stumpkicker - Posted - 02/13/2023:  11:37:45

Just in the lask week my A String has developed a buzz. Buzzes both as an open string and when “fretted” all the way up to thru 3rd position F. They are D’addario Ascente strings which I have used before with no problem. They have been on the instrument about six weeks, and I practice an hour more or less a day. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Rick

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 02/13/2023:  17:37:25

That could mean the string groove at the nut is too deep and the string is buzzing against the fingerboard. You may need a taller nut.



If that’s not the case, it could be that you’re getting a buzz as the result of something open, like a seam or a crack somewhere.

It's hard to diagnose concretely without having it in my hands. 

Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 02/13/2023 17:38:47

Brian Wood - Posted - 02/13/2023:  20:57:08

It won’t be the groove in the nut if it buzzes all the way up the neck. More likely the groove in the bridge. But it can be many other things. I once solved a similar problem by removing the plastic sleeve that comes with strings. It was rattling on the afterlength.

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 02/13/2023:  21:37:53

quote:

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Originally posted by Brian Wood

It won’t be the groove in the nut if it buzzes all the way up the neck. More likely the groove in the bridge. But it can be many other things. I once solved a similar problem by removing the plastic sleeve that comes with strings. It was rattling on the afterlength.

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He didn't say it buzzed all the way up the neck, only up to F in third position.

Nut grooves are the causes of a lot of buzzes. Not all of them. The fingerboard can be at issue if there isn't a proper scoop. Getting the height right is one of those things that  make a setup better.

When bridge grooves are too deep, the strings will be buried in the wood and won't ring as they should, but that's not the cause of a buzz.

The string protector rattling would be a possibility if it happened whenever anything was played, but not if it was limited to a certain area of one string. 

Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 02/13/2023 21:41:21

DougD - Posted - 02/13/2023:  21:48:31

If you have fine tuners in your tailpiece, they can buzz or rattle if the adjusting screw is loose. Also, what about the string? Have you tried another one?

The Violin Beautiful - Posted - 02/13/2023:  21:52:39

quote:

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Originally posted by DougD

If you have fine tuners in your tailpiece, they can buzz or rattle if the adjusting screw is loose. Also, what about the string? Have you tried another one?

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Fine tuners can cause a rattle, but it would be something you'd hear on every string, and the sound of a fine tuner rattle is rather distinct.

I thought about the string as well, but it seems less likely to be the culprit if it was fine for several weeks prior. 

Edited by - The Violin Beautiful on 02/13/2023 21:54:04

Swing - Posted - 02/14/2023:  04:22:48

Check to see if the tailpiece is touching the chin rest

Play Happy

Swing

FiddleDoug - Posted - 02/15/2023:  09:15:29

If it's not something evident like a fine tuner or open seam, then it's probably a problem with string clearance to the fingerboard, or the fingerboard itself. A good luthier can sort it out for you.