RocknRollShakeUp
Active member
- Joined
- Jul 7, 2006
- Messages
- 766
I top wrap. You are right not to change the neck relief, it most likely not the issue. My favorite R9 has a very low bridge and the string angle is slight, by any measure. No buzz. So, where and why the buzz.
First, does it make that buzz through an amplifier, or directly connected to a mixer/recorder or amp sim? If not, no problem.
If so, you'll need to find the cause, and nip it. The diameter change fix may indicate improper saddle slots, the larger string may be sitting higher on the saddle notch and not as deep, or fully seated. Something's different.
It may be that the E and A saddles need the slots addressed, or if too deep, new properly slotted saddles installed. It is easy, [relativey], and inexpensive to do.
It may be something else, but that's my best guess.
You know, admittedly, it was not that audible playing through an amp, maybe less than barely audible. I heard it mainly when playing acoustically and paying close attention. But no denying it, it was there and it was bugging me enough to take action.
A little backstory if you'll indulge me: I have developed an affinity for assessing for very similar buzz when dealing with Jazzmasters, which are commonly suffering from such buzzing, and it is usually quite annoying when it does happen. Usually the fix there is to increase the string down pressure across the saddles by going for as flat a relief as I can stand, which allows to raise the bridge some and increase some down pressure on the saddles. If that doesn't do it, shimming the neck .5 deg to 1 degree will work really well typically. Also heavier strings definitely help.
Anyway, since the buzz started when I top wrapped, and noting the significantly decreased string break angle across the saddles, my hypothesis was that it is the same phenomenon as I see in the JM's. In any case the heavier A and Low E strings cured it. I have to say that I also like the feel of the more girth some bottom strings so it is a win win.
However the idea that it could [also] be a poorly executed string slot in the saddle I had not thought of!