Why the buzz

[12manD]

Hey everyone just looking for opinions. I have my core Tremonti setup with action set at 12th fret at 4/64 on the bass side and 3/64 on the treble side with a almost completely straight neck, maybe .003 or .004 relief and get no open string buzz even if I really lay into the string. I also have a 95 Gibson Les Paul classic that has the same nut height, action set a just a bit higher on both the treble and bass side and neck relief set at .008 which gets a decent amount of buzz on the open strings even when strummed normally.

Anyone have any opinions as to why this could be? Frets need leveling? Something inherent in the Les Paul neck? The different scale length? I know I've heard Mr. Smith mention he went with the 25" scale length to avoid open buzz with light strings. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[AP515]

They train Les Pauls how to have fret buzz before they leave the factory ... Kidding.

Mute all strings but one and see how many of them buzz. It might be the nut slots are wide.

 

[CandidPicker]

Hey everyone just looking for opinions. I have my core Tremonti setup with action set at 12th fret at 4/64 on the bass side and 3/64 on the treble side with a almost completely straight neck, maybe .003 or .004 relief and get no open string buzz even if I really lay into the string. I also have a 95 Gibson Les Paul classic that has the same nut height, action set a just a bit higher on both the treble and bass side and neck relief set at .008 which gets a decent amount of buzz on the open strings even when strummed normally.

Anyone have any opinions as to why this could be? Frets need leveling? Something inherent in the Les Paul neck? The different scale length? I know I've heard Mr. Smith mention he went with the 25" scale length to avoid open buzz with light strings. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

12MD,

Although only a guess, the LP fret buzz could be caused by several things:
1) Taller frets. Some LPs are just built with taller frets that can buzz even with higher set action.
2) Saddle height needs adjustment. This "maintenance" can cause problems if you begin and suddenly realize you're in over your head. A string radius gauge is helpful in that the fretboard radius can be matched to the string gauge and from there, saddle height adjustments are easier.
3) Old strings. This simple repair is a good place to begin. Sometimes old strings just have flat edges where fret meets string and if any adjustments have been done with older strings. fret buzz can occur.

The best course of action is to begin with the least costly and least invasive manner of repair. Try swapping out to factory spec strings, if perhaps you know what is usually stock with your LP. (Likely either .009s or .010s, but it'll be better if perhaps you know which gauge is correct)

If that doesn't solve your problem, choose the next least costly manner of procedure. (Saddle height might require a qualified luthier, but this will cost less than a fret leveling.)

Or lastly, give in to the dark side and buy a PRS SC 594. Join us, we have cookies.

 

[dogrocketp]

If what candidpicker said doesn't fix the issues, try a new nut. And I thought I ate all the cookies.

 

[CandidPicker]

If what candidpicker said doesn't fix the issues, try a new nut. And I thought I ate all the cookies.

Thx, @dogrocketp,

(Am saving some cookies for the newb folks who visit and desire nice things right out of the gate. Does butterscotch/golden raisin sound interesting?)

 

[CandidPicker]

Located a YT video that addresses Gibson tuning issues...not sure this is what the OP's concerns are, but consider this for any Gibson tuning issues others may have...it's a small mod that helps cope with the string/nut angle break that causes tuning issues...

 

[12manD]

Oh man cookies sound great! A 594 sounds more and more intriguing but it will be a longgggg while before that happens. I know it shouldn't but it surprises me just how much more the PRS rings and how much more lively it is than the Gibson.

I raised the action a touch more and it helps, I just had a bone nut cut for the Gibson too so I dont think it's that. It's good though every guitar is different and try as it might the Les Paul just isnt a PRS, it's still great fun to play though.

 

[Alan Manning]

Cookies!!! I'm hungry now but I must admit Iv'e never eaten a Les Paul before.