DR Black Beauty Buzz

RavynWolf · #1 08-26-2008, 08:46 AM

Good Day everyone, I have run into a problem.

I am currently using an Epiphone Goth Thunderbird with a Gibson 3 point bridge. I did some searching on setting up the bridge properly, and it wasn't a permanent fix. I usually tune to BEAD, sometimes lower. I understand with this much lower tuning, there is bound to be buzz. This buzzing confuses me because it is only on the detuned B string. So I though I'd just adjust the point on the bridge for the B and E string, didn't work. I also tried lowering and raising the whole bridge, again not working, so I did a setup (truss rod ect.) and it was fixed, but the action was TERRIBLY high. Is there any way to detune to BEAD, whilst having minimal fret buzz, and reasonable action? I know it can't be completely fixed, but anything is help at this moment.
Thanks
Ravyn

broadblik · #2 08-26-2008, 08:56 AM

Really you need a 35" scale for a B string, or find a F# string and tune that up,

Another way is to use a two section bridge, eg Warwick or an extended B peghead design like Fodera.

RavynWolf · #3 08-26-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broadblik

Really you need a 35" scale for a B string, or find a F# string and tune that up,

Another way is to use a two section bridge, eg Warwick or an extended B peghead design like Fodera.

I apologize, I forgot to mention I am using a standard 4 string set

XylemBassGuitar · #4 08-26-2008, 10:23 AM

RavynWolf,

Try getting a standard 5-string set and use the BEAD strings in the set to tune down to the low BEAD tuning.

I suspect that a majority of your buzz is coming from how floppy and loose an E-string becomes when it is tuned down to a low B. The thicker strings of the 5-string set are actually designed to be tuned down that low. Because an actual low B string is much thicker than a low E string, it will be under more tension, won't flop around as much and thus, should eliminate the buzzing problem.

Let me know if that works out!

RavynWolf · #5 08-26-2008, 11:01 AM

Xylem,

I was thinking the same thing. I think I will try it. My only concern was filing the nut, but they are $5.00 at a music store, and I know how to fix it if I happen to ruin it.

Thank you

Ravyn

broadblik · #6 08-26-2008, 11:58 AM

What gauge are your strings at the moment?

Are they the heaviest you can fit?

Darragh

RavynWolf · #7 08-27-2008, 06:36 AM

They are regular gauge I think.
My bridge barely fits them, odd enough.
I have also heard of filing the bridge, should I do this to accommodate for the new B string?

broadblik · #8 08-27-2008, 07:50 AM

That would definitley be a sensible idea, you can also but nut blanks, that you can file yourself, so if you break one, you can just buy another, they are very cheap.

XylemBassGuitar · #9 08-27-2008, 09:03 AM

You can definitely file your bridge saddles to accomodate the larger strings. Just be very careful and go slow during the operation (you may have a hard time finding single replacement saddles for the bridge if you file the grooves too deep).

If it were me, I'd try the new strings on the saddles and nut before you do any filing. See what happens, then decide whether or not to file.

A good place to get gauged files specifically designed for nut and saddle work is stewmac.com. Just buy the file gauges that match the gauges of the new strings.