[Geert van der Veen]

Hi,
My Epi Casino (base model, not the 'Elitist' nor the 'Inspired by John Lennon' model) has a problem that I have never addressed, and which I am not sure what to do about.

The low E string (6th. string) buzzes along its length, up to the 13th. fret.

The string is actually a little higher than the intended action (my preference), and lowering it just makes it worse.

I am not very experienced at modding/working on guitars, but was going to do the magic-marker-on-the-fret trick and gradually work on the fret wire (using a fret file, 1200 grit sandpaper and so on), but that might not be the best approach.

The frets are very low already, but I cannot think of anything else which might be causing the string to buzz.

Any ideas?

Thank you.

 

[RBlakeney]

Truss rod.

 

[Geert van der Veen]

Thanks. The neck relief seems to be alright, because the other strings are alright, but I have not adjusted the truss rod yet, so I will try that.
Thanks again.

 

[Guest]

Was about to say that too.
You may have slight bit too much back-bow.
Slack it off a touch.

 

[Geert van der Veen]

Thanks laristotle.

 

[tonenut]

balance out the frets, truss rod, and bridge height. Do the frets look worn on the E string? If a fret is worn low the string will buzz on the next fret up.

 

[Geert van der Veen]

balance out the frets, truss rod, and bridge height. Do the frets look worn on the E string? If a fret is worn low the string will buzz on the next fret up.

Hi tonenut,
Thanks for this.

No, the frets are not worn at all - on any string - because I have not played this guitar much at all.

And that is what is puzzling about this to me, along with the fact that the frets buzz right up to the 13th.. I was hoping that I would not have to work on all of those frets.

 

[tonenut]

Put a flat edge like a long ruler on top of the frets. This will show you if they are level with each other, and it will show you any bend in the neck. First, the neck should be strait, and second the frets should be level with each other. Once everything is ok the ruler will touch every fret at the same time. When this is done you can lower the bridge to a comfortable height and you shouldn't get any buzzing. Not sure about the Casino, but some archtops have a movable bridge. Moving the bridge closer or farther from the neck might make a difference because it changes the angle between the strings and the neck. Closer sounds like it would help in your case.

 

[tomee2]

It buzzes on frets 1 to 13 then doesn't from 13 on up?

Is the nut slot too low on that string?

You could loosen the truss rod a 8th to quarter turn to let the neck bend up a bit, and then also lower the bridge slightly.

 

[Guest]

Is the nut slot too low on that string?

Once the string is fretted, the nut's out of the equation.

 

[tomee2]

Once the string is fretted, the nut's out of the equation.

Well that makes sense doesn't it! Ha.

 

[Guitar101]

I put a capo on the first fret and fret the low E string on the 12 fret and beyond. Then I check the gaps at each fret up to the 12th. You should not see the low E string touching any of the frets and go from there. Geert hasn't posted since April 1st so I'm guessing his problem is solved.

 

[Guest]

Sometimes the fret ends can lift.

 

[alwaysflat]

Being familiar with relief, as you adjust your truss rod appropriately for flatness, per tonenut's post, you can use the credit card method along your low E to identify rocker's. As you suspect the 13th, it should stand out. Some small localized work can remove high metal, while there , look for a loose fret and whether there has been any lift evidenced by gap under the edge of the fret. After gaining level, dial in your relief again to check for other buzzers.
If you're playing .042" or ALT tuning, they're also considerations, where a heavier string might help.

 

[gretsch4me]

Love Casinos. Serviced tons. That EPI bridge may be the cause. They're known for not being the best of quality and have contributed to many ghost vibrations and wild goose chases. Anyway check for either a poorly slotted saddle, or a buzzy saddle due to a loose screw. But the best thing to do is replace the Epi bridge with a real Tune-o-matic or equivalent. Also if the 3 screws are loose holding the bottom plate to the edge of the Casino (by the bottom strap button), tighten them up a bit but be careful not to overtighten and strip the holes.

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