It Buzzes!

[Gremson]

I just got myself a Blueridge BR-163. Got it yesterday and it plays awesome!

But I just changed the strings. I used DR 12's, and now my strings buzz when I fret 'em. I have no idea what was on there before. I'm guessing I should just use a different gauge of string to fix the buzz, but I'm not sure if I need to go up or down.

Just my blonde moment for the day,

thanks for the help,

Gremson

[Treborklow]

Could be several things, string gauge for instance. The guitar might need a neck adjustment. DR strings have a way of buzzing on many guitars due to their construction. You might try a different brand.

[DeepEnd]

Depending on where the buzz is coming from, it could be one of a few things. I keep hearing about string ball ends that aren't properly seated against the bridgeplate buzzing but I've never encountered the phenomenon myself. Something on the tuners could need tightening but that's unlikely. It could also be that your guitar simply needs a proper setup. Check to make sure the ball ends are seated correctly and, if that's not it, take it to a decent shop and have it set up. That might be a good idea in any case. Check Freeman Keller's "Is My Guitar Sick?" sticky thread for advice on checking the current setup: http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1208287. A preoerly set up gutar shouldn't buzz with 12's. I use 11's with no problems. If you do decide to change gauges, go up to 13's. I wouldn't recommend anything heavier.

[guit30]

BRs come with a set of light gauge Daddario PBs
Jim

The DRs are probably a little lighter, maybe a little relief

[Gremson]

I really don't think it's the setup. It played perfect with the old strings on it. I just need to get off my ass and try out some different strings.

[Dave W.]

Generally speaking, you might anticipate a fret buzz by going to a lighter gauge string, as the lesser tension will allow the fingerboard to flatten out. First rule out a buzz at the peg head (tuning machines) or under the saddle from the ball ends not being fully seated up against the bottom of the bridge.
Fret the low e at the first fret and at the 14th, and look for relief around the 7th fret. You want about the thickness of a business card. If it is not there, loosen the truss rod nut 1/4 turn (counter clockwise) and check again. I would not do that more than twice (1/2 turn total) before taking it to a tech if it dosen't do the job.

[Freeman Keller]

I really don't think it's the setup. It played perfect with the old strings on it. I just need to get off my ass and try out some different strings.

 

 

The most common cause of buzzes that appear when you restring is that you failed to pull one or more of the ball ends up against the bridge plate when you inserted the pins. Most guitar setups are pretty tolerant of changing one gauge and unless they were marginal probably don't need any thing adjusted.

 

Since buzzes happen at different places in/on the guitar and under different conditions, it always helps if you tell us (1) which string(s) buzz, (2) where it sounds like the buzz is coming from (a fret, the body, bridge, headstock,,,), (3) which fret(s) buzz (first position, high on the neck, just one fret...), (4) what, if anything changed (restrung, changed strings, new saddle, humidity..., (5) can you make it go away by dampening something, strumming lighter or heavier... (6) what does the buzz sound like (something loose, something vibrating against something else, a note that isn't fretted...)

 

Each of these can have a different cause, and thus, a different solution.