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Why do the strings buzz when I play?

Buzzing strings can be caused by a number of things. Your bridge (if electric) or your saddle may be too low. Another cause could be that the neck might have a slight reverse warp. If a reverse warp is the cause, the buzzing will be on many strings and many frets.

What if my guitar is not under warranty? Can you fix it?

Yes!

Does a guitar need regular service?

Yes. Temperature and humidity are constantly changing, swelling the wood and drying it out. Having your guitar serviced regularly will save you money in the long run.

What is a Set-up, and when should I do it?

A setup is a compete overhaul of your guitar. It varies depending on whether the instrument is electric or acoustic, but basically it puts your guitar in the best possible playing condition.

Why does my electric guitar pickup switch not work?

This could be caused by a few things. First, the switch could simply be dirty. Switches can last for years, but depending upon the manufacturer, I have seen them fail in just a few months if inexpensive parts were used in manufacturing. It could also be a wire that is shorting out, or even a bad ground. Replacing a switch is not an expensive repair.

My guitar's strings are hard to press down, what's wrong?

This problem is the opposite of the buzzing guitar. Once again it could be that the bridge or saddle is too high in an acoustic (caused by a bridge which is pulling up, or by a top that is warping). The most likely cause is that the neck has warped due do the effects of changing temperature or humidity. This is an inexpensive repair for most quality guitars, and can be impossible on some
poorly made instruments.

When I play a note the wrong note sounds, why?

If you are getting buzzing or a false note on just one or two strings, and only in certain sections of the fingerboard, it is very likely a fret that has popped up. This repair may seem simple, but great care must be taken so that the neck is not damaged. There are many ways to approach a fret repair.

Your guitar tech will determine which is the best in your case.

My guitar is difficult to play, can this be fixed?

Yes! A set-up would entail all the proper adjustments to make your guitar feel good and sound great! Measured adjustments such as truss rod, bridge saddle height, pick up adjustment, torque the machine heads properly, cleaning electronics, conditioning the fret board, intonation and finally polishing, would all be done.

My guitar buzzes in some places, what is that?

Buzz comes from a variety of potential problems. Sometimes improper neck relief (fixed with a set up) or un even fret wear. In this case, the preceding fret has worn down and is “shallower” the the next fret. The vibrating string then contacts the next fret as the string is played causing the undesirable buzz. The solution is a level crown and polish. A level plane is re-established across the tops of the frets, and then the profile of the individual frets are reshaped and then polished.

Additionally other sources of buzzing noise can be caused by cracks in acoustic guitar tops, and loose or cracked braces. Other culprits include loose hardware, a low or worn nut, and even improperly seated string ball ends in side acoustic guitars. Don’t worry! Any of these causes are usually quite repairable!

If you have a question that isn't discussed in the FUQ, please feel free to contact us anytime!  We'll get back to you right away!