Strings buzz against the frets
- Usually
- The neck is too straight or bowed back, the action is set too low, or a few frets are higher than the rest.
- What we do
- A setup to correct relief and action. If some frets are high, levelling and crowning.
Electric guitar
Electric guitars react to small changes: a new string gauge, the seasons changing or a knock in transit can move the neck and the action. These are the things players notice most, and what is usually behind them.
Common problems
What players notice most, what is usually behind it, and how we sort it out.
Strings feel high and hard to press
- Usually
- Too much neck relief, saddles set too high, or nut slots cut too shallow.
- What we do
- A full setup, plus nut slot work if the first frets feel stiff.
Chords sound out of tune higher up the neck
- Usually
- Intonation is off, often after changing string gauge, or the strings are old.
- What we do
- New strings and intonation, string by string.
Crackles when turning knobs, or the sound cuts out
- Usually
- Dirty pots or switch, a loose output jack or a tired solder joint.
- What we do
- Cleaning and repairing the electronics.
Hum that changes when you move or touch the strings
- Usually
- Single-coil pickups pick up interference, made worse by poor grounding or no shielding.
- What we do
- Checking the grounding and shielding the cavities.
Won't stay in tune, especially after using the tremolo
- Usually
- Strings catching in the nut slots, a tremolo out of balance or worn tuners.
- What we do
- Nut slot work, lubrication and a tremolo setup.
Parts we look at
Nut
Holds the strings at the headstock end. Slot depth decides how easy the first frets feel.
Frets
Wear into grooves over time. Uneven frets cause buzz and notes that die early.
Truss rod
A steel rod inside the neck that sets how much it bows. Adjusted in every setup.
Bridge saddles
Set string height and intonation, one string at a time.
Pickups
Their height balances volume between strings and between pickups.
Pots and switch
Volume, tone and pickup selection. Dust makes them crackle.
Looking after it
- Wipe the strings and fretboard after playing.
- Keep it in its case or on a stand away from radiators and windows.
- When you change string gauge, the setup usually needs a small adjustment.
- A setup once or twice a year keeps it playing at its best.
Something feels off?
Send us a photo and tell us what you notice. We'll tell you what it probably is and what it would cost.
