string buzz... how to fix it?

[Nick S]

Hi, I just got a baritone ukulele for christmas, and it's got a string buzz on the 3rd fret, i.e. when I play a note fretted at the 2nd fret I get a buzz that seems to occur due to the string hitting the 3rd fret. I assume the solution is to either raise all of the strings or to specifically lower that third fret. There's no obvious mechanism for raising the strings built into the instrument, so that makes me think that making the third fret a little shorter is the way to go - does anyone know if I can do this myself, or should I have a professional do it? If the former, how does it work - can I just take some sandpaper to it or will that be bad? If the latter, I live really close to gryphon strings so I could take it there.

Thanks!

Nick

[Nick Anthony]

definately take it to a pro....this is not something to tackle if you're not experienced...just lowering the fret is the wrong move..they have to be level ...but theres so much more to it i'd have to write for hours to explain all the little set up issues you'd have to understand to even start leveling frets...short version take it to a QUALIFIED repair tech or luthier

[Nick S]

Is this true even if it's a relatively cheap uke and I'm a relatively poor player? I do have some standards (I've been playing guitar for ~ 8 years) but I'm certainly no pro, nor do I have an exceptional ear - the question I'm asking is whether the difference between doing it professionally and doing it myself is dramatic or is the kind of thing few people would even notice. Also, any idea how much this type of thing costs?

[Nick Anthony]

its very dramatic you could permenantly damage your instrument....it might not even be the fret thats making it buzz

[Nick S]

all righty then, I'll take it to gryphon and see what they say. Thanks!

Nick

[thefishinmusician]

Can you see that the fret is not properly seated??? Does it look like it's obviously sticking up??..Look at the bottom of the fret...Can you slide a piece of thin paper under the bottom of the fret??If so, you can superglue it back in position...IF!! you choose to do that, use something flat to press it down relative to the other frets, or you may make it go too low, and it would buzz on the next fret..

[FRANK]

I USE A GLASS BLOCK ADHERER SAND PAPER LIKE 220 DRY AND 400 WET MARK YOUR FRET TOPS TAKE THE BLOCK KNOCK DOWN YOUR HIGH FRET CROWN ALL THE FRETS AGAIN AND POLISH RE CUT THE NUT FFF FRANK /FORD/ FRIEND ALUMNI RV