Action Adjustments
High action or buzzing strings are common on new and old guitars. A set up is the first step to get the most enjoyment out of your guitar when making music.
A set up is three fold: one is the nut, two is the saddle, three is the neck and truss rod.
- The nut slots may need to be lowered individually.
- The saddle can be higher or lower depending on the the player’s style and needs: lower is softer and easier to play. Higher is louder but harder to play.
- The truss rod is adjusted to between .003 to .007 of an inch forward relief depending on the instruments string length.
Action is set up for the individual player. Beginning guitarist need lower action and to play quieter while they are building their hand strength and finger tip callouses. Higher action makes the guitar louder, but requires stronger hands. This is good for playing in groups.
Fret Jobs
Another reason for high action or buzzing is the frets. High frets that are causing the buzzing can be leveled and recrowned. A partial refret maybe required when the dents in the frets are two deep to be recrowned. A full refret will include leveling the fingerboard itself.
Neck Resets
This is required when the action is high but the bridge saddle is as low as it can go. After many years the wood in an instrument changes and may need to be reset to get lower action. A refret and fingerboard leveling is recommended after a neck reset to get the most tone and playability from the instrument.
See repairs for examples.