few questions concerning truss rod and fret buzz

[miss g]

My fender seems perfectly set up, no fret buzz and nice low action.

My squier has alot of fret buzz on higher frets, 12th and up. The bridge saddles are pretty high and im not sure how I should adjust the truss rod, like which way I should turn it and how much I should turn it. Here is a picture to see how high the saddles are if it matters any on my squier



My sterling has a fret buzz all over and its more noticeable on higher frets. If I raise the action anymore it wont be comfortable for playing. How should I adjust the trust rod and what do I use to adjust the trust rod for it?

[Widdershins]

First off (if you haven't already) read the links in the truss rod stickies, this should give you an idea of what will need to be done and better help you understand what I and others will get to try you to do.

Also, your chances of success will be increased if you have some method of measuring with an accuracy of at least 1/64 of an inch... but lets assume you don't.

Your Fender works great? Good. That'll be your reference. Hold it like you are playing it and fret the E string at both the first and the last fret.
Check the distance from the top of the 8th (or the one in middle the between the 1st and last) fret and the bottom of the string.
That'll give you a (very)rough idea of what the relief is. Compare this to the other instruments.

Just a shot in the dark, but I am guessing you will find that they are different with the MM having much less of a gap and the Squier having a bit more (than the MM).

MM should be just an easy twist of that roller knob thingy towards the E string. I don't know what tools come with the MM stuff, but any metal rod that fits snugly in one of those holes should work. About 1/8 to 1/6 of a full turn should allow you to see some results. Try not to turn more than 1/4 turn. If you must, then give the neck a few hours (say overnight) to adjust. There isn't much worse than feeling/hearing your neck make 'snap crackle pop' sounds after you've been cranking on the rod... that sounds dirty.

The Squier sounds like there is a shim in the neck pocket that doesn't need to be there, or has moved. Try adjusting the truss rod first though before you start ripping the neck off

Seriously though, (if you don't already) you'll really need proper tools if you are going to do this. They aren't expensive and setups are safe and easy as long as you take your time.

Let us know how you made out.

[Solarmist]

It sounds like too much back bow. Like ^ said - don't loosen [counterclockwise] the rod more than 1/8 to 1/6 (1/4 MAX!) at a time. Small turns go a long way. Let it sit overnight or two before any more adjusting - it shouldn't be off that much anyway. Most people will tell you that a credit card thickness is about the right gap [relief] measured like ^ said. Once you have that done properly you may need to reset string action height/intonation. It pays off learning to do your own setups.

[miss g]

thanks for the replies I adjusted the squier and im giving it a day to set. I tried to use an allen wrench on my sterling to turn the knob thing but it wouldn't budge. Any ideas?

[Widdershins]

Originally Posted by miss g

I tried to use an allen wrench on my sterling to turn the knob thing but it wouldn't budge. Any ideas?

Is this a new or used instrument? Someone may have tightened the rod to where it's just a bit stuck.

You may get it to move easier if you take the tension off the neck by loosening the strings. The adjustment can feel stiff, but it shouldn't feel difficult. Do NOT force it though if it just doesn't want to move.
There is a serious possibility you could break something, and that something might mean mucho $. If it still stubborn & won't move, take it to a reputable(insured) tech. Shouldn't be all that expensive... cost of a couple of sets of strings maybe depending on where you live.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by Widdershins

Is this a new or used instrument? Someone may have tightened the rod to where it's just a bit stuck.

You may get it to move easier if you take the tension off the neck by loosening the strings. The adjustment can feel stiff, but it shouldn't feel difficult. Do NOT force it though if it just doesn't want to move.
There is a serious possibility you could break something, and that something might mean mucho $. If it still stubborn & won't move, take it to a reputable(insured) tech. Shouldn't be all that expensive... cost of a couple of sets of strings maybe depending on where you live.

+1 Exactly

[miss g]

ok I used a small screwdriver on the MM and it turned just fine. my fender has about a credit card size of a gap and the squier and the MM have hardly a gap at all. im going to let them sit awhile and see what happens.

[warnergt]

Some of those Squiers require a washer on the truss rod to make it adjust all the way it needs to go.