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Original Post By:
Paul Stockford
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Date: 8/30/2010 7:52:21 PM |
| Sorry if this topic's been covered before. The search function doesn't seem to be working so I couldn't find any previous posts. I have a Honu bari that gets fret buzz on the first 3 frets, E string. I've shimmed the bridge until it's so high it falls over, then tried replacing it with a new, higher bridge that MGM sent. The high bridge seemed to solve the buzz problem but made the string action too high. Am I looking at a fret job here or does anyone have any other suggestions for eliminating fret buzz? I'm currently using the new Ko'olau Alohi strings. In the past I've used Ko'olau yellow strings and Aquila. |
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Posted By:
AlanJ
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Date: 8/30/2010 11:27:11 PM |
| You seem to be addressing the problem at the wrong end, IMO. I'd raise the string height at the nut instead.
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Posted By:
Yosef 1965
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Date: 8/31/2010 12:29:25 AM |
You need to get some "Hilo" stings that will take buzz away Shalom tom1965
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Posted By:
WildChild
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Date: 8/31/2010 7:38:30 AM |
| Hilo strings sound dead to me. Put on the strings you like, take it to a tech at an acoustic guitar or ukulele shop, and have the problem fixed right. Or send it back to MGM, so he can diagnose the the problem, hands on. Money well spent. There are a lot of variables - bridge height, nut height, fret installation, neck bow, neck warp, and other issues I can't think of. Lastly, even quality brands have an occasional dud.
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Posted By:
ChefJeff
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Date: 8/31/2010 8:57:53 AM |
Since only one string buzzes, I'm hoping the problem isn't with the neck. Try putting a layer or two of paper in the nut slot under the E string. If that fixes it, the problem may be that the one nut slot was cut too deep. If the ukulele is new, return it to the dealer. If not, a luthier can either replace the nut or fill and re-cut just that one slot. If you're handy you can fill it yourself with sodium bicarbonate and super glue but to re-cut it you'll need a nut file of the correct size. You can buy an inexpensive set of acetylene torch tip cleaners as a substitute but they're not as easy to use as a nut file.
BTW, here's a handy trick that was taught to me by a highly-skilled Vermont luthier and certified nice guy: while pressing the string at the third fret, slip a standard business card between the string and the first fret wire. If everything is set up properly the business card should slide in easily with a nice slip fit, neither too loose nor too tight.
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Posted By:
TRS uke
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Date: 8/31/2010 2:34:12 PM |
| I wouldn't mind being corrected about this if I am wrong, but doesn't the string height at the nut only have an affect when strings are not fretted? Once a string is fretted, I believe that the string height at the nut behind it no longer comes into play. I think this is sort of the argument for a zero fret.
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Posted By:
Ukebug
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Date: 8/31/2010 10:19:53 PM |
| I don't know if this is the same problem you have, but I had a fret buzz on a new uke. I took it to a luthier and he filled each slot in the nut with a little poly"something" which raised the height of the strings at the nut. He also took down the saddle. It seemed alot better, but after a day or so I still thought i heard a little buzz. I got an idea to switch the saddle with one from another uke, and guess what, the buzz is completely gone. I think it was the saddle all the while - it must have been somewhat loose and caused a vibration. The one I put in fit perfectly and was at a much better height. Good luck.
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Posted By:
Unknown User
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Date: 9/1/2010 2:32:46 PM |
| Paul, since I see you're local to me (AZ) I'd suggest before messing with it too much you might take it to a pro. Go see Walt at Gypsy's Music on 5th Ave. in Scottsdale. (I also have another friend, in Tempe, if Walt's not around, a former instructor at the Roberto-Venn school of luthiery. Fantastic work.)
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Posted By:
southcoastukes
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Date: 9/2/2010 10:38:39 AM
(Updated: 9/2/2010 12:08:03 PM)
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Hello all,
If your string is not buzzing when it is unfretted, then TRS is correct when he says that nut work won't help this situation. You are concerned with what is happening between the fret in front of you and the bridge.
ChefJeff has a valid fear about the neck. Sight down the neck from the head to the bridge, and see if you notice a twist. While fret work can compensate for a neck twist, it really should be a warranty issue at that point, as who knows if or when the twist will stop.
If the neck seems ok, tap the frets lightly with something metallic to see if they seem loose. If so, a luthier can fix the problem, but the fix is not ideal - I would still call this a warranty issue.
If the frets are tight, then they are probably not level. This is the most likely scenario. You can level them yourself, but if you've never done it before, it will take a good while and likely before it's over, you'll be dealing with more than 3 frets.
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Posted By:
Paul Stockford
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Date: 9/2/2010 5:52:38 PM |
Wow! Thanks everyone for this great input. I hadn't even thought of a twisted neck. I've had the uke for a couple of years now so it's probably out of warranty. I lost time messing around with the bridge and different strings then just giving up and putting it away for a while.
Thanks for the fret advice southcoastukes. I tried adjusting frets on a guitar once and ended up having to get an entire fret job done to fix the additional problems I caused. I'll take it to someone who knows what they're doing.
Italuke, thanks for the tip about Gypsy Music. I didn't know anything about them. I also just recently heard of a luthier in central Phoenix, Haymaker Guitars, that also makes ukes. BTW, if you're in the Phoenix area, you should join us at the monthly 'ukulele meetup in central Phoenix or at the Tuesday night CHUG (Coffee House 'Ukulele Group)in Glendale. We have quite an active group. In fact, Victoria Vox will be doing a workshop and concert here for our September 23rd meeting in Phoenix. Message me for more info. In the meantime, thanks to everyone for these very helpful suggestions.
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