Hi guys I have a big per Christmas problem!
I've built a cbg as a present for a family member. Everything is great except for some string buzz on the bass string. The other 3 strings are fine.
The buzz sounds loudest around the bridge and doesn't appear to be coming from the nut. The action seems fine and I've tried highering the bridge to see does it help but no joy. I have no slots in my bride (normally don't).
Any suggestions?
Thanks
A desperate Irishman!!
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Thanks guys. I think it may be to do with the string space in the nut being too big. I put a piece of metal down beside the string in the nut and it stopped.
Apparently putting super glue in the slot and letting it dry helps?
RTZGUITARS > www.FullerCBG.comDecember 21, 2012 at 9:57am
I use paper to shim the nut under and in the the string slot under the saddle to if no piezo.Make sure you have good string angle behind the nut and saddle. Sometime they. Just rattle.
Yep, check to see if it is actually coming from somewhere else, like the box top or back needing to be sealed up a bit tighter. Also make sure the contact area of the string on the bridge/saddle is small and or rounded, any flat spot there can induce a buzz like a sitar!
I am also trying to eliminate some vibrations/ random sounds. I am thinking most are coming from not sealing the box lids, but I want to be able to go back inside and mess around. Most of my builds have a bolt nut and bridge and the strings will ping once and a while or slide on me if playing more aggressively or fingerpicking/ plucking the string. I plan on filing the thread deeper to take care of that- getting ready to tackle some more intricate bridge designs soon. I have some bones and some hardwood scraps. Having played around a little, I am having trouble with the bridges being too tall, then having intonation issues-- so then I go back to a bolt. I like the 1/8" bolt idea.
If you press lightly on the bass string behind the bridge, does the buzzing stop? Do you have any issues with the strings moving on the bridge since you don't slot? Also, what material is your bridge made of, how thin is your soundboard and what key is your bass string?
Without anything further to go on, I can only speculate:
1) Possible string break issue-but you've been adjusting your height so unlikely-is your bass string fastened at a different angle or height than the other two or roughly the same all around?
2) With no slotting or even light scoring, the heaviest string might be vibrating against the bridge just a bit?
3) Depending on the material of the bridge, the thinness of the box and the key, i've gotten some wicked booming and growling I initially mistook for a buzz-changing a single factor eliminated it.
My favorite bridges so far on CBGs have been to date:
A 1/8' threaded rod or bolt-hard as steel or brass can be and pre-slotted- epoxied into oak base.
Dremel-cut bone, not slotted but just gently scored to prevent sliding, on oak base.
A broken violin bridge, shaved flat and modified for height, out of oak or maple-by the time the strings are stretched, they've worn tiny nicks about a half millimeter deep into the bridge, but the compressive strength of the wood won't allow any further travel.
A bamboo base with a stainless steel nail added, lightly scored with a file for string grip.
If you can't isolate a single cause you could try replacing the bridge entirely and see if it makes a difference. Please keep us posted and let us know how it goes-i'm sure you'll have a few dozen offers of advice by the time you return, we're friendly that way...
Replies
Thanks guys. I think it may be to do with the string space in the nut being too big. I put a piece of metal down beside the string in the nut and it stopped.
Apparently putting super glue in the slot and letting it dry helps?
Yep, check to see if it is actually coming from somewhere else, like the box top or back needing to be sealed up a bit tighter. Also make sure the contact area of the string on the bridge/saddle is small and or rounded, any flat spot there can induce a buzz like a sitar!
I am also trying to eliminate some vibrations/ random sounds. I am thinking most are coming from not sealing the box lids, but I want to be able to go back inside and mess around. Most of my builds have a bolt nut and bridge and the strings will ping once and a while or slide on me if playing more aggressively or fingerpicking/ plucking the string. I plan on filing the thread deeper to take care of that- getting ready to tackle some more intricate bridge designs soon. I have some bones and some hardwood scraps. Having played around a little, I am having trouble with the bridges being too tall, then having intonation issues-- so then I go back to a bolt. I like the 1/8" bolt idea.
Without anything further to go on, I can only speculate:
1) Possible string break issue-but you've been adjusting your height so unlikely-is your bass string fastened at a different angle or height than the other two or roughly the same all around?
2) With no slotting or even light scoring, the heaviest string might be vibrating against the bridge just a bit?
3) Depending on the material of the bridge, the thinness of the box and the key, i've gotten some wicked booming and growling I initially mistook for a buzz-changing a single factor eliminated it.
My favorite bridges so far on CBGs have been to date:
A 1/8' threaded rod or bolt-hard as steel or brass can be and pre-slotted- epoxied into oak base.
Dremel-cut bone, not slotted but just gently scored to prevent sliding, on oak base.
A broken violin bridge, shaved flat and modified for height, out of oak or maple-by the time the strings are stretched, they've worn tiny nicks about a half millimeter deep into the bridge, but the compressive strength of the wood won't allow any further travel.
A bamboo base with a stainless steel nail added, lightly scored with a file for string grip.
If you can't isolate a single cause you could try replacing the bridge entirely and see if it makes a difference. Please keep us posted and let us know how it goes-i'm sure you'll have a few dozen offers of advice by the time you return, we're friendly that way...