if its the string, can someone recommend a good brand to get?
high e string buzz on 3rd fret

hi i have an ibanez acoustic guitar for about 2 months and lately i noticed that whenever i play a note on the 3rd fret of the high e string, it makes a very loud almost like a buzzing kind of sound compare to the other frets on that string. this is in standard tuning and all the other notes on that high e string is fine except when i play a note on the 3rd fret. it even sounds weird when i play the D chord u can hear that high e sound when you strum it. is it time to change the string or is it the guitar..or me?
if its the string, can someone recommend a good brand to get?
if its the string, can someone recommend a good brand to get?
# 1
First thing Id do is change strings. If the problem goes away well that easy. if not we can have another think about it.
I like Martin Strings for acoustics and with my Alvares I like Medium Bronze strings. Wether these will be right for you is a matter of taste.
My advice would be get a couple of different packs and try them all over a period of time and then decide which ones you like best.
I like Martin Strings for acoustics and with my Alvares I like Medium Bronze strings. Wether these will be right for you is a matter of taste.
My advice would be get a couple of different packs and try them all over a period of time and then decide which ones you like best.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
# 2

# 3

im gonna try out the martin, should i go for the light, medium, extra light? whats the difference between them?
# 4
Depends on your playing style.
The heavier the string, the harder it is to do bends.
The lighter the string, the more 'twangy' it sounds.
For a good mix of both, try Dean Markley custom lights.
9, 11, 16, 26, 36, 46
Light on the top strings, heavier on the bottom.
You'll have to adjust your action and intonation when you change string sizes too... although I'd recommend doing that if you're getting a buzz on one fret anyways. You might also check to make sure that the actual fret itself is properly seated. Try to figure out where the buzz is coming from if you can.. ie, at the neck, at the headstock, at the bridge etc..
The heavier the string, the harder it is to do bends.
The lighter the string, the more 'twangy' it sounds.
For a good mix of both, try Dean Markley custom lights.
9, 11, 16, 26, 36, 46
Light on the top strings, heavier on the bottom.
You'll have to adjust your action and intonation when you change string sizes too... although I'd recommend doing that if you're getting a buzz on one fret anyways. You might also check to make sure that the actual fret itself is properly seated. Try to figure out where the buzz is coming from if you can.. ie, at the neck, at the headstock, at the bridge etc..
# 5
Id not worry too much about intonation on an acoustic though Mr Schmange is right about heavier bends being more difficult to bend.
Generally the rule is heavier strings take more strength to play bet sound better which is why people do it.
I use mediums on my acoustic and 9s and 10 on my electrics.
Generally the rule is heavier strings take more strength to play bet sound better which is why people do it.
I use mediums on my acoustic and 9s and 10 on my electrics.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
# 6
oops... sorry. missed that part about the acoustic.
my sped redding isn't as goodly as it used to be.
my sped redding isn't as goodly as it used to be.
# 7

Sounds like you have more than just "fret" buzz.
Everyone is right on, especially about trying to determine where the buzz is coming from. An old mechanics trick is to use a stethescope with a small metal tube on the end instead of that cold round thing. It really allows you to zero in on the source.
It could just be the higher G frequency causing a buzz from something that is loose like a tuning key back cover, the fret itself, or a cracked nut (I hate it when that happens!), something loose inside the body, etc. Tune it higher and see if the buzz changes. If it doesn't, it is probably isolated to that string.
Next string change, get a small mirror and light to inspect the body cavity for loose pieces of wood, braces, etc. Also check for broken string ends that were left behind from a previous string break. They can stick to the inside of the body where the string comes through the bridge.
Inspect the frets closely. Don't just focus on the third fret either. Inspect the fourth fret (and even higher) to be sure they are all seated completely and not broken. If they look good, a straight edge can reveal if some of the frets just need to be leveled and re-crowned.
Everyone is right on, especially about trying to determine where the buzz is coming from. An old mechanics trick is to use a stethescope with a small metal tube on the end instead of that cold round thing. It really allows you to zero in on the source.
It could just be the higher G frequency causing a buzz from something that is loose like a tuning key back cover, the fret itself, or a cracked nut (I hate it when that happens!), something loose inside the body, etc. Tune it higher and see if the buzz changes. If it doesn't, it is probably isolated to that string.
Next string change, get a small mirror and light to inspect the body cavity for loose pieces of wood, braces, etc. Also check for broken string ends that were left behind from a previous string break. They can stick to the inside of the body where the string comes through the bridge.
Inspect the frets closely. Don't just focus on the third fret either. Inspect the fourth fret (and even higher) to be sure they are all seated completely and not broken. If they look good, a straight edge can reveal if some of the frets just need to be leveled and re-crowned.
I once thought a "Sweeping Arpeggio" was an Italian janitor.
# 8