Fix Fret Buzz Without Removing the Strings

Рет қаралды 809,272

4 жыл бұрын

Fret buzz is a very common problem. In this video Dan shows you how to find and fix fret buzz on a single high fret quickly and easily without even taking the strings off. Only a couple tools are necessary.
Items used in this video:
Under String Fret Dressing Files
www.stewmac.com/item/0334
Fret Rocker
www.stewmac.com/item/3770
StewMac Fingerboard Guards
www.stewmac.com/item/3744
Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Pads
www.stewmac.com/item/3730
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StewMac has everything you need to set up, repair or build guitars.
Everything is 100% guaranteed. Fast worldwide shipping.
Shop StewMac: www.stewmac.com
Facebook: / stewmac
Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

Пікірлер: 635

@PetraKann 4 жыл бұрын

Magical craftsmanship. In this disposable and plastic world these skill sets need to be passed on and preserved.

@soulstalgiarecords77740 4 жыл бұрын

The world is blessed to have people like this living on it.

@MoparStephen 4 жыл бұрын

I love these videos. Five minutes to fix the issue, 50 years of experience to make it look so simple! So many people don't understand that when it comes to pricing work or understanding what it takes to become a master craftsman.

@jebusgod 4 жыл бұрын

my greatest find of the COVID-19 lockdown, Dan's videos, like a cross between Bob Ross the joy of painting and Norm Abram from new yankee workshop

@catalinadog157 4 жыл бұрын

@PrinceFcknCharming why does it matter?

@catalinadog157 4 жыл бұрын

PrinceFcknCharming thought u meant u got annoyed with ppl bringing up COVID, my bad

@slappyshouse 3 жыл бұрын

@PrinceFcknCharming Nice to see you’re living up to your handle.

@jysmtl 3 жыл бұрын

Nice way to put it. I discovered a lot during the lockdown and this is one of my favorites. Such mastery as Dan displays and shares is so valuable.

@LEEDAVEY1984 2 жыл бұрын

You are the Yoda of guitar repairs. Wise, calm and informative. Brilliant work matched by brilliant knowledge.

@BuckJoFiden Жыл бұрын

Been learning from Dan since the 80’s when he did articles in Guitar Magazine. Done all my own repairs and set ups for the last 40 years. Dan is a legend 🏆

@johnbruno6868 Жыл бұрын

I remember that!

@benxie5624 10 ай бұрын

Wow, that is really the history ❤

@mohammedaminefarid8389 3 жыл бұрын

Watching Dan work on guitars is just soothing.

@texanfournow 4 жыл бұрын

I want Dan's magnifying glasses. Not that I need them, I just think they're cool.

@AngleIron426 4 жыл бұрын

You can get them. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mpyVgqx5z7euZoE.html

@Pgcmoore 4 жыл бұрын

@@AngleIron426 thanks!

@BAJARACER43X 4 жыл бұрын

Leo Fender popularized that look

@ChrisCookPrime 4 жыл бұрын

They were never cool...until Dan rocked them!

@svincentr 4 жыл бұрын

8 eyes

@coryburns13 10 ай бұрын

Dan is truly a national treasure for guitar players...I can't even tell how many little tips he's just thrown out on the random while doing things that have totally come in handy for me while tinkering on my guitars. That dude has forgotten more than all of us will ever know about this stuff. Thanks Dan, Cheers!

@theuserthatishere 8 ай бұрын

yep

@voodoochild1975az 5 ай бұрын

EASILY one of the most important luthiers or techs ever. It's not just what he did, but his gift in explaining to all of us reading his articles and books.

@duranduran6415 4 жыл бұрын

I wish I grew up with this guy in the family. The knowledge and skills he could teach would be priceless - most of all, he seems like a calm and great person to have around.

@charlie-obrien 7 ай бұрын

I'll bet he's probably got some great bar-b-que tips also...

@bikesnbeerz 4 жыл бұрын

Anyone about 40-50 years old and still miss their grandfather? I do. Dan reminds me of him.

@slappyshouse 3 жыл бұрын

He reminds me of my Dad’s father. He was a mechanic for over 40 years. Most of that knowledge was lost when he passed away. I’m glad my father listened to him, he’s passed his knowledge on to me. On top of that, he was a good man. I regret not spending more time with him.

@noi5emaker 3 жыл бұрын

Ever seen The World's Fastest Indian, with Anthony Hopkins? That could be my grandfather. He used to build his own car parts.

@slappyshouse 3 жыл бұрын

@@noi5emaker LOVE that movie! Also reminded me of my grandfather as well! I still say "Bob's your uncle" instead of "there you go".

@noi5emaker 3 жыл бұрын

@@slappyshouse Cool! My grandad had a blowtorch just like the one in the film. And often wore overalls. He was so imaginative and great with his hands. One of a kind really.

