Severe String Buzz

**The wirerat** · 11-01-2009, 01:10 PM

I just put a set of D'Addario EJ12 Medium Gauge guitar strings on my Simtech Acoustic Electric, and the buzz on the low "E" string is killing me. It is amplified even more when I use a capo, which is quite a bit and the only thing I can think of is the strings sit relatively low to my fretboard. Is there a way I can alleviate that, or do i need to use different strings?
I bought the D'Addarios because they were cheap, but I'm willing to spend more on a set if it will reduce the annoying buzz.

gg7 · 11-02-2009, 08:42 PM

What strings did you have on before? Did you maybe have regular light strings on before the mediums? It you went from lights to mediums, I could see that happening..and possibly being fixed by a little truss rod adjustment. Although, the other strings having no problems might make me say that's not the best fix.
D'Addario makes good strings, so unless you just got a random dud of a low E, I wouldn't blame it on the string brand.
Either way, It's ideal to try to settle on one gauge of strings, and even a brand if possible, so the guitar can be setup specifically with those strings for your playing style.
There is no real fix for raising a low E string than I can think of. I mean you could put a shim (small piece of wood, etc.) under the saddle that is thicker on the low E side and thinner on the other side, but I wouldn't recommend that as a legitimate, long term fix. If you like this gauge of strings and need the action raised, I'd suggest a new saddle. They are pretty inexpensive, and if you have plenty of patience you can easily shape a new saddle to match the older one (except taller of course).

**The wirerat** · 11-02-2009, 09:18 PM

The problem is I can't remember what strings I had before. Like I said, I bought the D'Addarios, and I may have made a mistake because I do believe I had light gauges before. The guitar plays differently, and its not really enjoyable. I may end up buying some Elixirs, which I believe I have had on the guitar at one point. I really enjoy the way an Elixir plays, so I may just make the switch.

gg7 · 11-02-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The wirerat

The problem is I can't remember what strings I had before. Like I said, I bought the D'Addarios, and I may have made a mistake because I do believe I had light gauges before. The guitar plays differently, and its not really enjoyable. I may end up buying some Elixirs, which I believe I have had on the guitar at one point. I really enjoy the way an Elixir plays, so I may just make the switch.

I would get some cheaper strings first in light gauge, to make sure the guitar is okay, before buying expensive Elixirs. I play Elixir nanoweb on acoustics. Love them.

**The wirerat** · 11-03-2009, 11:48 AM

So, I talked to my dad, and he says he gave me Elixirs, and they were heavy gauge, cuz thats what he was using at the time. So I am going to go ahead and spend the 15 bucks and get Heavy Gauge Elixirs, because I liked the strings I had, and I hate the D'Addarios with a passion. They are rough on my fingers, sound is so-so, and they just suck.