Please help with "B" string buzz

[magictwanger]

I notice a slight "B" string buzz,but only on the first few frets,closest to the nut.Now,I did go ahead and buy a new bone saddle from Bob Colosi,and figured I'd keep the compensated part a "touch" higher when sanding....Any thoughts are welcome

[Queequeg]

Buzzing can be a difficult thing to diagnose.
Make sure that the ball end of the string is pulled up tight against the bridge plate.
If you're sure that's not the problem, ascertain that the 2nd string tuning machine is screwed down "snugly" (not tight) so that it's not rattling around.

After that, I recommend you consult Frank Ford here.

[OutWithTheBlue]

Buzzing can be a difficult thing to diagnose.
Make sure that the ball end of the string is pulled up tight against the bridge plate.
If you're sure that's not the problem, ascertain that the 2nd string tuning machine is screwed down "snugly" (not tight) so that it's not rattling around.

After that, I recommend you consult Frank Ford here.

Agreed, but being so close to the nut it seems as if the nut is maybe cut to deep..check that out. Push down in the string firmly behind the nut and play the B string open..if the buzz stops then you know what it is.

[unclrob]

If it doesn't buzz when you finger the "C" note then its a nut slot problem.Look close and see if the string is sitting too low.If thats the case you can do a fill and re-notch or make another nut.

[magictwanger]

I pushed down on the string behind the nut,and still had this slight problem.It is no big deal,but does appear to happen only at the second fret.Hmm?

  I'm thinking of filling in the cut of the B string slot,on the nut by using something like a pinhead of super glue,or an alternative.If anyone has experience here I'd greatly appreciate it....I'm going to upgrade my standard Larri Tusq saddle to a Colosi Bone soon,and was going to add a tiny more height to the B string area.I'm using light strings,so this is not a huge problem,as the guitar(a really,"really" good D-O3R)still has "it"!

  Thanks to all

[Zohn]

To check for a too low slot, insert a piece of paper between the slot and the string and re-tune to pitch - if the buzz is still there, it could be any of the other symptoms mentioned above. Buzz is also sometimes prevalent on a neighbouring fret which isn't crowned properly - the buzz usually happens on a flat spot on a fret.
This sounds like a low nut-slot to me.

[magictwanger]

I agree with the low nut scenario.Can I fill the gap,myself...and what is the best way?I'm doing the bone saddle soon,so this would be the time to address this.

  Thanks

[unclrob]

I use baking soda and stupid glue.Fill the slot with the baking soda,clean away the eccess,put a drop of glue on baking soda.Wait about 20 min for the glue to cure.Cut new slot a little at a time,checking the string hieght as you go.Best is a little at a time.

[magictwanger]

Since the buzz is so slight,can I just add a tiny bit of some kind of super-duper glue(which dries like concrete)to add a touch more height "in the nut slot"? This,instead of recutting?

  Thanks.....You folks have been a real help

[unclrob]

Put the baking soda in anyway,something for the glue to grab so it won't spill out.Then take a string a little slightly higher guage if you have it.After the B.S and glue press the string kinda quike and that will notch the slot without having to file.

[Zohn]

  Agree Rob I tried your method and it works great - I might just add since I usually tend to squeeze out more glue than is necessary, it is a good idea to mask the whole surrounding nut area up close to the slot you're working with masking tape. It saves you a lot of trouble in case you need to clean up a spill of that nasty glue from a fret board or the head-plate.

[magictwanger]

good stuff....thanks

[OutWithTheBlue]