Buzz in My 335's Bridge
Moderator: jingle_jangle
Buzz in My 335's Bridge
Regarding my 1966 335, I've always had a buzz, typically on my 6th string. I have ruled out yellowjackets and wasps. I always assumed it was a sloppy fret replacement job, as it sometimes touches the 1st fret. But even when I raise the bridge (I assume an inadequate solution) there is a buzz somewhere near the bridge and I can't seem to identify it. I don't think it is coming from the Accent tailpiece, either. Anyone have this happen to them? Thanks. -- Jeff.
guitars made before 1980 with the Accent vibrato have a variable neck angle.The guitars of the 1960's especially.
Several things can bring about this BUZZ.
This is where I don my Sherlock Holmes hat .....there...now ,I assume that the guitar is tuned to the pitch that you want to use.
time to check the truss rods.
These should be as straight as can be .
Put a capo at the first fret and then fret the guitar at the last fret on the 5th string/A string with your right hand -little/pinkie finger .
Now with your right hand-thumb, press the A string down and see if the string has a gap at the 12th fret ,release the 12th fret ,do you see this gap?Again ...the string should be anchored at the last fret and by the capo while doing this .
Now keep your right hand little finger on the last fret ,and press the A string/5th down with your left hand at the 6th fret .Release.Is there a gap or does the string touch when you try to check this .You should have a gap of at least .004
After the check ,and if you have a gap we can go to the second check .If the re is NO gap then the rods are too tight.
If this does not make sense I will post a photo of this check.
Do the same check on the second/B string.
If all is okay ,then you need a straight edge .I have several metal rulers of differing lengths.
Lay a 36" straight edge on the fretboard (on edge ) and see how much of an angle there is from the bridge to the edge of the Accent vibrato .Measure this drop .You need at least 3/8" ..if it is less then that is the problem.
If you have more then lets check the bridge.
You must have an old roller saddle bridge .
Do the saddles wobble if you grab the string and move them side ways?
If you remove the bridge ,do the saddles wobble ?
this is almost always the reason .
But check everything in the order talked about ...that will eliminate what does not cause the trouble.
Several things can bring about this BUZZ.
This is where I don my Sherlock Holmes hat .....there...now ,I assume that the guitar is tuned to the pitch that you want to use.
time to check the truss rods.
These should be as straight as can be .
Put a capo at the first fret and then fret the guitar at the last fret on the 5th string/A string with your right hand -little/pinkie finger .
Now with your right hand-thumb, press the A string down and see if the string has a gap at the 12th fret ,release the 12th fret ,do you see this gap?Again ...the string should be anchored at the last fret and by the capo while doing this .
Now keep your right hand little finger on the last fret ,and press the A string/5th down with your left hand at the 6th fret .Release.Is there a gap or does the string touch when you try to check this .You should have a gap of at least .004
After the check ,and if you have a gap we can go to the second check .If the re is NO gap then the rods are too tight.
If this does not make sense I will post a photo of this check.
Do the same check on the second/B string.
If all is okay ,then you need a straight edge .I have several metal rulers of differing lengths.
Lay a 36" straight edge on the fretboard (on edge ) and see how much of an angle there is from the bridge to the edge of the Accent vibrato .Measure this drop .You need at least 3/8" ..if it is less then that is the problem.
If you have more then lets check the bridge.
You must have an old roller saddle bridge .
Do the saddles wobble if you grab the string and move them side ways?
If you remove the bridge ,do the saddles wobble ?
this is almost always the reason .
But check everything in the order talked about ...that will eliminate what does not cause the trouble.
So you too want yours "ALAPWOB"?!?!
-
David_Pack
I have a '74 ES 335 that started doing that after a string change. After much frustration I found that the end of the string wasn't seated properly where the string insets into the tailpiece. The ball at the end of the string was slightly touching the inside of the tailpiece and the buzz was actually louder than the guitar unplugged. I detuned and used a set of needle-nose pliers and rotated the end of the string and haven't had a problem since.