Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Fixed the issues with the nut on this NEW guitar and now I have been struggling mightily to get the low E to quit buzzing when fretted. Some facts:

1. It's the only string doing it (the octave in the pair does not)
2. I have adjusted the Truss Rod to dead flat using a Stew Mac full length straight edge and feeler gauges
3. The string does not buzz "open"
4. Action at the 12 fret on this string is approx. 5/64" or .070" whichever you prefer
5. Tuned to pitch the string still feels very loose to me (normally a Fender player so I know the scale length is impacting tension somewhat but, it seems exceedingly floppy)

Tried searching here and the forums on the Ric site. Got a few ideas that I have tried but, no success yet.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Wow. No takers huh.

Guess I will try adding relief incrementally and see if it improves.

Um, welcome... impatient much?

A few counterquestions: Is the string buzzing against the frets or the octave string? What strings are you using? How old are they?

Sorry, just eager to get this fixed and focus on playing.

- String buzzes against frets
- Strings are factory originals according to dealer who sold me the guitar
- Not sure how old these strings are. Guitar is a 2008 model FWIW.

Thanks

I would try a new set of RIC strings just to be sure. If that doesn't help, and you can live with the action a hair higher, just raise the bridge a little on the bass side and readjust your saddles to intonate. If none of that helps, try the dealer again and then RIC customer service with your warranty. Did you fill out the card and send in?

Got my new sets of strings and will try doing a string change when I have several hours (daunting). Have found that the fretted notes on this Low E are actually "sharp" when the open string is tuned with my Peterson strobo-stomp. Tuning by ear to the open A string while fretting the Low E at the 5th fret is making it sound much better. ??? The buzzing has gotten better with Truss rod and bridge height adjustments but, it's still not to my liking. Will keep working with it. It is playable at this point and I am enjoying it!

I had similar buzzing problems with a new 330 I recently bought, but my problem was the A and D strings. The bridge from the factory was maxed out on height so that was no help. I put some Ernie Ball strings (the stings I used successfully on my previous 330) and the buzzing was no different. Then put on some heavier, but not quite Pete Buckish, flatwounds. Those are better, and allowed me to lower the bridge a bit, but still not perfect. I did notice that some of the buzzing originates in the pickguard to body interface. By adjusting the upper pickguard screw tension I got rid of most of that buzzing. There is still some, and still fret buzzing. I may just have to suck it up and take it to a pro for a set up.