Dull Fuzzy notes on high E string

[Douglas Han]

Hi people

First post! Great website and forum!!
I just thought that I'd post up my problem and if anyone could give some advice..

I did check the buzz diagnosis, but I didn't think it would solve the problem. My fret's don't look too flat..

Well, my high E string plays fine open, but then when I fret from the 5th - 10th fret, I get that dullness and tiny bit 'sitar' ish sound.
The thing is, this didn't happen until recently. I did lower the action, but then it wasn't there that time.
And then one day, out of the blue, it happened.

I haven't changed strings, but I guess I could give it a try..

Any replies would be appreciated..

Thanks!

Doug

[thefishinmusician]

Press down on the high e at the first fret and the 14th....There should be a bit of daylight in the middle of the neck between the fret and the string....It sounds like the neck is backbowed a bit.....You may also have a little lump in the area of the buzz, in which case, a fret dress would solve your problem...

[Douglas Han]

I'll check that, thanks!

[griff]

When you say you lowered the action, did you remove and reshape/replace the saddle, or did you adjust with the truss rod? It sounds like the truss rod, which shouldn't be used in an attempt to lower the action, only in adding/removing relief to the fretboard. I imagine there is a high fret up the fingerboard that was revealed when the relief was taken out of the neck. The reason it didn't happen immediately is that adjustments to the truss (especially big adjustments) take time to fully move. It's all speculation without the guitar in hand, but that's what I'm thinking.

[Douglas Han]

The saddle was already quite low, I didn't want to lower it. I did use the truss rod to straighten the neck..
But thanks for the info! I didn't realise that after some time that it would still be adjusting.
I'm thinking there is a high fret too. Even thinking about getting the guitar pleked.

Thank you

[griff]

If the guitar is quality enough to afford the plek procedure, it's good enough to get it into the hands of a luthier to reset the neck (if there's no saddle left) and dress the frets. In the mean time adjust the truss rod to add some relief (i.e. loosen it some), and split the difference with the high action.

[Douglas Han]

Well, it's my prized treasure :)
I worked my butt off for four solid months to save up and buy it! It's a Maton EBG808 Artist, basically the same model Tommy Emmanuel uses.

Thanks for all your help griff, much appreciated.

[Len Biglin]

Hi Doug, My guess is that the saddle is a bit low , causing fret buzz. The reason it doesn't buzz on the on the 1 to 5th frets is that you have a lot of relief (or bow) in the neck and this provides clearance on the early fret positions.To work it out you need to straighten the neck a bit (not easy on a Maton) and you should notice the fret buzz becomes more an overall problem on the neck, then raise the bridge saddle to the point where the buzz is reduced to your liking.To straighten the neck you need to get the right tool (retailer) or get a socket set with an extention and work through the sound hole and a mirror will help.The correct tool is about 2' long and goes up the butt-hole to reach the truss rod nut at the top of the neck block.Len