Low Action/Buzzing

[jwoodbury3571]

I recently just purchased 2 Private Stock guitars. The action is really low on both them and they both buzz quite a bit while strumming. Is there a way to raise the action? Do I need to adjust the truss rod?

 

[Ste76]

Probably a truss rod adjustments, but there are other things to check for a real good setup. I think it's better if you bring them to a qualified tech. A good setup will make you love your new guitars and you will get the best out of them.

 

[alantig]

You've probably just had a bit of neck shift. Start with the truss rod adjustment, but be conservative - you'll probably be surprised how little change it takes to fix this. Go a quarter - or even an eighth - of a turn at a time. When you eliminate the buzz, you can go back about half of your last turn and see if the buzz is still gone. Fine tune as appropriate. That'll let you get the action as low as possible.

 

[Black Plaid]

There are some things to consider:

1. Do you strum particularly hard?
2. Your sensitivity to 'buzz'

Does the guitar sound like it's buzzing when it's plugged in?

It may be that the guitar was set up fine from the factory for someone with a lighter touch, but more aggressive playing styles will warrant higher action, so it might not just be a truss rod adjustment, but also saddles.

I would highly recommend taking it to a well known tech instead of DIY for the guitars you bought. It's a tiny fraction of the price and will be done right.

A good one will talk to you about your technique and your preferences for how it plays.

 

[AP515]

Two PS purchases! That's making a big step forward...

The advise above is good. If you find the action is indeed too low (if there was a previous owner they might be set to his preferences). You can adjust the action on the bridge of either a trem or a stoptail. I set my action just a touch higher than most do. Just my preference.

 

[Bill SAS 513]

Yup...What they said...

 

[TwelfthTangent]

Wait a minute, where are the pictures?

 

[bodia]

Wait a minute, where are the pictures?

Yeah, this!!??

 

[Bsic]

Ha.. I just bought my first and am preparing to buy the second... good to know I’m not the only insane one here. That’s why I like this place.

 

[Jkater]

If I understand well, you want to keep the action where it is? If you can raise the action a bit and still like how it plays, that would be the first thing to try. The relief may be just fine and I wouldn't mess with that. Raising ithe bridge s a lot simpler and easy to adjust. But Truss rod adjustment is also something to consider (go slow with that one).

 

[jwoodbury3571]

How do you raise the bridge? I'm going to check what the relief is at before I do anything.

 

[Rich5150]

Raise the saddles of the bridge not the actual pivot screws for the bridge if you try turning them under tension you will damage them, if you want to adjust the pivot screws take the strings off so there is no tension on the bridge.

I generally run my action at 1.5mm on the low E and around 1.25 on the high E ( a little lower than factory)and use a radius gauge to se the rest and then set a minimal amount of relief in the neck. Thats what works for me.

 

[CyFan4036]

Just a simple setup issue. Learn how to do your own setup and never wonder again! Plus, no one knows how you like your guitar better than you do.