Need a luthiers opinion

[Sunflake]

So I’m just learning to play Tabs. When I play the low E on the 8th fret and pick the string there is a bad buzzing noise like the string is buzzing on the frets below. I didn’t have it plugged into the amp so I could hear it better. Am I going to need to take it in to GC for a set up?
Thanks in advance. Like I said I’m brand new to the guitar.

 

[strayedstrater]

It could be an adjustment issue. It could be a defective string (bad strings can do lots of weird things). Could be that the 8th fret was filed too low on the edge.

When you're new and don't really know the difference between a good setup and a poor setup, having a pro do a good setup is very helpful. Once you know how a well-adjusted guitar feels it's easier to learn how to do seasonal adjustments, and how to tweak it if your setup preferences change as your playing advances.

But GC techs are hit and miss. Some are good, some aren't. If you have guitar playing buddies, local chat groups, Yelp, try asking around if there are recommendations for good guitar techs. (But if you don't want to try adjusting it yourself for the first time, a GC tech isn't a terrible place to start.)

 

[Sunflake]

I don’t know anyone else that plays. I just put new strings on it.

 

[Freddy G]

do you have a guitar teacher?

 

[Sunflake]

No.

 

[smk506]

Smaller local shops are usually more likely to have someone qualified to do a good setup than guitar center. Conversely, Sam Ash seems to take setups and repairs a bit more seriously and it’s not unheard of for them to have a good tech on staff. Best bet though is still probably an independent operator if you can find one.

What area are you in, maybe someone here is local enough to make a good recommendation.

 

[Sunflake]

Salt Lake City area. I live in Tooele

 

[Dilver]

If the buzzing started after you changed your strings and the new set is the same gauge as before, try stretching them out - gently pull upward away from the fretboard, with even tension (don’t yank) and do this at different parts of the fretboard. Retune and see if your buzzing is still happening. With the weather getting colder and the heat coming on you might need to adjust your truss rod. People have an unnecessary fear of this for some reason. But you can do this yourself. It’s why most guitars come with a truss rod tool. It’s a simple adjustment and if you just do no more than a quarter turn, you’ll be fine. If your guitar is buzzing try a quarter turn counter clockwise.

 

[Sunflake]

@Dilver I changed to thinner Elxir strings. Don’t know if it was doing it before. I think so. Is there an easy way to measure to see if it’s straight? I don’t have a truss rod tool. Bought it used. Using tools don’t scare me. LOL I’m a commercial Hvac technician.

 

[CB91710]

Thinner gauge strings can result in the need to raise the action slightly due to the reduction in tension.

 

[Wrench66]

I had a dude do some work on my SG several years ago from Guitar Czar in SLC. He did a decent job. Maybe give them a call.