fret buzz has me stumped

[superzeldabros]

I have a seagull coastline grand parlor guitar and it seems to buzz all over the fretboard. Right now it has .010 relief on the neck and 7/64 action at the 12th fret. I feel like these specs are high enough so that there shouldn't be any buzz but there is. I sighted the neck and it doesn't look twisted or warped, i tightened all the tuning keys so its not those rattling, and there are no electronics on the inside to possibly rattle. I have also done some tapping on the body listening for a loose brace and I hear nothing. I hear a small buzz on every note I play on all the wound strings and some specific notes have a loud metallic overtone (7th Fret Low E string, 10th Fret D string.) The only thing I see that could cause all this is how small the frets are. They are significantly smaller than any other acoustic I have played and I think they might be breaking at too shallow of an angle causing all this buzzing.

Here is a picture of the frets: https://prnt.sc/lmjaqg

[Henning]

Hi superzeldabros, to me that looks like a very high action.
How and why do you mean the size of the frets will be of importance for the buzzing?
Did you check all over the fretboard with a straightedge?

[jonfields45]

Maybe one of the string balls is not well seated? Have tried a new set of strings?

[superzeldabros]

Originally Posted by jonfields45

Maybe one of the string balls is not well seated? Have tried a new set of strings?

Yeah I've changed strings few times still have the problem.

[superzeldabros]

Originally Posted by Henning

Hi superzeldabros, to me that looks like a very high action.
How and why do you mean the size of the frets will be of importance for the buzzing?
Did you check all over the fretboard with a straightedge?

1. The action is just a hair above 6/64, I don't consider that high for an acoustic guitar ---> https://prnt.sc/lmk220

2. The small frets could maybe cause some buzz because the strings don't have a high enough break angle. It's kind of hard to explain. Sort of how if a saddle gets shaved too low the strings don't bend enough coming out of the bridge and it can cause buzzing. The small frets was just a theory because it seems like nothing else should cause the buzzing.

3. I used my string action ruler like a fret rocker to see if any frets weren't level and they were fine. Unfortunately i don't have a long enough straight edge to lay on my neck or a proper fret rocker.

[superzeldabros]

Here is an audio clip of the buzz/overtones. It doesn't sound like normal fret buzz it's more subtle. Am I just being too pedantic and obsessive or is this actually a problem?
https://soundcloud.com/jaren-six/buzz-sound/s-gCKtT

[jonfields45]

I don't hear a problem. I am doing playback through speakers.

[runamuck]

I don't hear a problem either, even when listening with Sony MDR 7506 headphones. I mention the headphone model because these accentuate high frequencies a lot.

[mirwa]

6/64 I would classify, as a nice low action for an acoustic guitar, listening to the sound clip, I hear no fretbuzz.

My ideal setup when working with a customer is to lower an action where they personally can hear buzz, but no buzz is being picked up by the amp, this is the lowest action I can set on their guitar with their playing style, typically we raise it a smidgen from this point for their own audible comfort

Steve

[charles Tauber]

Based on the recording, what I think I hear are the notes being over-played. My guess is that the parlour is a short-scale, one that isn't very responsive. In order to get "more" out of it, you are plucking/striking the strings to the point that they buzz. Does plucking them less aggressively reduce or eliminate the buzzing you hear?

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by superzeldabros

I have a seagull coastline grand parlor guitar and it seems to buzz all over the fretboard. Right now it has .010 relief on the neck and 7/64 action at the 12th fret. I feel like these specs are high enough so that there shouldn't be any buzz but there is. I sighted the neck and it doesn't look twisted or warped, i tightened all the tuning keys so its not those rattling, and there are no electronics on the inside to possibly rattle. I have also done some tapping on the body listening for a loose brace and I hear nothing. I hear a small buzz on every note I play on all the wound strings and some specific notes have a loud metallic overtone (7th Fret Low E string, 10th Fret D string.) The only thing I see that could cause all this is how small the frets are. They are significantly smaller than any other acoustic I have played and I think they might be breaking at too shallow of an angle causing all this buzzing.

Here is a picture of the frets: https://prnt.sc/lmjaqg

Hi, you have described a near identical issue with two of my Collings guitars, my oldest (98) dreadnaught and my (03) 000 both of which I would have thought would have "settled" by now.

Due ti illness - I haven't played them much over the past 18 months and they might have become a little dry but nothing extreme.

After loads of investigation, and a regret on the dread the problem persists so they are now with the only Collings recommended tech in the UK who has decided to "PLEK" them both and then recheck.

I think it must be about the woods moving slightly but it is a mystery.

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by superzeldabros

Here is a picture of the frets: https://prnt.sc/lmjaqg

Are those medium gauge strings? Is it possible the guitar is telling you it wants something lighter?

[Frank Ford]

Sounds like you have something loose and rattling - pickup jack, loose string ball under bridge - that sort of thing.

[Wooly]

I can hear what you describe in the sound clip. I have the same issue but only in the high E and B. I have tried everything. Lower action, higher action. More relief, less relief. Different strings. Fret leveling etc, etc. It's got me stumped to the point I try and ignore it.

I'm blaming it on either my technique or my bad ears. I also hear distortion but my ears do that. Hearing loss in nut shell. Likely not your problem though.

[BlackHeart]

Oh Crap!! I have the same issue I just posted a post on it, no soundclip though. Crap, others are having the same issue. Scary hearing about this on a Collings. Wow, scary!!