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Buzzing on low E string


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Hi all, I just picked up an Epiphone SG Pro and note the low E string and slightly on the A, has a buzzing sound on the first 3 frets and then clears up as I move down the neck. The guitar tech noticed  the neck was slightly bowed. I realize it’s not the most expensive guitar but I do not think there should be a buzz. Is this something that an be corrected with minor adjustment or have it replaced, since it is only couple weeks old? Other than that it plays real well and sound is really good considering the price point. Thanks in advance for your feedback. 🎸🎼🎸

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Fret 1 to 3 buzz tricky 

Nut slot depth effects only open strings on 1st fret.

Truss rod really only effects frets 5 to 10, but may help

Capo on top of fret 1.

Hold down say low E at 17th fret.

Look at clearance of string to 7th fret should be about the thickness of a Business card. 

If it's not might need a truss rod adjustment 

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Loosen your truss rod 1/4 turn. You need more bow in the neck. 

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Thanks for your feedback....I will try the truss today adjustment and hope for the best....do I turn it left or right? 🎸🎼🎸

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Remember the rhyme 

Righty Tighty

Lefty Loosey

(From looking down the neck from the top)

So more bow is looser

Less bow aka straighter is tighter.

So turn it left but not more than a 1/4 of a turn

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Small turns only, tune, and recheck. Looking down the neck it should look straight with just a slight inward curve. You can also use the strings as a straight edge by pressing down on fret 1 and 14. 

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I personally would not accept a guitar with a neck that is slightly bowed, I would take it back to the shop. It may become even more of a problem in the future.

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@Nutty 1 hint, all necks have a bow relief. 

If they were dead straight you'd have tons of string buzz

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Thanks everyone for your feedback. After looking at the neck a bit closer with the guitar tech, it was not going to play right as the neck was dried out as well. I returned it and now waiting for a new 2020 Epiphone SG Standard ‘61...everything happens for a reason 🎸🎼🎸

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On 3/13/2020 at 11:02 AM, Eracer_Team-DougH said:

@Nutty 1 hint, all necks have a bow relief. 

If they were dead straight you'd have tons of string buzz

As guitar necks can bow in a helpful way from body to headstock (called neck relief) or an unhelpful way from low E to high E (sometimes called twisting) I had assumed that twisting was the case. I should have written it more clearly. Sorry Doug 😊

I am glad that you made the right decision @ChrisJ032 Enjoy your new guitar and post a picture or video for us when you get it.🎉🎸😎

Edited by Nutty 1
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Hi All, hope everyone is safe and getting extra time to play with the quarantine....finally got new Epiphone SG...plays real well and sound with the boss katana is really clear and clean...in S14 now and really enjoying the journey 🎸🎼🎸

image.jpg

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@ChrisJ032 glad you got a replacement. 

No extra time with me, never quarantined

Enjoy

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That's a nice looking guitar! And glad you got the other one replaced! 

Have fun with it!! :)

 

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That was well worth waiting for, enjoy!😎

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