@fotomule 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely I miss my grandpa Buster, who was just like Dan here. He died in 1986

@gentamara 3 жыл бұрын

I am a simple man. When I see an old man fixing something while explaining I give 100% trust on ‘em.

@nitoniwatori 4 жыл бұрын

It's been years ... I watch many of your videos teach me how to fix various of problem for my own guitar ... and it help me fixed my problem so many times Glad to see You continue doing this .... Thanks

@jefffeltes9309 4 жыл бұрын

What a cool way to fix, and his voice was so soothing and yet confident at the same time. Thanks!!

@rick1450 Жыл бұрын

Dan's videos are very helpful and informative . You can easily tell from his demeanor what a genuinely nice guy he is too.

@roelheijmans 4 жыл бұрын

In a 1000 years some archaeologist will dig up the two fretting sticks and wonders what the heck people from the stone age used them for.

@jamesanthony8438 4 жыл бұрын

And then they'll pull some stupid theory out of their arse about what it was used for. I've seen enough Time Team videos to know that's true. Take that time they found a metal "finger stylus" during a Roman dig. They said it was used like a pen, but anyone who's ever seen a finger pick knows exactly what it was... and the comment section reflected that. Sometimes so-called 'experts' have no earthly idea what hell they're talking about. =)

@forester057 4 жыл бұрын

In 1000 years we just as easily could be in the Stone Age looking back and marveling at the technology of the past.

@duroxkilo 3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesanthony8438 your 'finger stylus' example was quite good.. a show or even a documentary is more on the entertaining side of things, not really meant to be a 'scientific paper'. imagine a person that studied a particular area/culture/history for 50 yrs, they don't need input from the comments' section (not saying that 'the public' is clueless). we shouldn't confuse reality shows w/ reality, as you've stated, the so called experts are exactly that: non-experts. but experts do exist and most of them don't have time to do makeup and appear on shows :}

@jamesanthony8438 3 жыл бұрын

@@duroxkilo I discovered something else that it could possibly be this past year, as well. I've seen things like that used for hand stitching/sewing as a thimble on an index finger so the seamstress doesn't stab herself with the needle. =)

@duroxkilo 3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesanthony8438 lol, that's great.. i've used those before w/ my nana, they can go on any finger as they come in dif sizes; it's main use is to help push the needle thru thicker fabrics. for leather they had to use pliers to actually pull the needle thru (a needle w/ a specialized tip)

@jamesallen1164 2 жыл бұрын

this by far is the fastest most efficient way I've seen yet to fix the buzz . thanks for the info and I will be useing your technique if needed .

@whatwouldhousedo5136 4 жыл бұрын

I could watch Dan work all day. Master craftsman.

@stanstolarski8325 3 жыл бұрын

Dan Erlewine, you are a true craftsman in every sense of the term . . . I really like those "prehistoric filing sticks" you made back in the day . . . I've home made/hand made similar tools for non-guitar applications & will probably adapt this technique for precision guitar work. Appreciate your videos sir. Thank you. All the best to you & yours Dan & stay well !!!

@jksguitarandmusic781 4 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy watching these videos from Dan, so many great tips and tricks that make thing's much easier. Keep up the great video's, and thanks for such great tools as well.

@davidfaulkner1246 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are great. Clear, simple and to the point. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.

@kristopherdetar4346 3 жыл бұрын

A true American treasure this old guitar luthier. Much thanks Dan from a piano technician whom loves your videos.

@DjiDo 4 жыл бұрын

What kind of WIZARDRY is this! Absolutely love your videos, could watch em all day long! Cheers

@shook9042 4 жыл бұрын

Exactly what I need for a high fret on my LP! Thank you for the channel!

@MrYatesj1 3 жыл бұрын

Dan you make it look so easy, its such a pleasure to see you work

@kadekozak4830 4 жыл бұрын

been watching you since i was a young six stringer, now i’m able to do all the luthier work on my because of your tools and tips

@joshtaylor5733 3 жыл бұрын

this is such a good video. I could watch videos like this all day!!!! How have I only just found you after years of doing my own repairs? Thankyou for fast and accurate info 👊

@michaeltucker4090 Жыл бұрын

I'm a proud member of the old school. Thank you sir I can see you reside there as well. Your video's are informative, well thought out, and show real solutions that work. Bravo you have earned my support 🤗

@voodoochild1975az 5 ай бұрын

I picked up both of his books early on in my playing days.... Dan is kind of my guru for guitar work. I consider getting those books among the best guitar decisions I ever made actually. Happy to stumble into his videos on youtube.

@rodneyfrothingham2579 4 жыл бұрын

Always clear and on point. Long time subscriber. This was a superb useful piece of knowledge.

@bradprather6749 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing the videos from your work bench, they're always a big help!

