3rd string buzz

Bobby Nelson · From: North Carolina, USA

My 3rd string has developed a slight flangey sound - almost a buzz. Everything looks good and in line. I changed to a heavier Paul Franklin set recently, with a 12 on the 3rd. I don't believe this did this in the beginning - only the last couple days. Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe it's a bade string.

Jon Light · From: Saugerties, NY

The list of causes of a string not ringing true includes:

-- a string getting ready to let go or just old and not up to snuff....time to change it.
-- a loose roller nut (a drop of oil can remedy this)
-- a groove, sometimes micro, on the changer finger which can be buffed out with something no coarser than 400 grit sandpaper VERY carefully, shoeshine style, respecting the radius religiously....you can also loosen the string and move it over a fraction on the finger and see if indeed there was a groove causing this.

Bobby Nelson · From: North Carolina, USA

Thanks Jon. I'll try changing the string, and look at the other things in the process. The guitar is only months old, so I'm not thinking a lot of wear could be the problem - thanks again

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

There could be 3 different things that could cause the problem.
1. A burr on the changer finger.
2. A burr or a tight or wide place in the nut roller.
3. Check where the string comes off the changer finger. The slightly larger string, And a the bending of the string over the finger, May have work hardened the curve over the changer finger to its pulled bend in the string.

Way to check quick. Push the pedal down and raise the string, Does the string buzz with the pedal down? Or take something small and hard carefully push down on the string right where it leaves the finger. Does the buzz disappear?

I have never had that problem on the 3rd string, But I had trouble with one lot of strings that the 4th strings would work harden from raise and lower and lift up off the finger. Made a buzz. Had to change strings often till I got another lot of strings.
Changing the string was the only cure I found.
Good Luck on this problem and back to Happy Steelin.

Bobby Nelson · From: North Carolina, USA

Thanks bobby, as soon as I get the gumption, that's what I'm going to do. If it continues, I'll be back with more ???s.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Loosen the string , then move it from side to side a little (right where it crosses the finger). Then re-center the string and retune it, and see if the noise is gone.

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