Just got a new Jem, have a high fret - What to do?

[Triangle]

Just got a new 7vwh. It appears as if the 19th fret is too high, in the middle only. I get buzz when I hit a G string, 18th fret, or when I bend the high E (to a C)on the 18th fret. It happens no where else.

What do I need to do to fix this problem?

[Rich]

If it's new take it back and make them take care of it asafp. If it's used first check and make sure a straight edge will rock on the fret. If it does see if the fret looks as if it's as set as the rest. If not whack it with a hammer If it looks set tape a piece of 320/400 to a popsicle stick, hold the bar down and sand away where it needs it, checking progress often, just pull out the stick (try to not sand the ebony) let up the bar and play. First make double sure it's not a combination of frets. Use the straight edge and sight them. Finish polish it with 600onastick. Then take some steel wool(0000) and polish against the direction on the scratches you've left.

[vwall]

Ditto what Rich says.

Be sure to spen the extra $$ for a TRUE balanced straight edge.

wood and plastic are not to be used.

[SalemB]

Where do you go to buy a straight edge? A guitar store or hardware store? I don't even know what it looks like.

[Rich]

Almost anywhere, it looks, well, straight! 6" metal mm rules work just fine.

[diek]

Of course, Stew Mac has straight edges, but they're overpriced. I have a set of metal architect rulers. They're as straight as a man made line can be and you can get them in a variety of lengths (plus they have a variety of measuring systems on them). I also have a clear plastic straight edge that I made. I use it so I can see through it. You can also use a multimeter to check how many frets the string is buzzing on so you definitely know which fret is high. Guess work is something you DON'T want to do when it comes to frets. Also, check WHERE on the fret it is high, If you sand the whole fret, you can create new buzzing on what used to be non-buzzing. Good luck!

[SalemB]

I went to my local harware store yesterday, and ended up picking one more or less at random. It's metal and it is really too long (probably 20" ). Well, it does the job. Earlier I knew I had a high fret, now I can prove it . I don't actually care about the high fret, I just wan't to learn the tools and the trade.

You can also use a multimeter to check how many frets the string is buzzing on so you definitely know which fret is high.

How?

[Anonymous]

set the multimeter to continuity test.....connect one lead to a tuner on the headstock........hit the string you think is buzzing....connect the other lead to the fret you think is buzzing.....if the multimeter shows continuity, then there is buzzing at that fret you just tested

[SalemB]

Aha, got it. Thanks. I will test this. I'll learn a lot from having a high fret