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Author Topic:  buzzing 4th string
Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 19 Aug 2006 7:33 am    
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On my Emmons P/P the 4th string has developed a buzzing sound. I have changed the pickup but still the buzz remains. I can't feel any burrs or marks on the changer. I have tried different string gauges as well as different brands of strings. Welcome any help you can offer. Nigel
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Ronald Sikes


From:
Corsicana, Tx
Post  Posted 19 Aug 2006 7:42 am    
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Nigel, You might try cleaning the roller real good.Make sure there's no lint on it and apply one small drop of oil on the roller.
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 20 Aug 2006 4:29 am    
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I tried cleaning up the roller and the drop of oil but I'm still getting the buzz sound. It must be the finger worn down or something like that. Can you still buy changer parts for a P/P. Also, thanks Ronald for your suggestion.
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Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 20 Aug 2006 4:59 am    
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Move the string on the finger about 1/16", so it's resting on an area it usually doesn't touch, and see if there's any difference. Also, try a differnt amp or speaker if you can. Speakers can make their own share of funny buzzing noises.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 20 Aug 2006 5:21 am    
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Maybe you have a bee in your bonnet!
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T. C. Furlong


From:
Lake County, Illinois, USA
Post  Posted 20 Aug 2006 6:55 am    
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Nigel,

From time to time, I have experienced the same buzzing on my P/P. If you push the string down and to the side between the roller and the tuning key does the buzzing diminish? If so, You need to get a new roller that is just a bit fatter.
TC

PS What's a guy with your last name doing playing an Emmons? My pal Buddy Carter in Illinois used to play a Sho-Bud but not any more.
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 20 Aug 2006 8:05 am    
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Thanks Donny,Erv,and T.C. Really appreciate your help. I'll try these ideas and let you know how I make out. I know with my name I should be playin a different guitar but like the old saying goes "There's just something about a push/pull" hehehe. Thanks Guys
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Fred Nolen

 

From:
Mohawk, Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 22 Aug 2006 10:16 am    
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Nigel.

I assume the buzz you are speaking of is that which some refer to as a "sitar effect". If so most guitars I have played will do that to some extent - especially when the "E" is raised and your bar is near mid-neck. The brighter the tone of the particular guitar, the more pronounced the effect is. String attack also affects it. I have found that by softening my attack, the effect tends to add overtones that are pretty.

Hope this helps,

Ol' Fred
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richard burton


From:
Britain
Post  Posted 22 Aug 2006 11:40 pm    
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I use a strip of plastic
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Hans Holzherr


From:
Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland
Post  Posted 23 Aug 2006 12:02 am    
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WOW. The strip's even been patented

All jokes aside.... I use the strip, too. It's THE solution to the buzzing.

Hans
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Paul Redmond

 

From:
Illinois, USA
Post  Posted 26 Aug 2006 12:41 am    
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Try winding the 4th string on the underside of the tuning key. That will put more pressure on the roller. If that doesn't solve the problem --???
PRR
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 28 Aug 2006 5:35 pm    
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Thanks so much everyone. I'm trying all of these things and will let you know how I make out. Sincerely Nigel
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 28 Aug 2006 6:33 pm    
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Fred The description you gave is exactly the problem I'm experiencing. If I roll the highs off and add some bass the problem disappears. I don't like that much bass when I'm playing so I'd like to solve the problem. The guitar just started doin this recently so I'm convinced there's a solution. Thanks everyone for your input. Really apprreciate it. Nigel
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 29 Aug 2006 4:05 pm    
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Richard: The plastic strip is really a great idea. I'll try it. Can't hurt as everything else I've tried has failed. Appreciate everyone's suggestions. Thanks so much everyone. Nigel
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Jerry Roller


From:
Van Buren, Arkansas USA
Post  Posted 29 Aug 2006 5:39 pm    
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Nigel, I suggest that if the other suggestions don't solve it, remove the 3rd or 5th string and move your 4th string to the vacant changer roller and tune it up and see if it still produces that sizzle. If it does then move the 5th string to the 4th string changer roller and see what these two steps produce. It should give you a better idea of what is going on. It is possible but sorta unlikely that the changer roller or the axle is worn and causing the sizzle. It the sizzle is there when either the 4th string is restrung on the 3rd or 5th roller or when the 5th string is on the 4th roller it should indicate where you should look next. I don't think it is likely that the nut roller should cause the problem when the bar is in place and strings are dampened behind the bar. I would really look into the possibility of bad strings. You describe what often occurs just before the 4th string is about to break. If you try the things I suggested and don't come up with the remedy you might email me the results of each test and I would be glad to try to help you.
Jerry
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2006 3:09 am    
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Jerry: I'll try your suggestion and let you know how it works out. Nigel
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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 1 Sep 2006 10:47 am    
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I want to thank each and everyone of you for your suggestions and help with this problem. The trouble was that I got a bad batch of strings. I was about to take the changer apart when I decided to try a .014 string from the local music shop. "Bingo" she sounds like a push pull again. I did a lot of praying also and I'm sure that helped. Once again thanks everyone. Really appreciate it. Sincerely Nigel
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Stuart Basore

 

From:
Madison, TN. USA
Post  Posted 1 Sep 2006 7:12 pm    
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Hey Buddy, believe it or not, a .015 string solved the problem for me (I use a regular set but use the .014 for the second string and the .015 for the fourth.) Goofy, huh? Try it. Stu.
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Bobby Bowman

 

From:
Cypress, Texas, USA, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 1 Sep 2006 8:46 pm    
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Hello Stu,,
Good to see ya here. Hope to see ya at the Super Duper Jam in October.
BB

------------------
If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!
http://www.bobbybowman.com

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Nigel Mullen

 

From:
Cassilis, New Brunswick, Canada
Post  Posted 4 Sep 2006 1:24 pm    
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Thanks everyone for all your input. Turns out there was a small nick in the changer finger that I did'nt notice first time around. I switched the changer fingers around, putting the nicked one in the 12th string position and moved all the others up a notch. She's playing like a jewel again. Really appreciate all the suggestions from you guys. Helped get me through a difficult time with this problem. Thanks so much. Sincerely Nigel
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