Buzzing (PLEASE HELP)!

[sheyac]

Ok, I've been playing for a day and a half on my new acoustic guitar, and I've noticed what seems to be a very big problem. On the bass E string, near the top at fret 10 onwards to about fret 17, if I play the string hard, it buzzes. This also occurs around the same area for the d string, although it is a lot less noticable. It is minimized if I tighten the E string, but I have the feeling if I re-tune the guitar with this tightness, the last 4 strings might snap. Now I was asking if this is a problem with the strings or with the fret board. The neck is straight, and the action is OK (0.5cm (0.195") at the 12th fret open. Holding down the string at the 1st fret and the 15th fret, the 7th fret action is at 0.2cm (0.078")). If it is a problem with the strings, should I go for a bigger gauge or a smaller one to eliminate this problem.

Thanks a lot

[Perfect4th]

Slight buzzing is not a big deal, especially on higher frets. How much time do you spend there anyway?

If is real bad, take it to a guitar shop and get it set up. Neck adjusted, strings, intonation, bridge, etc. You may have to sacrifice action for no buzz. Unless of course you buy a Taylor or Guild.

By the way, don't tighten that E string beyond standard tuning, you will start snapping strings. Also, like you said, you can go to a lighter guage string, but you'll lose tone the smaller you go.

Peace!

[sheyac]

Thanks, I've raised my action by about 1mm, and 90% of the buzzing is gone. I'll experiment with string guages to see the one that balances between tone and buzz to take off that last 10% of buzz. Thanks anyway for your help.

[incognito]

i know how to fiddle the action on my electric, but how do i go about doing it on my accoustic, or does it require a new bridge???
also, can you raise the actions on just one string? or should you keep them all level?

[Perfect4th]

Work can be done on the bridge to make it lower. I'd take it to a shop to get it done right. Typically an acoustic has an Ivory (plastic) bridge that's one peice. I don't think you could raise the action on one string. But, I've been wrong before.

Peace!