buzzing on the 3rd string open

[jayhawk]

I recently changed my strings and now I am getting a buzz on my third string (G) open. When I fret it at the first fret, it sounds fine. I've tried to look it over and see where it might be hitting to cause a buzz (like the 1st fret) and am not seeing anything. Any ideas of where I might look? Is it possible for the nut to cause a buzz?

I'm just not coming up with any ideas?

Jack

[gltr]

Problem with the nut slot.

[jayhawk]

Originally Posted by gltr

Problem with the nut slot.

if so can it be fixed or would it take a new nut?

Jack

[GuitarVlog]

A little more info might help your readers diagnose the problem.

• What were the original strings and tension?
• What are the current strings and tension?
• If you depress each individual string at the 3rd fret, how much space do you have between the bottom of the string and the top of the 1st fret? Can you see a space? Could you slip 1-2 index cards under that space?
• Can you detect any looseness of the string in the slot? Can it shift sideways?
• What make/model is the guitar?

[Dogsnax]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

if so can it be fixed or would it take a new nut?

Jack

If you're pretty sure the 3rd string is buzzing on the first fret, you might want to try shimming the nut before switching the nut out altogether. Take a business card and cut a shim to fit underneath the the nut. Usually does the trick if it's a first fret buzz.

Fred

[gltr]

Assuming it is your Applegate, which is a pretty fancy guitar, before you do any fooling around with the guitar try putting another string on, preferably the same type that was on the guitar before it started to buzz. if you changed tensions or diameter that could cause problem, but also sometimes nylon strings can be very fickle and you might have a weird string.

[jayhawk]

I did some looking and more checking on the guitar, last night.

I have a couple of different sets of strings so I pulled the G strings from those sets and tried them on the guitar. It did seem to change the buzzing. A Savarez did not seem to buzz. An Elixir did buzz, but not as much. The tone of the strings were different from the GHS Andersons so I did not leave them on.

I put a folded piece of vellum (drawing paper) under the G string of the GHS Anderson. It seemed to eliminate the buzzing. It changed the tone, but I expected that. This is not a long term solution, but it does lead me to the conclusion that it is most likely the nut.

If this is the case, how do I fix the nut? can the slot be filled and a new slot cut or will it require a new nut?

thanks

Jack

[john bange]

the nut slot can be built up with very small dabs of super glue. It takes time and must be done slowly.
If the G string did not buzz befor you changed strings, I would think that it must be the string. The g string is kind of tubby on some sets and you might have to put up with it. jb

[MJScott]

2nd on the super glue. I have had a similar problem fixed with that and a mixture of that and "bone dust" on a steel string and on a mandolin. Hope that works for you.

[jayhawk]

Thanks for all the input. You've been a real help. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Jack

[jayhawk]

I just got back from my guitar tech. It wasn't the width of the groove in the nut, it was the break angle on the groove. He took is nut file and made about 6 or 7 swipes in the groove to change the angle and the problem is solved.

Jack