String buzzing problem

Nathan Sarver · From: Washington State, USA

I bought a Rogue lap steel and when I use the slide I get a tinny buzzing especially on the top (higher pitched) strings. I tried dinking around with the bridge knobs but I still have the problem. So I don't know if I have crummy strings, a crummy nut, a crummy slide, a crummy bridge adjustment or just a crummy guitar.

Thanks

Ulric Utsi-Åhlin · From: Sweden

Hard to tell without checking the guitar,but loose
parts,loose mounting/adjustment screws,hardware
with insufficient mass etc will absorb vibration
and cause these problems(and impede sustain) dead
strings are never OK,priority #1 is to put on some
new ones ; are You using a decent bar..?..tap the
guitar body and listen...is something rattling..?..
Don´t give in,isolate the trouble spot,then
eliminate it...McUtsi

Lynn Oliver · From: Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.

I second the suggestion to put on new strings. I always start by changing the strings when I'm chasing a buzz. Often that will do the trick.

Tom Pettingill · From: California, USA (deceased)

A new set of strings in the proper gauge for your tuning is a great start.
What it could be is a uneven cut nut and or uneven bridge saddle height. What happens is that if some strings are riding low, they will buzz against the bar.
_________________
Some misc pics of my hand crafted steels
Follow me on Facebook here

Nathan Sarver · From: Washington State, USA

Thanks for the suggestions. I have no doubt there are more effective methods, but I laid the edge of a piece of paper across the strings and adjusted them so they were as even as I could get them. I also went to a guitar store and bought a better slide. It definitely sounds better. Is there a particular brand and gauge of strings y'all would recommend?

I also have another noobie question. Are the ring and pinkie fingers of the left hand supposed to rest on the strings behind the slide, or do you try to keep them off? Also, I'm trying to learn the steel to play old-fashioned country music, so are there any notable resources for instruction that you know of that could help me out?

Thanks again.

Rusty Smith · From: Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, USA

I just got a Rogue EA-3 today that MF was closing out for $67 inc. shipping. Just checked the strings and found them to be something like 9,11,14,22,30,40. Very light gauge on the top. As others have stated the first thing to do is change the strings. Haven't even plugged it in yet, going to change the strings first.
_________________
Rusty Smith
Mount Horeb WI

Stephan Miller · From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

Right, let 'em rest across the strings behind the bar.
Also, this Forum can get you started on classic country: hit "Instruction" at the top of this page, then click on "Lap Steel Instructional Material", and you'll see Don Helms' book teaching his steel parts for Hank Williams' songs.

Forum Index > Steel Without Pedals		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: