B-Rad77 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Hi there, I have an Epiphone Les Paul Special II that I bought new last August. Shortly after buying it I was forced to bring it back, as the neck was bowed, and the intonation was way off, they fixed it up really good for me. Everything was fine for a while, but since the last time I changed the strings (with the same gauge as came with it, as always) I'm getting some fret buzzing on the first few frets. I really don't want to bring it again, as last time it took two weeks to get it back. What can I do to fix this? Why would this happen after changing strings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Guitar necks just need to be adjusted from time to time. The Bow of the neck is adjusted with a truss rod (a metal bolt that fits inside the length of the neck with a nut at one end (usually at the headstock). Here is a LINK from the DIY thread in the Epiphone lounge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Lunatic Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 There are lots of possibilities and yes, a new set of strings may behave slightly dfferent than the ones replaced. If you want to do your own setup work, your first step is to learn the things that affect action/playability, fret buzz, etc. Assuming the guitar has no structural defects (like high frets), the minimum components you need to begin learning about are the bridge, the nut, the truss rod, and how these things work with each other. There's DIY stuff in this forum, books on the subject (may be available for free at the local library), and info on the Interweb. You obviously see the wisdom of learning how to do this yourself, because of what just happened. Guitars are made of wood and are inherently unstable, so we need to tweak them occasionally for optimum playability. Take your time; it's not rocket science, but don't just go blindly turning screws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amx05462 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 heres the short version. back off the truss rod screw 1/4 turn try it if ok then play if not the try it another 1/8 turn. if yu have to go more than that then put it back where it was and raise the bridge 1/8 turn on the screws/ and start again. simple. most guitars move with changes in temp and humidity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 heres the short version. back off the truss rod screw 1/4 turn try it if ok then play if not the try it another 1/8 turn. if yu have to go more than that then put it back where it was and raise the bridge 1/8 turn on the screws/ and start again. simple. most guitars move with changes in temp and humidity. everyone's given you good answers...especially Fringe,re: learning about the components & setup. not so sure i'd start off w/a 1/4 turn though......i'd stick w/ 1/8 turns from the start, and mark the truss nut & truss body cavity before you begin, so you'll always know where "zero" is if you need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhead Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 And whatever you do, DON'T FORCE IT! If it seems like the nut won't turn easily take it to your tech. Truss rods aren't very large diameter and as such can, and do break! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-Rad77 Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Thanks for all your advice! I'll do my research and learn how to take care of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strat-o-steve Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Guitars need seasonal adjustments from time to time. This is normal, especially if you do not keep your home at the same temp and humidity year round (which would be impractical and expensive). Learn to do your own setups. Buy books, especially the guitar repair guide by Dan Erlewine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amx05462 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 a good book for you to pick up is dan erlewines guitar player repair guide. this book is loaded with articles on how to do anything you may need to do on a guitar. oh and the go easy on the trussrod if its tight is very good advice if you were to snap it off though theres even an article on how to fix that without replaceing it in that book. worth every penny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.