Question about string buzzing

[jjhturbo]

I recently purchased a 2017 Froggy Bottom guitar that I love, but it has a slight "problem" that is a bit annoying. When I use a capo on the 2nd fret (only the 2nd fret), there is occasional string buzzing on the high E string. This happens when I do at least a medium to medium/heavy strum. No other frets have the issue when I use a capo, and without a capo, there is no issue either.

I have found that if I really tighten the capo (when using it on the 2nd fret), there is no buzzing.

Should I be concerned? My hunch is I may have slightly uneven frets and/or need more neck relief (to heighten the action a bit). But again, if I tighten the capo sufficiently, there is no buzzing whatsoever.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice.

[Ed66]

Interesting, as I had the same thing happening with my Furch just the other day; although it was on the G string. After tweaking my capo position continually, I just switched to a capo that had a little more tension and the buzz went away. Prior to that I had loosened the truss rod very slightly which helped a little but didn't completely take the buzz away.

[mawmow]

Do you place the capo just behind the fret ?

[jjhturbo]

Thanks, Ed. Interesting to hear that even a truss rod adjustment didn't completely address the buzzing.

mawmow - yes, even when placing the capo near the fret (just behind the fret), it doesn't remove the buzzing. I've tried different placements and the only resolution is to provide a lot of tension (tighten the capo). On my other guitars, and on other frets of the same guitar, I do not need to tighten the capo so much. That's why it's puzzling.

[Rodger Knox]

The third fret (or another higher up) is a little high under the high e.
When you overtighten the capo, it lowers the string on that side of the fret, and due to the stiffness of the string, it SLIGHTLY raises the string on the other side of the fret, which eliminates the buzz.
Truss rod adjustment will have to be extreme to have much effect that high up the neck.
One or two strokes with a file on the high part of the high fret should solve the problem.

[jjhturbo]

Thank you, Rodger! I will give that a try. Makes sense to me, esp the way you explained it. Appreciate the help.

[stormin1155]

I agree with what Rodger said. Probably not caused by or could be corrected by the truss rod adjustment. I would check for high/low frets in that area. Use a straight edge that spans three frets (credit card works) and see if you get any rocking. It doesn't take much to cause a buzz.

[jjhturbo]

Excellent tip regarding using a credit card to pin-point the culprit fret(s). Thanks.

[Wild Bill Jones]

Also remember that redressing one fret can then lead to the next fret being high and then there can be a buzz there. That one will need a little work and then the next one may cause a problem. Not hard to fix but worth being aware off

[AndrewG]

Maybe try another capo just in case that's the culprit?