Buzz problem on my martin

[YourHerodDGC]

So I have a Martin DX1. I love it to death. Only problem is, the G string and the D string buzz when i play them open. Once i fret them there's no problem.

 

Any suggestions of what i could do to remedy this? I tried adjusting the truss rod, it kinda helped slightly, but mostly id made me nervous. Or would it be something more complicated like needing to replace the nut?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Freeman Keller]

Be a little more specific, please. Where does the sound seem to come from? Did it just start or has it been there for a while? Have you changed strings? When you adjusted the t/r which way did you turn it, how much, and what seemed to happen? Have you tried measuring anything (the clearance at the nut, the relief, and the action - if so what are the numbers? How to you play (pick, heavy strumming, )? Has your humidity changed (are you now heating you house for winter)?

I'll guess you don't have to replace the nut (and please do be a little nervous about adjusting the t/r). I'll check tomorrow and we'll fix this sucker.

btw - a very common cause of buzzes besides relief and action is that you changed strings and didn't pull the balls up tight agains the underside of the top.

[YourHerodDGC]

The buzz seems to be coming from the first fret, because as soon as i fret a note anywhere on the board it goes away. It's just the open strings. I can't remember which way i adjusted the truss rod.

I should probably just bring it to a professional.

[nylon rock]

It sounds like the washers up at the tuners.

Wedge a piece of paper under any offending ones, if possible, and see if it goes away.

If it is any of the washers, you need to loosen the strings and push the tuners down on the washers. The tuners are not screwed in, so turning the hex nuts won't tighten thinks up.

You can go to the UMGF and use their search on the word "buzz" and that will give you other ideas. HC's search is down last I knew.

[Freeman Keller]

It is also possible that it is the nut height. You should have just a tiny bit of clearance between the string and the first fret when fretted at 2 - get down and squint under the strings while holding it down at 2 or 3. If you want to get anal about checking this here are Kimsey's numbers

"At the nut, I like 1st fret clearances of:

E = .022", A = .020", D = .018", G = .018", B = .018", E = .016"

And very possible something loose in the tuners as NR suggests. However, if it has hex nuts they probably are screwed on (be very careful trying to tighten the or you can scratch the headstock). If they are round or knurled they are pressed into the headstock.

btw - Frets.com has a great article on tracing the elusive buzz

[Bilbo]

One shot of crazy glue into the offending nut slots, wipe quickly over the top with your finger, let it dry.

[Dave W.]

Originally posted by Bilbo One shot of crazy glue into the offending nut slots, wipe quickly over the top with your finger, let it dry.

 

 

Sorry, but put the crazy glue away for a minute, it didn't get it's name for nothing. This is no way to fix a loose nut slot on a decent guitar, if indeed it is a nut slot in the first place. Freeman has given you enough info to trace down the problem if you are up to it. If not, give it to a pro. Save the crazy glue for an Esteban.

[YourHerodDGC]

http://frets.com/FRETSPages/Luthier/Technique/Setup/BuzzDiagnosis/LowNut/lownut.html

 

Okay, so this is definitely my problem.

 

Thanks you guys.

[Freeman Keller]

Thanks for reporting back

[conway]

I think you should call Richard Hoover at Santa Cruz for a good old fashion buzzing lesson!

[conway]

Mine cost $3,600.00