"Bridge-buzz"...

[Stefan]

For some days now I have had a high pitched buzz on my TELECASTER. I thought it was from the unwound b-string hitting the last fret. But it sound more like it is coming from the bridge. (I have a 6-saddle bride)

I took it to a guitartech and when he looked at it, he couldn´t find anything wrong with it and the buzz was gone. But when I got back home again I heard this tiny, screaming, buzz again! It drives me mad! What can it be?!?!

 

[chickenpicker]

Is it a toploader? Mine was, and it had too low a break angle over the saddles, so the grubscrews could work loose. I converted it to string through, which solved the problem.

 

[mellecaster]

Might sound stupid....but do you have a ceiling fan in the room at home where you're playing ?....if you do, turn it off.

 

[Stefan]

Is it a toploader?

No, it´s a string-through from ca 1978... The original bridge was a 3-saddle vintage style. The previous owner put it on there and I am thinking about changing it back to vintage style..

 

[jjkurtz]

Does it stop buzzing when you touch metal like the bridge, jack, tuners, knobs or strings? I had that happen with mine, when I took it to the store it didn't buzz but when I got it home it buzzed again. Turned out I had a ground loop. Like Mellecaster said, it may be your ceiling fan. Also, try plugging your amp into different outlets around your house until you find one that doesn't cause buzzing.

 

[Stefan]

It is buzzing when I have it unplugged! It is no electric buzz. It sounds like a fret-buzz when I play on the 9th fret. But the noise comes from the bridge, (I think...)

 

[chickenpicker]

If it's only happening when you play on the ninth fret (on all strings, or is it just one?), then it's either something wrong with the ninth fret, or maybe your bridge buzzes in sympathy with that frequency (specific string).

Is the bridge itself down flat to the body? It may be slightly lifted at the other end, and able to vibrate. I drilled two extra holes in mine so all the corners are held down.

 

[Stefan]

It is buzzing on all strings, but not all at the 9th fret... I know this is weird and that it might be hard to solve this problem here. I will take it to the tech tomorrow and pray to God that the buzz is still there when I get there!

I work in a musicstore and am lucky to have a real guitartech by my side everyday! I hope I can learn all this one day...

 

[bobthecanadian]

Howdy,

Y'all ready for the strangest remedy for you problem?

1. Give your guitar a good shake and listend for any unfamiliar sounds. If you are plugged in and play a chord at the same time you will get some cool effect, but try it unplugged. Hear a sound? Chase it down like the dog it is and fix the problem. If your problem is still there, then go to step two.

2. Check your bridge saddles. it is possible to have one poorly adjusted (ie - one of the two vertical posts is too short). If maladjusted, set it up.

3. Pull out the screwdriver and make sure all the screws on the bridge and pickguard are secure.

4. If you are frustrated just keep shaking the guitar until you feel better. Some may call it spousal abuse, though.

5. If frustration becomes unbearable bang your head against a wall until you lose consciousness. When you wake up you should feel better about the situation.

BTW, I think your guitar looks great! I hope you get the problem solved soon.

Bob