tjhilly - Posted - 10/16/2019:  12:58:19

I'm new to mandolin, and I have trouble with string buzz on the g string. It's a Collings MF, and I've just restrung it so its not dead strings. No matter how carefully I fret or how much pressure I apply, I get a buzz and i'ts only on the G strings. I've played stringed instrument for over 50 yrs, including bass, classical guitar, and the banjo, and have never encountered this problem. Any ideas?

MandoTom2 - Posted - 10/16/2019:  19:28:59

quote:

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Originally posted by tjhilly

I'm new to mandolin, and I have trouble with string buzz on the g string. It's a Collings MF, and I've just restrung it so its not dead strings. No matter how carefully I fret or how much pressure I apply, I get a buzz and it's only on the G strings. I've played stringed instrument for over 50 yrs, including bass, classical guitar, and the banjo, and have never encountered this problem. Any ideas?

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If you weren't getting the 'g buzz' with the previous set of strings, it could possibly be one of several things.

1. Make sure you've tuned your current set up to A-440. If you have a low-set action on your mando, any reduction in tension on the strings could possibly result in the unwanted buzz...

2. If you stepped up to a heavier gauge of string (the whole set), it again could be that the heavier G string is just enough to take up too much space in your low-set action and cause the buzz...

3. Based on how your action is set, I'm presuming lower, rather than higher, you might try raising  JUST THE BASS SIDE of your adjustable bridge to fix the problem. You make have to loosen your action a bit to adjust the string height screw on your bridge.

4. It's always a good idea to to 'eye' the string line, i.e., hold your mandolin up so you're looking down the g string from the nut to the bridge (like a telescope). Check to see if any of the frets appear to be sitting high. Changes in weather can cause frets to pop up sometimes. Also check the neck line (nut to bridge) to see how straight it is.

I always save the string packages from my most recent string change. I date the package with a pen or pencil, so I know how long the current set has been on. It also gives me the gauges for reference if one string breaks, etc.

That Collings is a VERY FINE musical instrument. If all else fails, have a qualified luthier look at it or even better yet, contact Collings with your problem. I think I'd call Collings first and get their recommendation.

Hope this helps.

MandoTom2 

Edited by - MandoTom2 on 10/16/2019 19:31:30

tjhilly - Posted - 10/17/2019:  08:12:22

Thanks for your advice. I've solved the problem with a slight bridge adjustment. By the way, I bought the Collings on your recommendation, and it really is a great instrument.

MandoTom2 - Posted - 10/17/2019:  09:22:15

quote:

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Originally posted by tjhilly

Thanks for your advice. I've solved the problem with a slight bridge adjustment. By the way, I bought the Collings on your recommendation, and it really is a great instrument.

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Excellent! Glad it worked out...

Another after thought: Make sure the bridge is set exactly at the 'mid-mark', i.e., positioned where the business end of the bridge is the same distance as the business end of the nut to the 12th fret...

If you have a close action, sometimes having the bridge too far forward or too far back from the center mark can cause heavier gauge strings to buzz...

Also, this very issue would throw your intonation off...

Tom