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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Fender Stratocaster Problem, Help !
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2009, 04:48 AM
Hey guys ! You're probably fed up with me regurgitating boring stories about my new Fender American Standard Stratocaster, but now I really need some advice, as I have spotted a few problems that I need fixed ! 
First problem is a buzzing open 4th string (D I believe), which isn't really too annoying, as I don't think it's noticeable when playing with distortion, but still, is there anything I can do to fix this without going to a guitar technician ?
Secondly, when doing a full bend (2 frets) from the high E-string on the 17th fret, the string starts buzzing, and it somehow looks as if it comes lightly into contact with the higher fret, disrupting the oscillation... This is just weird, could it be because the string is too low, making it come into contact with more than one fret ?
Please help ! I'll have to take the guitar to a tech at some stage anyway, but I would greatly appreciate it if you guys could enlighten me on some guitar engineering... 
Posted by: jdriver Jul 11 2009, 07:14 AM
A buzzing open string is distressing, I think that's likely a neck relief issue. You can try a small adjustment on the truss rod yourself.
The high E string problem is just an action issue. Raise that string saddle a little at a time until the problem goes away. You should have the tools to do both of these things in the plastic bag that came with the guitar.
You will still be more satisfied if you take it to a tech because then you will feel certain it was done correctly.
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2009, 07:50 AM
The high E string problem is just an action issue. Raise that string saddle a little at a time until the problem goes away. You should have the tools to do both of these things in the plastic bag that came with the guitar.
You will still be more satisfied if you take it to a tech because then you will feel certain it was done correctly.
Thanks a lot ! I'm a novice when it comes to repairing and adjusting parts on the guitar... Could you please give some more basic guidelines on how to adjust the different things ?
Posted by: sted Jul 11 2009, 10:46 AM
hey mate, unfortunately most guitars will suffer from this eventually just by the nature of them being under constant tension, fenders have a fairly pronounced radius on the neck and the strings should follow that pattern, unlike on a flat boarded shred type guitar, so check that the strings do follow the contour of the board, if you make a template of the radius of your fretboard when you restring next it will help you get the string heights spot on.
To check the relief put a capo on the first fret and then hold down each string on the last fret, there should be a very small (0.8mm??)gap at the centre of these two points, a motoring feeler guage is good for checking this, if the gap is too narrow you get a lot of buzzing, too much and your action will suffer, this will need a truss rod adjustment.
Also if the frets are worn in one place then you will get some choking on the upper frets which are used a lot less so can have a higher relief than lower frets, you will need to get the frets dressed in this case by a luthier or even better take it and get it plekked which is the ultimate set up (Most new high end Gibsons get plekked in the factory)
A twisted neck is the worst case scenario, you can only try and compensate this by altering the string heights at the saddles, or get a new neck ofc!
My advice would be to take it to a luthier and get it set up, ok it costs but he will immediately tell you any issues with the neck, if there are any.
In the meatime check this link for home set ups.
http://www.ehow.com/VideoSearch.aspx?s=set+up+a+fender+stratocaster&options=4
Posted by: MickeM Jul 11 2009, 02:27 PM
bending on the high frets I'm positive is caused of your bridge being too low. The fretboard has it's radius and the saddles are set to different height to follow the radius. When you bend you move the string closer to the "top" of the rounded fretboard while the saddle of the outer strings are lower casuing it tobuzz into the frets.
Raise the bridge! I.e on a strat bridge you raise the saddles individually.
Possibly that will take away the buzz on the D-string string aswell.
Another option to set the action could be if your guitar has a neck tilt. Check for a hole in the neckplate. You first losen the screews and then adjust the tilt angle with an allen key.
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 11 2009, 02:43 PM
Complete setup needs to be done here, and possibly fret leveling, cause frets bellow 17th one are more wear off then 17 and above cause these frets to be now a bit more taller. Adjusting the level of the frets requires polishing, and it is better to take it to guitar tech, it's not a pricey job. Regarding open D, could be truss rod or the nut. Try this:
1. Insert a small piece of paper underneath the D string on the nut to see if there is improvement. Experiment with different paper thickness.
2. Loose the truss rod a bit to see if buzzing dissapears.
Depending what of these two things works best as a problem solver, you may need nut change, or doing a setup. For both consult guitar tech.
PS don't be worried about this, all guitars require maintenance here and there.
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 11 2009, 05:52 PM
Raise the bridge! I.e on a strat bridge you raise the saddles individually.
Possibly that will take away the buzz on the D-string string aswell.
Another option to set the action could be if your guitar has a neck tilt. Check for a hole in the neckplate. You first losen the screews and then adjust the tilt angle with an allen key.
1. Insert a small piece of paper underneath the D string on the nut to see if there is improvement. Experiment with different paper thickness.
2. Loose the truss rod a bit to see if buzzing dissapears.
Depending what of these two things works best as a problem solver, you may need nut change, or doing a setup. For both consult guitar tech.
PS don't be worried about this, all guitars require maintenance here and there.
Thanks MickeM and Ivan !
I think I need a small screwdriver to fix the problems, so I think I'll just get it to a guitar tech when I get home !
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jul 12 2009, 12:03 AM
Anytime man, let us know how it went.
Posted by: Alexiaden93 Jul 13 2009, 03:52 AM
3 more days until we're back in Norway !
My guitar will soon be functionable !
Posted by: Hammerhead Jul 27 2009, 04:53 PM
If you want to be an ACE guitar tech.... get a copy of the book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0879309210/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/190-6506822-0168239?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=10EZ02Z2PQ6F6NS9JBQ8&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=304485901&pf_rd_i=0879302917
It's straight forward and answers all kinds of questions, Like the ones you are asking. It's a great resource! It explains "set up" and fret board radius, wiring, you name it. If you want to fix it... it's in this book.
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