@guyguyguyjean 4 жыл бұрын

It just feels good to watch !!Such a skilled and passionate dude!!👍

@SteamHammer7 3 жыл бұрын

gosh these videos are life savers, I'm working on my first guitar which is a epiphone les paul sun burst. & it feels like love ❤️

@joeshea1010 Жыл бұрын

Many thanks again, Dan, you're saving us all kinds of trouble with these sharings...

@kennethmanuntag 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you...you are one of the best all your videos are straight to the point.. no annoying introduction or something... very helpful information👍👍👍

@SOOONJE 4 жыл бұрын

Oh man you are just amazing, you are the king of all the guitar fixtures and fittings in the world, God just graced you. Thank you so much for all the videos you make for us.

@tuberocker69 3 күн бұрын

Thank you, Dan, for all your contributions!

@bobareeniobobareenio2935 2 ай бұрын

Dan is a GREAT guy, besides his skills and enormous talents, he takes the time to answer questions from , us, his fans.

@flouisbailey 3 жыл бұрын

Fabulous workmanship in action.

@LonskiBig 4 жыл бұрын

...I can't believe there is a video on this...I have one high fret bugging me on one particular song....4 guitar shoppes told me they don't do fret work !!...One does but is 100 miles away....This video is fantastic...

@JeffreyTheTaylor 4 жыл бұрын

Yep. Invest in the tools to do it yourself in that case. It really is just a ton of time and care. Which is why so many shops know they cannot do it. Good luck.

@PaoloNovaro 3 жыл бұрын

This video was like butter to my soul

@scottsmith4145 Жыл бұрын

Thats an ingenious technique and tools for this issue! Wow. Love it.

@andercoyote4170 6 ай бұрын

This is the only KZfaq channel I trust for guitar repair advice and instruction.

@EricBlackmonGuitar 3 жыл бұрын

Simply amazing skills presented here. Learn something every time.

@frankrizzo5710 3 жыл бұрын

Yessir

@seanmann6124 2 жыл бұрын

Dan always a perfect solution!

@godsinbox 2 жыл бұрын

when that little sheet metal fretboard shield wiggles back and forth, IT IS SCRATCHING YOUR FRETBOARD! @3:10 what a barbarian!

@reitairue2073 Жыл бұрын

@@godsinbox easy fix, use some low adhesive masking tape. No worries

@4magicboxes 4 жыл бұрын

What fine gentleman and master of his craft.

@theeouapolal7262 2 жыл бұрын

There you go!!! Someone that actually knows what he's talking about!! I just saw a video where the guy's resolve was "all guitars have fret buzz", which is complete nonsense!! This guy here, understands the cause and how to fix it!! Personally, I've often used longer edges to gauge more frets than 3, and I always do this kind of work after removing the strings (I change strings often anyway, so for me it's not worth the extra trouble), but it's always refreshing to see someone with a little know how and experience tell it like it is!! With so much misinformation out there, this kind of knowledge sharing is MUCH APPRECIATED!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

@JBearwa 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful to see a craftsman at work. And this is exactly what I wanted to know

@headbangerministries 2 жыл бұрын

My man, a true guitar craftsman and displays passion and care. I need to send you my guitar!

@reitairue2073 Жыл бұрын

Awesome, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you for the lesson man. Much appreciated.

@deanraddick9041 3 жыл бұрын

Always love watching you work Dan 😉

@whatspadethinks 3 жыл бұрын

If our digitally overloaded times is good for one thing it is the retention & distribution of knowledge. More so than the printing press, the internet has a reach and permanence that is jaw dropping. I bought several of Erlewine's books in the 90's and for most stuff just seeing black & white pictures wasn't enough to fully grasp the techniques needed to do fine work. These videos are priceless and make doing these repairs much less nerve wracking. Trussrods, pots, soldering, pickups, and action setups used to make me nervous but now I am much more comfortable with it. Not an expert by ANY means but I am much more secure in messing with my guitars...

@he11bent6 4 ай бұрын

I fought getting this forever. I just got an Epi. LP that I love with 1 high fret. This is the way, I finally just ordered one with an understring file. Thank you!

@zenberryflood 3 жыл бұрын

I figured out I can do the same rocking technique on the frets with a credit card, Very useful for vintage guitars especially when you just don’t wanna remove and replace frets again. I have extremely low action on my guitar now with no buzz And that pesky 13th fret was so high up when it rocked I almost always had to play with sitar-style action, essentially almost a quarter inch off the fretboard but now ever since I filed it, it’s not buzzing anymore! Glad this video exists. Highly recommend checking your frets from time to time. Remember to also use an action that a credit card with no indentation like a gift card, not a credit card, Since most cards are 0.7 mm thin by average, this should give you a perfect guide so you can easily setup a tremolo bridge with little problems even if your a beginner.

