The Sound of Fret Buzz

Uke

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I've noticed on some old jazz stuff (e.g. Wes Montgomery) a fair amount of audible fret buzz on the guitars being played. I kind of like the vintage vibe it gives to the performance -- kind of like scratchy LPs. Just curious about other folks reflections on this. Are there any of you who actually appreciate buzz on their own guitars?
 

GAD

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I've noticed on some old jazz stuff (e.g. Wes Montgomery) a fair amount of audible fret buzz on the guitars being played. I kind of like the vintage vibe it gives to the performance -- kind of like scratchy LPs. Just curious about other folks reflections on this. Are there any of you who actually appreciate buzz on their own guitars?

When I was younger I was convinced that a guitar had to buzz to get the action nice and low. I was also playing some crappy import guitars. Funny how that problem went away when I got my Guild S300AD. :)
 

Guildedagain

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Buzz is something you live with it you want really low action, like for instance I wanted to do a lot of bar chording, so I dropped my bridge down on the SF-4 to the point where the low E will buzz a little if twanged too hard. Treble strings don't buzz as much, but can only go so low before you start losing the notes and especially because of bends - radius - you have to keep the strings up a little.

Buzz is something you only hear when everything is totally clean. After that with more and more gain and overdrive it's not objectionable or becomes pleasant. It can be a sort of growl. I actually like the EQ of an electric with the strings down as low as possible, very quiet acoustically, very easy to play, and there is that clankyness that becomes part of your sound.

But this, over and over you will realize that a guitar really sings once you get the strings up.
 

HeyMikey

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I like the action fairly low. Winter buzz is common. Its always good to have a selection of some thin shims on hand to drop on under the saddle. I like the ebony and rosewood ones by Bob Colosi. I have also made some in a pinch from scraps of hardwood veneer or even old hard plastic cards.

 
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