Guitar Neck Misalignment

Sometimes Sending A Guitar Back For A Small “Tweak” Is Not Always Practical

A Small Truss Rod Tweak Gives Instant Results

 Many times when I ship a guitar from the humid deep South to a dry climate the neck sometimes will  “hump” up a bit.  This will cause what can be described as guitar neck misalignment and sometimes a “string buzz”. The best way to handle it is with a small truss rod adjustment at the head stock.  Sometimes sending a guitar back for a small “tweak” is not always practical so here is a short guide to a small truss rod tweak that will give immediate results to a “string buzz” issue. The good news-it only takes a few minutes.

String Buzz

Rick, I’m having one fairly big problem with my guitar. I love the way you set the action so low and I don’t want to change that, but the two lower strings, E and A, are fret buzzing ferociously, especially down near the head stock. What’s the best way to keep the action as low as you set it and still lose the buzz? Filing the frets? Something else?

Please advise. Jim
Hi Jim!  Let me see if I can help you with some easy adjustments. It sounds like a hump in the neck is the problem.

You won’t have to loosen the strings as the adjustment to be made is intended to loosen the truss rod. Guitar strings are only loosened for tightening adjustments to the truss rod. As follows……
Sit down with the guitar between your legs looking directly into the truss rod hole at the head stock. Take an Allen wrench and place through the adjustment hole into the truss rod at the head stock and make sure it’s a snug fit. I usually apply a small bit of oil to the end so as to insert and remove it easier.

Adjusting the truss rod

Now, imagine a clock. Imagine that the Allen adjuster wrench is the large hand and you want to move it back (counter-clockwise) just 10 minutes (a ten minute interval).
After that adjustment– lay the guitar flat on a counter or floor and gently push down in the middle of the neck to loosen the rod inside the truss rod cavity. Almost as if you’re giving gentle compressions to a heart attack victim.
This should work to loosen any “binding” inside the truss rod cavity and allow the upper strings to get over and humped area caused by the differences in humidity. Tune the strings to pitch. Repeat steps as necessary.

Jim-If you need to do it again-remember to go in 10 minute intervals only to avoid over-correction. If you don’t feel comfortable then bring it to someone that you know has some experience in adjusting a truss rod and most likely they can handle it.
This should work nicely!  Rick, I took the guitar to a friend of mine this afternoon and he adjusted the neck and lowered the neck pickup just a tad, and I’ve got to say, this is my new go-to guitar!  I love the looks, sound, and play-ability!  You do awesome work!!!

Thank you!
Jim

But wait!!!… Let’s look at a right left neck misalignment issue on your guitar

In the photo is a bass guitar neck and you can see how misaligned it is. You’ll notice with this kind of problem your string is slipping off the edge of the fingerboard. Also there will be more space one one side of the neck end in the guitar body pocket.
What can cause this? Generally from my experience-a rough ride. When a guitar is shipped the delivery guys are way too rough with packages. This is the result of guitars being dropped and thrown around. It is however an easy fix.

How do I fix left to right neck alignment?

Loosen the string tension, and partially loosen the neck bolts in the back of the guitar. Rap slightly or push on the head stock to correct the problem. Hold in place and re-tighten the neck bolts. Very small, almost imperceptible tweaks will result in a surprising results for this type of guitar neck misalignment issue. It is very easy to fix!

By Rick Mariner| July 25th, 2019|A Guitar Neck Profile, A Perfect Guitar World, acoustic guitar setups and repairs, Better More Reliable Guitar, Broken Guitar Neck Repair, Custom guitar modifications, Custom Guitar Mods, Guitar Action, Guitar adjustments, Guitar Care, guitar comfort level, Guitar Education, guitar improvements, Guitar Intonation, guitar modifications, Guitar Neck Adjustment Information, Guitar Neck install, guitar neck misalignment, Guitar neck repair, Guitar neck replacement, Guitar neck reshaping, Guitar neck straightening, guitar neck truss rod adjustment, Guitar repair by Haywire Custom Shop, Guitar Repairs In S.C., Help for guitar repairs and modifications, Help With All Guitar Adjustments, Help With Your Guitar, Installing A Bolt-On Guitar Neck, Replacement Guitar Neck, setups and repairs, string buzz, We improve your guitar intonation|0 Comments

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About the Author: Rick Mariner

Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars Inc. He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree from University of Md.and a Masters degree from George Washington University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.