@goswo 4 жыл бұрын

Always the highest level of competence. Respect

@bellowphone 4 жыл бұрын

Love those little gizmos! Another fun and helpful video, Dan.

@13IanH 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! This video has just saved me money and having to spend several days without my guitar 😊👍🏻

@ericlynch9560 3 жыл бұрын

That was outstanding. I've been a session picker and road guitarist. Never know how to set one up. Subscribed.

@frodeleirvik 4 жыл бұрын

Always a pleasure to watch your videos... Keep them coming!

@pallhe 3 жыл бұрын

Dan has a nice vibe about him. Knows what he's doing too.

@cycomiko73 Жыл бұрын

Now that was straight to the point and so helpful, now I know what to buy and how to file the frets 👍👍 the older generation is all business, if this was some young person the video would be like 25 minutes to show you 2 minutes of what your looking for. Great video straight to the point!!

@johnw8916 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for this because of your video I identified a high fret causing E A D to buzz, the hight fret was 5. Thanks Dan.

@mosfet51 4 жыл бұрын

Love old timers like you. Well done sir.

@ryusei323 3 жыл бұрын

The pure definition of craftsmanship

@aniquinstark4347 2 жыл бұрын

Putting marker on the fret is a great tip! Wish I knew that the first time I did a level job. Probably removed more material than I actually needed to.

@jonasulfsfalt4451 9 ай бұрын

I like the own made old school fret files. I have two homemade myself and I just love em. Thanks for nice video!

@joedejesus6363 6 ай бұрын

Mr. StewMac you are A- no. 1 when it comes to working on guitars. We can learn a lot from you, thanks to your videos. What I would like to know is, say for instance you have more than one fret that's not leveled, can it still be done using this procedure, or will it be better to remove the strings?

@dougmorissette459 4 жыл бұрын

That Harmony Arch-top looks very similar to mine. I had to have the top of the ebony bridge replaced and filed down to lower the string action. It was less expensive and cleaner than having the neck removed, altered and reset.

@Wileylikethehawk 4 жыл бұрын

This is just pure delight. Amazing.

@chucklakeridge7944 Жыл бұрын

The most informative video of guitar care I ever watched!!

@vmichqelz Жыл бұрын

Bro can i use knife?, Cuz i dont have any tool

@w.l.graves7228 3 жыл бұрын

thanks dan , absolutely right on the mark as usual !

@johndrover6005 Жыл бұрын

Love this old school fix! Bless you sir 😊

@lightfoot413 3 ай бұрын

good skills here and we need the right tools too thanks

@tjroune Жыл бұрын

Such fantastic videos! Pertinent information being taught so well!

@fatguyscanhike7656 3 жыл бұрын

Literally worked perfectly for my Jackson!! Thank you so much sir !

@salesdogfightink 10 ай бұрын

Great video. Going to try and fix my high fret this weekend. Wish me luck!

@dominikmarquas713 2 жыл бұрын

You are a cool grandpa... I have bought your book... I love to work on my guitars... With your advices it works well

@electrojazz14 7 ай бұрын

this video has helped a great deal removing a few buzzes on my 335 so thank you

@kennethkowalchuk7868 9 ай бұрын

Good tools used with good skills. thanks, useful.

@ohmuseek4290 Жыл бұрын

This man is always so funny and have good advise.

@trumptorianguard4617 4 жыл бұрын

Dan still has the old files he made “years ago” .... and he can find them when he needs them! ... I can’t even find some power tools that I bought within the last year!🤣😂🤪

@markpascua4946 4 жыл бұрын

This channel deserves a lot of subscribers

@jhopkins213 3 жыл бұрын

Dan is the very definition of "luthier". As others have said, I could watch him work on a guitar all day long. What a wealth of knowledge and skill he has!

@godsinbox 2 жыл бұрын

when that little sheet metal fretboard shield wiggles back and forth, IT IS SCRATCHING YOUR FRETBOARD! @3:10 lm Dan the barbarian, destroyer of vintage finishes

@juseth2 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video!! This was exactly what I needed to know! Thank you so much!!

@nathancepeda7407 2 жыл бұрын

Great example of how having the right tools gets the job done right.

@mdub2000 4 жыл бұрын

this was an amazing piece of advice thank you so much!

@ChrisDeJuanMusic 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful... thank you sir! The tools for the right job...and of course a lot of knowledge!

@depretorevincenzo6617 4 жыл бұрын

You are the man Dan!

@marcor.wagner Жыл бұрын

thanks! that is wonderful, classy work

@mccloysong 3 жыл бұрын

A genius craftsman. So grateful for you.

@RichardKraneis 6 ай бұрын

Wow. I subscribed and liked your video right away. I will try this repair on my 1969 Sears Roebuck student guitar with fret buzz on one note. With your advice, I know I will succeed. Thank you.