Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi Guys
I'm no repair person so i would really appreciate some help on this one.
A person from my village came round with a guitar her son has bought for himself. He is having lessons and the teacher gave them my number.
It is a 'cheap' guitar and it buzzes really bad.
I want to help them sort this problem as they wouldn't be able to afford to take it to a shop/repair person etc. Also, the repair would probably cost as much as the guitar.

I can fix buzzes from frets, nuts etc but I'm not sure about this one. The TRUSS ROD IS NOT FIXED. It is loose as hell - see pics. It slides up and down the channel about 1 1/2 inches.

The E and A strings buzz/rattle at will, both open and fretted. Sounds awful.

The relief is good. Action average. Nut not too low

Do you think the truss rod is the most likely cause of this?? I have tried putting pressure on the rod to stop it moving whilst playing but she still buzzes.

If it is likely the Truss Rod is there a simple fix? I don't want to put glue in the channel and make it worse.

Any advice would be gratefully received. Many thanks.

Mat

Do you know what type of trussrod it is?
When you thighten it do it act like broken? Can you put tension on the trussrod adjusting nut?
This may be a case where you need to remove the fretboard.

If the rod is sliding loose and can't be tightened, and the neck is straight regardless, you really don't have much to lose by experimenting a bit.
Use some heat to loosen the glue of one or more of the fretboard marker dots and carefully pry them up. Then drill down through to the truss slot and flood with thin super glue. If this fails you really haven't lost much, and if it works you have at least bought your customer some time until he springs for a major repair or more likely gets something new.
Good luck!!

_________________
It's not the miles ahead, it's the stone in your shoe


In Markham,Virginia

Alain, Jon
Thanks for your kind replies.
I have loads of Allen keys but none which fit the end of this rod?!? I will find one quick and see what happens.
I think the super glue in the channel may be the way to go. I'll check with the customer. If I'm right, the glue will mean that the rod may not work but will at least be fixed so that it will (hopefully) stop the buzz.
Many thanks
Mat