Neck problems and upgrades

[mrmodem]

Hello! My first post here, seems like a very nice forum!

So I got this really good deal on a stratocaster copy for about $120. It is a real nice copy, and really feels like a much more expensive guitar.

Though the reason why I got it so cheap is that it has pretty severe fret buzzing from fret 12 to 22.

To solve this problem i tried several things:

• Adjusting the "dual action" thruss rod
• Adjusting the action at the saddles
• Adding a shim to the front part of the neck pocket, to get another angle

What worked best was the shimming of the neck, though I had to run the saddles all the way down to get ok action (about 3mm). Using a smaller shim would make the neck buzz again.

So, that is the problem. It works ok with the shim, but I would prefer even lower action and that is not possible since the saddles are at their lowest position.

So what is there to do next? I have considered that the neck pocket is to deep and needs a big shim covering the whole pocket? I have also considered lowering the string height at the nut, but I am not sure that would help?

One more thing is that I consider upgrading the saddles, nut and string trees to Graph tech (supercharger kit), Is that a good choise?. And most importantly, should I install those things before i fiddle with the neck any further?

Many questions there, but I am thankful for any answers.
/Regards Morgan

[czech-one-2]

hi,i would mark the frets with a sharpie pen,then level the frets with 220 grit and a block. [the bottom plate of a boss pedal makes a great block,just remove the rubber on the bottom]. you can even fit it under the strings under tension.
then re-mark the frets fom the 12th fret up and level them until the marker is gone.
then you need to invest in a diamond fret crownining file,some 0000 steel wool and above all, ARE YOU PATIENT? this is not a quick and easy job,and diamond files arent cheap. you have to really care about each fret on your neck.there are many tutorials on how to do this[this isn't one!].
anyway,my guitars play great without shims after this treatment.

but i would install your new saddles or nut before doing this,that might just solve the problem.
bk

[mrmodem]

Thanks for the answer. Seems like a very good solution, and I might just go with it since I like to keep my guitars in perfect shape. And I hope my patience is enough for it =) When I think of it the frets on the guitar are a bit high, and I prefer lower frets so.... I also do not really like the idea of putting stuff in the neck pocket. .

The only consern I have is that what if the neck angle is so off that leveling the frets and especially from 12th and up would make them to low? But that may just be me worrying to much?

/m

[czech-one-2]

The only consern I have is that what if the neck angle is so off that leveling the frets and especially from 12th and up would make them to low? But that may just be me worrying to much?

/m[/quote]


play with the truss rod,the nut and saddles before you break out any sandpaper.
at least its not a usa fender or something,so its the perfect classroom to learn to do a perfect fret job.