Guitar String Buzz

There’s nothing more aggravating than guitar string buzz makes noises it shouldn’t. An issue that comes up often is subject of guitar string buzz. It’s a problem that happens often to players. What is it?
String buzz is caused when a string strikes against the top of a fret.  It creates a buzzing sound. There are a few reasons why this occurs from the strings on your guitar:
1. Are you playing the note in the right place?
Watch your technique. See if you’re fretting notes at the right spot behind the fret. If your fingers are too far behind your frets then you’ll hear some unwanted buzzing.
2. Are you striking your strings too hard? 
Don’t be rough but be firm with your instrument. If you hit the strings too hard when strumming, it can cause the strings to vibrate up and down too much (as opposed to side to side), increasing the chance of string buzz.

Apply proper finger pressure

3. Do you apply the proper amount of pressure to the string when fretting your notes?
Make good contact with the frets with the tips of your fingers. Again-this is a technique issue. Are you playing sloppily or clean?  Finger strength is important. Are you having trouble playing barre chords?  Strengthen your fingers. How? Play more and practice details such as clearly articulating each and every note. Maintain good string contact with the top of each fret.
4. Are the guitar strings too light for your technique?
Look at any new changes in your guitar strings. Have you changed the gauge? If so, this will cause a different tension when tuned up and therefore cause you to have to change your attack. If you cannot adjust then string buzz will occur.

New guitar not set up yet

5. Is your guitar new? Has it been properly set-up? Does it have the gauge of string that you normally use? Is the action too low?
With low action comes a trade-off. Super-low action can cause a sring buzz. However, if you can live with it-it is so much easier to play. Not all buzz will translate through an amplifier. So, if slight buzzing occurs when un-amplified, ignore it when plugged in, because you’ll never hear it anyway.
6. Is your guitar is set up properly?
Taking it to a guitar tech can help a lot. Get it set up right.

Uneven frets or humped neck

7. Can the buzzing is caused by uneven frets, an over-bowed or humped neck?
A good guitar tech can tell. He’ll level the frets, straighten the neck and get it right for you.
8. Are the tuner bushings loose?
If so you’ll clearly hear a good amount of buzzing and rattles that can be hard to pinpoint. Check and see if they are tight.
9. Does the string buzz occur when the note is played on and open string?
This will occur when a string “nut” slot is cut incorrectly. It can be fixed by a competent luthier or guitar tech. It sounds much like a “Sitar” effect when the open note is played.

By Rick Mariner| August 10th, 2019|A Perfect Guitar World, acoustic guitar modifications, acoustic guitar setups and repairs, Ask For Help, better guitar tone, Correct guitar strings, Custom Guitar Mods, fix your guitar, fix your guitar buzz, Getting guitar sounds and tones, Gig Ready Guitars, Guitar Action, Guitar adjustments, Guitar Care, Guitar Education, guitar neck misalignment, Guitar neck repair, Guitar neck straightening, guitar neck truss rod adjustment, guitar setups and repairs, guitar sound preservation, Guitar Tune-ups, http://haywirecustomguitars.com/services.html, maintenance On Your Electric Guitar, mods and fast service., neck of your guitar is adjustable, Replacement Guitar Neck, setups and repairs, Straighten your adjustable guitar neck, string buzz, Technique playing guitar, The Right Guitar, Urgent Care for Guitar, Use the Correct guitar strings, We improve your guitar intonation

Headstock Repair

One of the worst feelings things for a guitar player to see is the headstock from his favorite guitar break off due to an accident. In most cases the repair can be fixed. The guitar can play and look as good as new. The most common guitar headstock repair is on a Gibson style guitar. It lends itself to breakage due to the design. Send it to us and we’ll fix it for you.

