Low E-string buzzing

[dough54321]

I have an Ibanez Montage acoustic/electric hybrid. The low e-string buzzes pretty badly when it's strummed.

I have Zebra hybrid strings on it. Not experienced enough to figure this out on my own.

[moundsvilleman]

I have a Fender Stratocaster and I have the same problem on the low E and A strings. I just bought this guitar a week ago to get away from this problem. I though a better guitar would get rid of the buzzing sound! What gives?

[Razbo]

If your strings are buzzing down near the nut, you might increase the relief. It is also possible your nut slots are cut too deep.

If they are buzzing all up and down the fretboard, you might want to try raising the action.

All that is assuming your fretboard is in good shape. Even, no worn or loose frets, etc.

[JeffS65]

To be direct, I wouldn't try to figure it out but bring it to an experienced local tech to do a set up. Fret buzz is one of the mysterious deals the involves a number of different culprits but can always start off with a good truss rod adjustment, pick up height adjustment, a look at the nut cut depth like Raz said.

Things is, at one point I got pretty good at set ups but even then, it would be periodic tweaks and I would still bring it in to be set up every 4ism months.

Thing is, a guitar is a complex assembly of wood, metal, mechanical machining (tuners) and a balance of tension with the strings...The kind of thing I like someone with experience to figure out for me. Set ups aren't cheap and wouldn't need to do it as often as I did but at least set the guitar off down the right path by a pro.

[mlovick]

I recently built a custom strat (purchased parts off eBay).

The fret buzz was bad and action was, naturally, totally rubbish. I took it to a local guy here (a genius with guitar setups) and for £65 (about $110) he sorted it out.

He evened out all the frets, cut the slots to correct depth in the nut and set the action and intonation. It was a very good investment and absolutely essential. Ask the shop where you purchased the guitar from - they will no doubt have a guy (or gal) who does their setups who they can hook you up with.

You wont regret it. It will turn your good guitar into an exceptional one.