One fret, one string, buzz...

darthed1981 · July 2019

Right, got a small technical issue.

My Squier VM Jazzmaster (the "Jizzmaster" as I call it) is mostly a nice sounding, very playable cheap guitar, especially now it has a staytrem bridge.

However, despite trying a lot of different adjustments and string heights, I get fret buzz, but only on the low E string at the 9th fret...

Now the 10th fret is a bit higher than the 9th and 11th, but a TINY bit, its not rocking around like nickel elvis, and I've got perfect playing guitars where the frets arent all level (though I appreciate a trip to a tech would allow for a lower action).

Any ideas how to resolve this? Currently the strings are off as I've been fiddling so much the high E snapped, so I can do most things to it.

merciful-evans · July 2019

You need a fret level. If you are lucky it may only be some individual frets that need fettling. You need to get the whole of the neck checked 1st.

This is likely to cost about £80 from a luthier.

It will cost a lot more to buy the tools yourself (as I did) and learn how to do it. That ideally needs a notched straight edge, fret rocker, leveling beam and 'dedicated' files. It also takes a fair amount of care and attention!

darthed1981 · July 2019

I'd definitely lean more in the direction of a luthier, it's a nice guitar despite it's relatively humble pedigree...

octatonic · July 2019

Get a fret rocker- they are cheap.

This is, as stated, likely to be due to a high fret.

Maynehead · July 2019

If it's just 1 fret it's a relatively easy job. If it was me I'd try tapping the 10th down with the handle of a screwdriver first, and if that doesn't work, put masking tape either side of the fret, and sand it down a bit with ~400 grit sandpaper. You just need to do the bit under the low E since that's the only place with the issue.

gary_mac · July 2019

Maynehead said:

If it's just 1 fret it's a relatively easy job. If it was me I'd try tapping the 10th down with the handle of a screwdriver first, and if that doesn't work, put masking tape either side of the fret, and sand it down a bit with ~400 grit sandpaper. You just need to do the bit under the low E since that's the only place with the issue.

Then reshape it, otherwise the fret will be flat on the top, which you don't want.

Maynehead · July 2019

gary_mac said:

Maynehead said:

If it's just 1 fret it's a relatively easy job. If it was me I'd try tapping the 10th down with the handle of a screwdriver first, and if that doesn't work, put masking tape either side of the fret, and sand it down a bit with ~400 grit sandpaper. You just need to do the bit under the low E since that's the only place with the issue.

Then reshape it, otherwise the fret will be flat on the top, which you don't want.

If you do the spot sanding with your finger, the softness of the flesh will naturally create a crown.

Revolting1 · July 2019

^ As above and use a shortish straight edge to check height relative to nearby frets regularly as you go.

CasperCaster · July 2019

Low E only? Check the end of the 10th fret is seated properly - could be lifting slightly at the edge?

darthed1981 · July 2019

CasperCaster said:

Low E only? Check the end of the 10th fret is seated properly - could be lifting slightly at the edge?

Yes I'll definitely go in with a plastic mallet before I go in with the sandpaper

guitars4you · July 2019

Might also be a kink in the string - try a new low E as well

darthed1981 · July 2019

guitars4you said:

Might also be a kink in the string - try a new low E as well

Thanks - inevitable at this point as the old ones are stripped off!

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One fret, one string, buzz...

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