Weird Fret noise

bl2112 · #1 08-08-2008, 08:16 AM

I'm play my ibanez 5 string and on the 19th fret of the D is wont ring it just buzzes. But I dont have the problem on that fret with the other strings. The only way to get the note to ring is by raising the action really high. What should I do to fix this?

lowtide · #2 08-08-2008, 08:47 AM

Where exactly is it buzzing?
Are you playing at the 19th fret and you hear IT buzz at the 19th fret? (that'd be weird)
Or are you playing somewhere else on the D and it's buzzing at the 19th?
Anyway, it sounds like you may have a fret that may have worked it's way loose if this has just started happening, or just a high fret. You might try retapping the fret back in to see if that is it.

If may be you just changed strings - you may need to adjust your rod slightly.

bl2112 · #3 08-08-2008, 08:50 AM

Neck is straight, Newish strings( 3 weeks old)
When I play the 19th fret it buzzes. I can play the 18th and the 20th and it rings. Who would I tap it back in? With a hammer?

bl2112 · #4 08-08-2008, 08:58 AM

I tried tapping it with a hammer no effect.

lowtide · #5 08-08-2008, 09:01 AM

WHERE is it buzzing? It can't be at the 19th fret where your finger is at. It seems to me it could only be aft of your hand, maybe at the saddle if your adjustment is set too low.

bl2112 · #6 08-08-2008, 09:03 AM

It is buzzing ON the fret.

lowtide · #7 08-08-2008, 09:04 AM

This one has me stumped.

bl2112 · #8 08-08-2008, 09:18 AM

I've tried tapping it, no effect now I'm filing it a bit.

lowtide · #9 08-08-2008, 09:30 AM

Why are you filing it?
If your finger is on the string, and the string is ON the fret, it can't be buzzing at that fret. Or maybe I just entered the twilight zone.

lowtide · #10 08-08-2008, 09:32 AM

Try tapping a few of your frets that give you that ringing sound you like. Then tap that fret and see if it sounds the same as those that are ringing. If it makes a thud then the fret needs rework. I honestly do not think its possible for it to buzz on that fret unless you've already filed it so low that you cannot actually press that string low enuf to make full contact.

bl2112 · #11 08-08-2008, 09:41 AM

Filing didnt work i'll call GC where I bought it. Unless someone else here has any "bright ideas". Thanks for the help tho.

Mazatleco17 · #12 08-08-2008, 09:59 AM

GC won't fix anything, they just replace things (most of the time)

fakiekid · #13 08-08-2008, 10:38 AM

probably the fret infront (20th) being higher than the rest. check your neck adjustment

bl2112 · #14 08-08-2008, 12:05 PM

Neck is fine. If I fret the next note on either side its fine.

**Joshua** · #15 08-08-2008, 01:11 PM

How new are the strings?

Sometimes the string can flatten out underneath (assuming you are starting with some other than flatwounds) and cause the string to sit lower on the one specific fret. Check it out and see if that's the case...

fretlessman71 · #16 08-08-2008, 01:17 PM

Stupid question, but since I haven't seen it addressed...

The 19th fret means you're playing an A.... are you sure the buzz isn't coming from BEHIND the fret, rather than in front of it?

Just worth making sure, so you eliminate any possibility. And a string change wouldn't hurt if you haven't done that yet - bent strings are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye, and it just happens sometimes.

BurningSkies · #17 08-08-2008, 03:02 PM

First things first, Lowtide is right, if you're fretting at the 19th it isn't the 19th that's creating the buzz, and while you're tapping and filing away...you're probably tormenting the wrong fret. Its either the 20th, 21st, etc. or its a 'back buzz' behind your finger. It also could be a buzz against your pickup if you've got them raised too high, or if there's not enough downward pressure on the saddle, it could be a bridge buzz.

GC will certainly make a mess of things...

I'd start with a new set of strings...sometimes a bad string or flat spot on the string can wreak havoc.

ga_edwards · #18 08-08-2008, 04:23 PM

I tip I found to find high frets it to use the string as a short straightedge, the same as you do to check neck curvature, but on a smaller scale.

Hole down the string 3 frets apart, for example at frets 12 and 15. You can then gently depress the string onto the 13th fret, press the string against the actual fret wire, not the fret space. You should hear a small click if the fret is the correct height. If there's no click, that fret is too high.

So in your case, hold the string down at frets 18 and 21 and tap against the 19th. Then shift up a fret and check the 20th fret. I'm betting you find the 20th is too high.

While you're at it check all of them, you may find other high spots too, in which case a fret level and dress may be in order. it's not that expensive and will transform the playability.

Stewmac actually make a tool for doing this same thing called a fret rocker. An irregular shaped disc with different length straight edges that can be placed over 3 frets at a time and see if it 'rocks' from side to side indicating a high fret:
http://www.stewmac.com/shopby/product/3770

bl2112 · #19 08-09-2008, 10:08 AM

I've checked the strings and they are no damages. I had that on the stock strings. The G kinked it self on the 17th fret. The odd part is I can play every note before the screwed up fret and every note after the screw up fret.

lowtide · #20 08-09-2008, 10:11 AM

I'll bet you a beer and a shot it is NOT the 19th fret~!