi Mike, Does the 2010 have Grover tuning machines? I had a buzz which ended up being a loose bushing which was allowing the washer below it to vibrate. Rich It does have Grovers... Maybe I could test that by grabbing the tuning machine firmly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Mike, If you just kind of flick the washers with the tip of your finger and they move, you can tell if the bushing(s) need to be tightened. Check this out: http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/GenMaint/LooseBits/loosebit01.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 Not sure if I can attach a video, but here goes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 1, 2019 Author Share Posted April 1, 2019 Let’s try this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Let’s try this That demonstrates it pretty well. Often a buzz like this is related to some part of the pickup system, and others here will no more than I do about that. I assume you've checked that the ball ends of all the strings are properly seated against the bridgeplate, and that there is no issue at the nut. Is it only on the open string, or is it still there if the string is fretted? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 1, 2019 Share Posted April 1, 2019 Could the "A" string nut slot be too wide for the string or cut too low? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share Posted April 2, 2019 That demonstrates it pretty well. Often a buzz like this is related to some part of the pickup system, and others here will no more than I do about that. I assume you've checked that the ball ends of all the strings are properly seated against the bridgeplate, and that there is no issue at the nut. Is it only on the open string, or is it still there if the string is fretted? Yeah, only the open A. Nowhere else does it do it. It’s possible, let me get my phone in there and take a few pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share Posted April 2, 2019 Ok so here are some pics. It’s obvious some of the adhesive pads holding the wires down on the side have come loose. Maybe there is something to that. My guess is the one attached to the bridge plate though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave F Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 Just guessing, I too would suspect the nut slot. My preferences for string height at the first fret are (starting with the bass E) .022" - .020" - .018" - .016" - .014" - .012" I sometimes get lucky when I go less but more times than not, below that will buzz with an open hit and I fill in the slot and recut it. As with all your setup, the harder you strum, the higher your setup needs to be both at the nut and the saddle. I have a gage for this but you could check it with a feeler gage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 2, 2019 Author Share Posted April 2, 2019 Just dropped it and my ES-335 off with the luthier to have them worked on. I miss them already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted April 2, 2019 Share Posted April 2, 2019 Just dropped it and my ES-335 off with the luthier to have them worked on. I miss them already Good luck, Mike. Hope it's a simple fix. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mafy31 Posted April 4, 2019 Share Posted April 4, 2019 Sometimes it is just a washer on the plug jack. There is usually 2, but one of them is enough. Removing one did the job for me. I also thought it was about the setup or something, but it was just the darn washer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 4, 2019 Author Share Posted April 4, 2019 I should know by today or tomorrow. I hate leaving my guitars with someone. They are like one of my children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mdmoore255 Posted April 5, 2019 Author Share Posted April 5, 2019 I got it back today, it was the nut. All signs pointed to the nut but my ears just couldn’t hear it. The luthier did a great job. If you are near Newnan Ga I recommend Brown’s Guitar Mill for guitar work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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