Buzz on BEAD 4-string

solomon707 · #1 10-28-2008, 12:36 PM

I just restrung my 34" ESP Viper to BEAD with DR Hi-beams (65-125). I filed the sides of the string grooves in the nut to accommodate the bigger strings. Everything sounds great except the first few frets on the B string. Should I just raise the action, or is there more going on here?

Mushroo · #2 10-28-2008, 12:39 PM

Hi there, I would recommend a full setup (truss rod, bridge saddle height, intonation, pickup height) at this point. If you're in a hurry and the buzz is only one one string, however, the quickest and easiest way to get rid of it is to raise just the B string saddle at the bridge.

Darkstrike · #3 10-28-2008, 12:43 PM

I'd also suggest a heavier B.

Nick Kay · #4 10-28-2008, 01:59 PM

If it's just the first few frets on the B, there's two problems that I can think of.

1) You've got too little relief and the action is too low. Check relief, bow the neck until you're between 1mm and 2mm, and readjust the action.

2) You cut the nut too low/deep on the B slot. No easy fix for this - you can try cutting another nut yourself, or you can take it to a pro.

solomon707 · #5 10-28-2008, 04:12 PM

Well apparently I'm an idiot, because I somehow didn't notice that I have practically no relief with the new string tension. Seeing as how I have the day off, it's time for a full setup.

Darkstrike · #6 10-28-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solomon707

Well apparently I'm an idiot, because I somehow didn't notice that I have practically no relief with the new string tension. Seeing as how I have the day off, it's time for a full setup.

Yup, BEAD is much lower tension than standard.