Buzz on my A string on the headstock.

Corvette19 · #1 05-14-2011, 05:02 PM

If I place my finger on that space right there I can feel it vibrate. I don't think it's supposed to (none of my other strings do, and they're not giving me any trouble.)

Does anyone know what I can do to fix this? The buzz is really annoying, and it severely cuts the sustain on the string.

electracoyote · #2 05-14-2011, 05:05 PM

I assume it's buzzing when played open.

If so, the nut slot is too low or you don't have enough relief in the neck.

I have found with Fender style necks, if the nut slot is cut too low or too much relief is taken out of the neck, the A has the least tolerance for this.

If you have sufficient relief in he neck, the nut slot is the usual suspect.

You may also try re-winding the string on the post so that it winds downward toward the face of the headstock as much as possible, creating a defined downward angle break as it crosses the nut toward the post.

fourstringdrums · #3 05-14-2011, 05:25 PM

Make sure the string isn't twisted or defective. Is this a new set?

Corvette19 · #4 05-14-2011, 06:33 PM

It's not the strings, I've tried 3 other sets; different gauges too. These are thin gauge, but the normal gauge was just the same.

emblymouse · #5 05-14-2011, 06:37 PM

Yes, as above, try rewinding it as far down on the post as possible. This may be enough to do it. It's just an A string thing!

cr250_977 · #6 05-14-2011, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emblymouse

Yes, as above, try rewinding it as far down on the post as possible. This may be enough to do it. It's just an A string thing!

Had the same issue. This^ fixed it for me

electracoyote · #7 05-14-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emblymouse

It's just an A string thing!

No kidding. I dread working with the A slot on my Fender style basses. Of all the super glue "oopsie" fixes I've had to do, the vast majority have been on the A slot.

I hope the rewind does the trick.

JLS · #8 05-15-2011, 12:16 PM

I just had this thought, for a crude, but possibility effective, A string buzzfix: a ziptie, over the A string, and around the headstock.

electracoyote · #9 05-15-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

I just had this thought, for a crude, but possibility effective, A string buzzfix: a ziptie, over the A string, and around the headstock.

Along the same lines, a more aesthetic solution would be a string tree.

RoboChrist · #10 05-15-2011, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

You may also try re-winding the string on the post so that it winds downward toward the face of the headstock as much as possible, creating a defined downward angle break as it crosses the nut toward the post.

This.

walterw · #11 05-15-2011, 04:35 PM

fenders always have this issue with the A.

the G and D are held down by the tree, and the E is at a steep enough angle to be fine.

you have to use more wraps on the A, so that it has enough angle to be held down in the nut slot.

it has nothing to do with neck relief or the slot itself.

SMILEYSIXX · #12 05-15-2011, 05:23 PM

I had this issue and had thought it was my nut, but I just hadn't wound it low enough. When winding my strings, I always hold my finger on the string, pressing it to the headstock to ensure that it's as low as possible.

rojo412 · #13 05-15-2011, 09:17 PM

The only fix that ever worked for me 100% was string trees.

Be it Hipshot, a string bar (a la Lakland), or just an extra round one to press the A string down when it passes the nut, it works every time.

The proper wind technique works about 90% of the time.
You could also use a Scrunchie like Vic Wooten does (though his isn't for string buzz).

**WackoStu** · #14 06-09-2011, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

I assume it's buzzing when played open.

You may also try re-winding the string on the post so that it winds downward toward the face of the headstock as much as possible, creating a defined downward angle break as it crosses the nut toward the post.

Thank you so freaking much for this. I had the same issue as the OP and thought I was set to get a new nut at the least, or worse done to stop the buzz. I thought I had really screwed something up. I took the A string off, pulled half of what went into the winder out, held that string down as much as I could when winding and made a fourth wrap around the post. Buzz is GONE!!!!

Thank you so much!

fenderhutz · #15 06-09-2011, 08:20 AM

You would think at some point Fender would put a sign on the headstock that reads "Your A string may not be taller than this ------ to enjoy the ride"

Very common issue.

**WackoStu** · #16 06-09-2011, 08:27 AM

And it's not just Fenders, but Fender "type" headstocks.