| First the open E, you need to know nut mechanics so if the following setup tips don't work, you will understand what's likely happening. The string should only make contact with the nut on a small patch at the very fret side of the nut. From there the slot should angle down toward the head back toward the tuners so the string isn't in contact back there. You can check by bending the string with your thumb and looking from the top of the nut and seeing where that contact patch is. If it's in the middle of the nut, it will rattle and it needs work. Remember that the nut won't affect fretted notes... usually, unless it's been hacked upon by an idiot.
BUT before you worry about that, first check to make sure the break angle is good back to the tuners. The strings should come off the tuners as low to the head as possible.
Set the witness points on all strings, pressing down just on the fret side of the nut so the string isn't arced over the nut. Do the same at the bridge.
As for the first fret buzz, you need some relief added OR you may have a high fret further up. If you pull the neck and set relief, try only about 1/8th turn at a time, it may not take much to help. If you need more than 1/4 turn, you likely have a high fret situation.
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'74ish Ampeg V4B, 115/210. * '75 Gibson G3. *Epi Tbird. *Squier: VM Jazz, CV 50's P. *Squier VM Jazz Assoc. *MBC 641. Squier owners club
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