Telecaster Problem

tomb · March 3rd, 2007, 05:07 PM

Hi can someone help, I've recently built a Telecaster from Fender parts, 52 Ri US Ash body in vintage white, Mexican 52 Ri neck, 3 saddle Fender bridge and Chris Kinman pickups (fantastic by the way, recommend them to anyone), however I've put it all together but the saddles have to be raised really high to stop buzzing, is there anything I can do to lower the saddles as it looks ugly (just being Mr perfect)
Please help

Tom

chickenpicker · March 3rd, 2007, 05:10 PM

Hi, and welcome.

Sounds like the neck needs shimming. Check the relief too; that may come into the equation.

Twangbanger · March 3rd, 2007, 07:19 PM

Where is the buzzing taking place?

Ronkirn · March 3rd, 2007, 07:48 PM

the nut could be cut to low, truss rod should be set so there is a very slight bow when it is tuned, and Chickenpicker is right, it's not uncommon to need a shim under the heel of the neck.

Ron Kirn

TG · March 3rd, 2007, 07:53 PM

Take off the neck and check if there are any raised bits or splinters of wood in the neck pocket, and also around the screw holes in the neck. It sounds like the neck isn't setting into the pocket properly. Be sure the neck pocket edge nearest the pickups is cleaned and smoothed especially well.
Check that there isn't any finish in the neckpocket too. Sand it down carefully if there is.

tomb · March 8th, 2007, 04:37 PM

Looks like the neck pocket isn't cut well, when I fit the neck there's seems to be a small gap, I think I'll need to take it to a carpenter to get it sorted, thanks for the help guys

Cyrithicus · March 8th, 2007, 05:26 PM

Make sure that carpenter plays guitar!!

He may end up dovetailing the neck and body....

..actually that would be awesome!

GTO · March 8th, 2007, 06:23 PM

You might be better taking it to a guitar tech and not a carpenter. It depends where the 'small gap' is, but there aren't many things that can't be sorted at home.

March 3rd, 2007, 05:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
tomb NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Glasgow Age: 42 Posts: 2	Telecaster Problem Hi can someone help, I've recently built a Telecaster from Fender parts, 52 Ri US Ash body in vintage white, Mexican 52 Ri neck, 3 saddle Fender bridge and Chris Kinman pickups (fantastic by the way, recommend them to anyone), however I've put it all together but the saddles have to be raised really high to stop buzzing, is there anything I can do to lower the saddles as it looks ugly (just being Mr perfect) Please help Tom

March 3rd, 2007, 07:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Twangbanger Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marble Falls, TX Age: 28 Posts: 869 32 Photos	Where is the buzzing taking place? __________________ Play'n tele till I drop! *************** Bryan Hibler

March 3rd, 2007, 07:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ronkirn Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Age: 62 Posts: 2,745	the nut could be cut to low, truss rod should be set so there is a very slight bow when it is tuned, and Chickenpicker is right, it's not uncommon to need a shim under the heel of the neck. Ron Kirn __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. – Thomas Jefferson Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -Pericles (430 B.C.)

March 8th, 2007, 05:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cyrithicus Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oklahoma Age: 31 Posts: 1,020 4 Photos	Make sure that carpenter plays guitar!! He may end up dovetailing the neck and body.... ..actually that would be awesome! __________________ "When I was young, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not." --Mark Twain

March 3rd, 2007, 05:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
chickenpicker Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,060 14 Photos	Hi, and welcome. Sounds like the neck needs shimming. Check the relief too; that may come into the equation.

March 3rd, 2007, 07:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,496 7 Photos	Take off the neck and check if there are any raised bits or splinters of wood in the neck pocket, and also around the screw holes in the neck. It sounds like the neck isn't setting into the pocket properly. Be sure the neck pocket edge nearest the pickups is cleaned and smoothed especially well. Check that there isn't any finish in the neckpocket too. Sand it down carefully if there is.

March 8th, 2007, 06:23 PM	#8 (permalink)
GTO Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Peak District Posts: 775	You might be better taking it to a guitar tech and not a carpenter. It depends where the 'small gap' is, but there aren't many things that can't be sorted at home.