Question:
I just installed medium strings on my Masterbilt DR-500m. I was told the neck might need adjusted...and I really don't know how to tell.
I believe I'm getting buzzing on the G string, since it is vibrating against the fret. It doesn't happen if I strum extremely lightly, but does if I strum hard.
From what I've been reading, it might be because my action is too low and my truss rod needs adjustment. Does this sound right?
I took pictures to try to explain. Here is the distance between the strings and the 1st/2nd/3rd frets:
(The distance is very small)
Here is the strings at the higher frets:
(Like over double the distance)
So...do I need to adjust to get rid of that buzz? Can someone walk me through it? I know I need to take off the part on the headstock of the guitar, etc...
Also, this is just what I'm inferring from what I have read on the internet. I really have no experience when it comes to guitars. I could be completely wrong, but this seems to fit....
Thanks a lot.

Answer:

a truss rod is not used to raise or lower action.

Answer:

a truss rod is not used to raise or lower action. I don't really know what I'm talking about....case in point...

Answer:
I don't really know what I'm talking about....case in point...
Hey, don't worry about it. I just started in September of '07 and have learned much by asking the questions. If you read the frets.com stuff you will start to understand some cool stuff on setups and what not. Heck, I've already adjusted 5-6 saddles and tweeked two rods...I'm somebody now:thu:

Answer:
I don't really know what I'm talking about....case in point... you'll be buzz-smart and trussrod-savvy after digesting Frank Ford's writings, Blue Water. :thu:
all the best,
-Q.

Answer:
I, too, recently bought a Masterbilt. I can tell you that my instrument has a lower action than yours and has no buzzes at all. The height of the action isn't likely the culprit in your case.
I just wanted to mention that it is possible to destroy a guitar with excessive truss rod adjustments. I would recommend leaving the truss rod alone. If it needs adjustment, let a luthier do it. You already know that the truss rod isn't the way to raise or lower the action and I'll bet that isn't the problem anyway. Looks like you have a good on-line source to help you find the problem.

Answer:
I, too, recently bought a Masterbilt. I can tell you that my instrument has a lower action than yours and has no buzzes at all. The height of the action isn't likely the culprit in your case.
I just wanted to mention that it is possible to destroy a guitar with excessive truss rod adjustments. I would recommend leaving the truss rod alone. If it needs adjustment, let a luthier do it. You already know that the truss rod isn't the way to raise or lower the action and I'll bet that isn't the problem anyway. Looks like you have a good on-line source to help you find the problem. I must disagree with you here, trussrod's are made to be adjusted, thats why your guitar comes with an allen wrench. As long as you don't do anything retarded and you only do a 1/4 turn at a time there is no problem with an occasional truss rod adjustment.

Answer:
I'm probably just going to take it to a guitar shop today and have them look at it.

Answer:
That's a good plan, particularly for a novice guitarist. Have them do a complete setup and get your new instrument going on the right foot. A well set up guitar will be a pleasure to play.

Answer:
The Masterbilts come already Set-up by Gibson (or atleast that what is the headstock says...), but I believe they are setup, the thing plays like a dream. Other than the buzz, which only occurred after I changed the strings (I believe)....
By the way, the buzz is on the D string, not G. Also, it only happens when it is open, which most sites have led to tell me is a problem with the nut.

Answer:
Mine was very nicely set up. I did lower the action a smidgen because I could get away with it. All I had to do was remove the filler under the bridge. It wasn't really necessary. Yours can go noticeably lower but, looking at the photos, it might need to have the nut a tiny bit higher in order to lower the bridge. There isn't much space between the first fret and the E string. Let the luthier work it out. That's the best way.

Answer:
Mine was very nicely set up. I did lower the action a smidgen because I could get away with it. All I had to do was remove the filler under the bridge. It wasn't really necessary. Yours can go noticeably lower but, looking at the photos, it might need to have the nut a tiny bit higher in order to lower the bridge. There isn't much space between the first fret and the E string. Let the luthier work it out. That's the best way. A luthier will take care of it for sure. I'm still a fan of at least measuring the different components myself first. Pretty simple stuff, check the neck for straightness/flatness, make sure the bridge is in the right spot, measure the height of the strings at the nut, 12th fret...
All it takes is a steel rule in fractions (1/64) or inches .010" increments, a piece of paper and penile for writing down measurements, and you're off.
The frets site walks through this really easily. And, just measuring, not hacking away...
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