Stringmaster buzzy strings

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 29 Oct 2024 8:14 am

My '56 Stringmaster has developed a nasty, plunky sitar like buzz on the 1st and 2nd strings of the middle neck from the 12th fret and up. I have changed the strings, flipped the bridge over and tightened down the control plate, all of which did not help. It's present with or without being plugged in, so not an electrical issue. Has anyone else run into this problem? Solutions?

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 29 Oct 2024 9:04 am

WEll most likely that is short scale stringmaster; so string gauge VERY important.
If it is 22 1/2 scale what notes and string gauge are you using that is buzzing??
Ricky

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 29 Oct 2024 12:39 pm

Ricky - the middle neck is tuned to Leon's E13. The scale is 22.5". The top two strings are E (.015) and C# (.017). This was not an issue until I removed the middle neck control plate to solder the ground wires underneath it. When I put the plate back on, with the same strings, I noticed the issue. I have removed the plate a few times since then to make sure it is well seated.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 30 Oct 2024 6:05 am

Ricky - the middle neck is tuned to Lean's E13. The scale is 22.5". The top two strings are E (.015) and C# (.017).

Yeah I would certainly try .016 and .018 on those first two no problem on that short scale. But if that doesn't fix; I just don't think what you did with the plate/ground to make that buzz sound....do you hear it without it being plugged into a amp???
Ricky

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 30 Oct 2024 7:10 am

Ricky Davis wrote:
Ricky - the middle neck is tuned to Lean's E13. The scale is 22.5". The top two strings are E (.015) and C# (.017).
Yeah I would certainly try .016 and .018 on those first two no problem on that short scale. But if that doesn't fix; I just don't think what you did with the plate/ground to make that buzz sound....do you hear it without it being plugged into a amp???
Ricky

Thanks for your input Ricky. The effect is present without plugging in, therefore it must be a mechanical rather than an electrical issue. I thought it might be scratches in the bridge, but I don't see any. I flipped the bridge over to be sure. This didn't help. I feel it must be related to the removal and reinstallation of the control plate so I will try reinstalling it again. Maybe it wasn't seated right or something is touching the ball ends of the strings. I'm throwing darts at this point. I will try stepping up the string gauges, however the issue was not previously present with the current gauges and is not present on the other necks, both of which have E and C or C# on the top, in the same gauges.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 30 Oct 2024 7:26 am

Yes this is a tricky one...and do you hear a buzz without putting the bar on strings anywhere?? if so; it is created by the vibration of just those two strings. So something just under the plate, right under those two strings might have something vibrating(a wire; a screw...etc)>I actually at one point; put a sliver of toothpick in hole for a couple of those plate screws; so they would seed down tight and not vibrate the plate. and check that screw down bridge screw on those first two strings; you might even try that; so it snugs down tighter...you know these screws been in there for almost 70 years...or so..ha....good luck Tim; stay with it(like you are; you sound as picky-ricky IS....ha...LOL)
Ricky

Stephen Cowell · Post by **Stephen Cowell** » 18 Nov 2024 11:33 am

Is the bridge cover still installed? The factory used to put a piece of electrician's tape around the bottom of the cover where it hit the plate... this is a common problem if the tape is missing. Not around the whole cover, just in the middle.

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 18 Nov 2024 3:27 pm

Is the bridge cover still installed?

OH yes; that's right; Stephen has a great issue prob. that comes up on stringmasters with that bridge cover..as it can vibrate and put a buzz sound in. I always have taken mine off; cause I actually use the blend knob frequent enough to not have to sit there and flip it up and down like a nerd..ha....and the more it moves; the more it will eventually vibrate to a buzz somewhere around that cover.
Ricky

Rich Arnold · Post by **Rich Arnold** » 18 Nov 2024 6:28 pm

Could be a million things.
The last time this happened to mine I discovered there were bad strings. New strings right out of the package that had a slightly loose winding.
At the time I was told that this was impossible. I believed the idiot and it added a couple hours on to my investigation.

Paul Seager · Post by **Paul Seager** » 18 Nov 2024 10:56 pm

I have similar problems on several older instruments, either at the nut or bridge. It does sound like string gauge would help. However, the list below is in the order that I try as remedies for such problems:

Take a normal pencil and rub the "lead" on the part where you think the buzz occurs. It puts a very thin layer between the string and node.

Rub the node area with wire wool. First, cover your pickups and anything else in the area with a plastic bag (or similar) and tape it down. Acts like a mild filing and clears off surface dirt but don't overdo it!

Put a piece of thin sticky tape between string and node but only as much as you need! Too much and you'll just mute the string.

If the problem persists, take a deep breath and sigh ...

Using a luthier's file on the string slot, very carefully reshape the slot. As this is my last resort I usually consider going to a repair shop. However Steel guitars are not common around here and the only guy I trust lives 50 miles away. This isn't usually a consideration in the US but for me it adds to the cost of repairs. I have to justify to myself whether I really want to keep the instrument.

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 20 Nov 2024 11:00 am

Thanks for the suggestion fellas much appreciated!

To recap, When I pick above the 12th fret the note just plunks and dies with no sustain. I believe this points to an issue between the bar and the bridge and the control plate it sits on. I have changed the strings, reversed the bar bridge, buffed the bridge, re-seated the control plate several times, made sure the string ball ends are well seated in their slots, tried different bars and made sure nothing is touching the strings other than the bridge. All to no avail. I'll keep tinkering with it and hopefully something will click.

Fred Treece · Post by **Fred Treece** » 20 Nov 2024 11:32 am

Similar issue with my ‘56. It’s a 24.5” scale. Watching this thread with interest.

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 20 Nov 2024 11:40 am

This is kind of an old symptom of short scale Fenders. I can recall someone suggesting putting coins underneath the bridge as an old school remedy. Quarters I think. Check the archives, I know it was discussed at length.

Tim Whitlock · Post by **Tim Whitlock** » 20 Nov 2024 8:18 pm

Mike Neer wrote:This is kind of an old symptom of short scale Fenders. I can recall someone suggesting putting coins underneath the bridge as an old school remedy. Quarters I think. Check the archives, I know it was discussed at length.

I tried that as well, thinking that increasing the break angle might help but no joy.