Fret Buzz

[Younggun]

I have used the search function here but I still can't find the answer. If this post is in the wrong spot Mods please move it. If there's a thread already here that has the answer please point it out to me. Here's the problem. I have had my Epi Custom for a few weeks and it was professionally set up for me by a tech at my local shop.(I don't think he's a real Luthier but he's a good guy and an old rocker dude). I had it set low as I like it that way. Everything was fine until last night when I was playing with a band at a coffee shop. I was getting fret buzz on my low E string when hitting it open. I never noticed it before or maybe it just happened, I don't know. During a brief break I depressed each string at the third fret to check for clearance at the first fret and all the strings had some space except for the low E. I was getting buzz on one string only. So is this a problem with my nut? Is there anything else I can do that won't screw up my axe even more? I really don't know much about setting up guitars at all but I think I should learn but I don't want to damage my axe. It'll cost me probably $75.00 to get it set up again at the shop. Any books or videos that would help. I know this may be a very basic question, but to ME, its complex. Thank you for reading this long post.

[xsouldriverx]

dan erlewine books. look them up.

[Roman Rist]

Younggun,

With out any books or experience, or even money, you can find out if for sure it is the nut being too low.

Just put some paper in the nut slot to raise the string. if the buzz goes away, the slot is cut too low.

Then take it to your guy (who you say is a good guy), and ask him to take care of it.

If indeed he's a good guy he will.

[ehamady6]

I've had only the low E buzz before, usually after changing to heavier string gauges. Fixing it depends on where the buzz is happening. If it buzzed around the first three frets then I raised the nut slot as Roman suggested. If the buzz were in the middle of the neck then I would check the neck's "relief". The first thing I usually try is raising the bridge a half turn on the low E side. One of my favorite remedies is to "top wrap" the strings over the tailpiece.




In my opinion the top-wrap raises the string angle a bit which in turn eliminates buzz on the higher frets.

[Younggun]

Thank you for all your help. It turned out to be the nut and my local Tech replaced it. No buzz now. Thanks guys.