 

Breaks can be heart stopping, but can be repaired. We do it all the time.

Do You Need Cracked or Broken Guitar Headstock Repair?

If you have a broken guitar repair for us-call Haywire Custom Guitars to repair it quickly.
Haywire Custom Shop Offers:

• Affordable Guitar Headstock Repair
• Quick turnaround time
• Most guitar services covered: damaged necks, electronic repair, setups, guitar neck replacement…
• Our services include but are not limited to: Custom Built Guitars in addition we handle: Guitar Repairs
  8 Point Tune Up
  Guitar Modifications, Hardware installation
  Custom Neck Building, Neck repair and Reshaping
  Full Guitar Set-Ups
  Fret Leveling and Fret Crowning
  Guitar Pickup Replacement, Pickup installation
  Special Circuits
  Custom Guitar Repairs
  Volume and Tone Mods, Electronics and wiring modification
  Recessed Heel Crest
  Guitar Re-Fretting
  Heel Crest Reduction
  Treble Bleed Circuits
  Super-wide Neck Replacement 1-5/8″ to 1-7/8″
  Guitar Neck Shaving
• Guitar Headstock Repair
  Super-slim Neck Replacement
  Guitar Neck Replacement, Fret leveling, Nut filing
  Custom Guitar Neck Contours, custom guitar neck shaping, thinning and profiling

We offer excellent guitar headstock repair service.

Prices are affordable for every day working musicians.
At Haywire Custom Guitars- Guitar Repair Shop, we have many ways to make guitar players happy.
If your guitar needs anything, give us a call. We’ll do it. If your guitar neck is cracked or broken-call us to repair it quickly.
Call: Haywire Custom Guitars
843-347-5742

Ship:

2 things to remember when shipping to us:

Firstly, Ship with the US Post Office. They are less expensive and much more careful  with your packages from our experience.
Second, Forget buying “signature required” services. Our postal carriers know where to leave the neck safely and securely. These two tips will save you money, save time by getting us the neck sooner and delivered safely. “We are musicians working for musicians” 
Regards,
Rick Mariner
Haywire Custom Guitars Inc.
Haywire Custom Shop,
2007 Lees Landing Circle-Conway, SC 29526
http://haywirecustomguitars.com

We can repair a broken guitar neck

Photo before neck break repair on a Les Paul

By Rick Mariner| December 1st, 2019|Broken Guitar Neck, Broken Guitar Neck Repair, fix your guitar, Gig Ready Guitar, Guitar Care, guitar improvements, guitar neck headstock repair, guitar neck misalignment, Guitar neck repair, Guitar neck straightening, Guitar Repair Cost, Guitar Repair Education, Guitar repair Haywire Custom Guitars, Guitar repair Haywire Custom Guitars-Custom Shop, guitar repair skill, guitar repairs, Guitar Repairs In S.C., Headstock Repair, Help With Your Guitar, http://haywirecustomguitars.com/services.html, Installing A Bolt-On Guitar Neck, maintenance On Your Electric Guitar, One Day Urgent Care Services, Repairs, Replacement Guitar Neck, setups and repairs, Snapped Headstock Repair, Spare Guitar|0 Comments

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About the Author: Rick Mariner

Mr. Rick Mariner Owner and Founder and CEO of Haywire Custom Guitars Inc. He is a member of The Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans (A.S.I.A.) as well as a guitar player. Rick holds a bachelors degree from University of Md.and a Masters degree from George Washington University. Rick developed his exclusive 8 – Point “Gig- Ready” guitar process that allows for Custom Guitars that are “GIG-READY”. With Rick’s many years of development and guitar set-up experience, Haywire Guitar shop “Builds satisfied players… one Haywire guitar at a time”.

Cracked or Broken Guitar Headstock ?