Guitar String problems (buzzing)

[Golfer]

I just recorded this weeks "Musical Blasphemy" and can't help but notice that there's a lot of string buzz going on.

Technique hasn't changed but I did throw a new set of strings on that are Extra Light as opposed to Light.

Normal strings are Martin SP Phosphor-Bronze.

These are Martin Acoustic SP 80/20 Bronze in Extra Light.

Would this cause buzz that had not been there before and changing back fix the problem?  There is no neck warping or any damage to the nut or head.

I don't really like the tone of these strings so much as I like the phosphor-bronze but I wanted to try something new.  They're also the first extra-light's I've ever used.  I stopped using Elixirs after twanging several third strings (geetarists know why I didn't say the note ) and the Martin Phosphor-Bronze have been good to me.  Guess I know what I'm going to be switching back to!

[Skuzzy]

You didn't say, but I am assuming the vibration is the strings striking the fret board/frets.  If you are using a pick(s), try a softer pick(s).  The initial attack with a harder pick will cause more string flex which causes the string to bounce against the fret board/frets.

I had the same problem until I switched to a lighter pick(s).

EDIT:  In general, lighter weight strings require a lighter touch.

[mechanic]

playing the guitar denies the beholder the right to claim geek-dom, i therefore declare you a fraud skuzzy!




admitedly you didnt mention if you could actually play ubut you certainly gave the impression so my argument stands.


unless someone can name 5 famous geeks or guitar players that are infact, both a geek and a guitar player!


edit: not including skuzzy

[Sandman]

Bah... most musicians (at least the ones that can actually read music) are nerds.

[Skuzzy]

I am not a nerd!

Music is just another math.

[RightF00T]

Golfer acoustic I'm assuming.  Try cleaning the strings with a good rag then running some good grease on them.  Good luck.

[Skilless]

Lighter strings are looser and in order to get the attack and volume you are used to with heavier guage strings must be hit harder.  Both of these things will cause the strings to fret out.  Also the strings do pull the neck up slightly and lighter strings being looser will pull the neck up less.  This will decrease string to fret distance and cause buzz.  I use .11 guage Elixirs with the action set almost as close as an electric on my Washburn with very little buzz.  It's natural to want the instrument to be easier to play, but in the case of string guage, when speaking of acoustic guitars, lighter isn't always better.  In fact I would never go below .11s on an acoustic.  Guitars, as with most things in this world, are a compromise.  With guitars, one of them is a compromise between playability and freedom of string vibration.

Huh, he eluded to a G-string Huh (spoken in my finest Beavis and Butthead impression)

[Golfer]

Originally posted by mechanic
playing the guitar denies the beholder the right to claim geek-dom, i therefore declare you a fraud skuzzy!




admitedly you didnt mention if you could actually play ubut you certainly gave the impression so my argument stands.


unless someone can name 5 famous geeks or guitar players that are infact, both a geek and a guitar player!


edit: not including skuzzy

1.) Tim Reynolds
2.) Billy Joe Whatshisnuts of Greenday
3.) Bill Gates
4.) Axle Rose
5.) Gene Simmons

Wait...geeks.  hmm...guess a couple of them don't count

[Golfer]

Thanks everyone.  I think I'll just go back to my old strings and be happy.

I was looking for a new sound and X-light strings were part of that trial.  I'm sticking with lights!

I use ernie ball slinkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeee its slinkeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeee it's such a wonderful toy strings on my electric.

[mechanic]

axle sucked on guitar!  and he was a ginger geek which gives him the potential to be dangerous! everyone knows slash was the gutiar legend.

does bill gates really get a tune going?

[Sandman]

Originally posted by Skuzzy
I am not a nerd!

Music is just another math.

You're making my case for me.

[Skilless]

Originally posted by mechanic
playing the guitar denies the beholder the right to claim geek-dom, i therefore declare you a fraud skuzzy!




admitedly you didnt mention if you could actually play ubut you certainly gave the impression so my argument stands.


unless someone can name 5 famous geeks or guitar players that are infact, both a geek and a guitar player!


edit: not including skuzzy

1. Tom Sholtz (Boston) -Designed spy cameras for the CIA
2. Shephen King
3. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, Doobie Bros) -A self-taught expert in missile systems, a military advisor for the Bush administration
4. Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead)
5. Jimi Hendrix -Designed a lot of his own footpedals, invented electronic "flange"

[nirvana]

Check the nut, if the strings have burrowed low enough they can be causing buzzing.  Also if you don't have the string on a fret tight enough it can bounce and bounce=buzzing.  Like Jim Morrison said, break on through to the other side!.  Press hard like you're gonna break through and they shouldn't buzz.  

One more thing, if you are hitting the string underneath it will also cause bouncing on the frets.

[NUKE]

Skuzzy, post some of your music......you geek.

If you think that musical talent can be related to math, then maybe you really are a geek.

[Sandman]

Originally posted by NUKE
Skuzzy, post some of your music......you geek.

If you think that musical talent can be related to math, then maybe you really are a geek.

http://cnx.rice.edu/content/m11638/latest/
http://www.math.niu.edu/~rusin/papers/uses-math/music/
http://www.musicmasterworks.com/WhereMathMeetsMusic.html

Music is the pleasure of the human soul experiences from counting without being aware that it is counting. - Gottfried Leibniz