E String Buzz On Single Fret

[GusTheBassDog]

I have a 4 string that buzzes when playing the E string on the first fret. All the other strings are fine on all frets, and the E is fine all other frets. From what I gather, this is likely needing one of the following...

1) The fret somehow leveled or lowered on that end.

2) The fret filed down on that end.

Does this sound about right? I checked out the fret in question and it doesn't appear to be pulling away or anything on that side, and doesn't seem to have any burs or snags to cause it to interfere with the string there. The neck is nice and straight.

Is this fairly easy to accomplish on my own? Guitar Center is the only place near me that I know does repairs, and I'm not sure how much they'd charge, or what the quality would be like there.

 

[bumperbass]

Get a straight edge of some sort. Stewmac has some expensive tools, but I used some laptop and desktop memory modules and checked my frets. I had one that I thought was high and confirmed it with the memory. I tapped it with a shot hammer and it was tight so I leved it (a LITTLE at a time). Got it close enough to perfect.
Either your second fret is high or your nut is cut too high. That's my guess.

 

[GusTheBassDog]

Get a straight edge of some sort. Stewmac has some expensive tools, but I used some laptop and desktop memory modules and checked my frets. I had one that I thought was high and confirmed it with the memory. I tapped it with a shot hammer and it was tight so I leved it (a LITTLE at a time). Got it close enough to perfect.
Either your second fret is high or your nut is cut too high. That's my guess.

Thanks for the advice. I used a RAM module, as you mentioned, and the 2nd fret is indeed high under the E string. It's a little high under the A, as well, but it still clears so that's not too big a deal. So knowing this, I need to try and tap it down, or failing that, sand/level that end gently?

 

[bumperbass]

Thanks for the advice. I used a RAM module, as you mentioned, and the 2nd fret is indeed high under the E string. It's a little high under the A, as well, but it still clears so that's not too big a deal. So knowing this, I need to try and tap it down, or failing that, sand/level that end gently?

Yeah. Try a good whack or two while supporting the back of the neck. If that doesn't help, take a pass with a fine file (I used a flat one from a jewelers needle file set). Go slow. Take a pass and recheck. You should be OK. Mine only needed a few passes with some 600 grit sandpaper. Good luck.