Serious Problem with fret buzz/action

[mycroscope]

I have been an L32c owner for six months and love it dearly. However, I had recently noticed buzzing - most noticeably at the 5th to 7th frets on the A & D strings. When I was playing live and capoed at the 5th fret, the ensuing noise became embarrassing.

As I was going to have a pickup fitted (a Headway HE1/G2.FEQ) by a pro luthier here in France, I thought that would solve the problem in the process, so I mentioned it to him. However, it was no different afterwards. He couldn't solve it. I tried putting 56/45/35 strings on the bottom instead of the 53/42/32. But it still makes buzz - not as badly cos of the increased tension, but it is still there. (Frankly, I prefer the lighter strings from a playing-style standpoint). The action is awful too. Far too high. I began to start pulling my hair out at my last public performance last Saturday. I even started thinking about selling the guitar (what heresy!). Then I thought - heck no! - I'll simply jump on a plane to Ireland (14 cents each way with Ryanair!) and get the makers to fix it. That's how much I trust you. Can I do that? Please? Before I do the unthinkable...

[JB]

Hi Mycroscope, sorry to hear you're having some troublesome frets.

We are always happy for customers to take their guitars to competent guitar techs for adjustments but we're even happier if the customer can come direct to us, so yes, if you can make time to come over we'd be happy to sort any issues out for you.

... and ofcourse you can get a tour of the factory etc while you're here

Please let me know times and dates etc
Cheers
Jim

[mycroscope]

Thanks Jim. What kind of a turnaround time are we talking about? I mean can it be done within one day? I was thinking possibly of Wed.10 - Frid.12th or Mon.15th May. Are you nearer to Belfast than Dublin?

Cordially,

Alan

[JB]

Hi Alan, a very fast turnaround, it should only take an hour or so to do a neck adjustment.

Any of those days suit fine.
There are 2 Belfast airports, Aldagrove/Belfast International and Belfast City Airport sometimes calls the Harbour Airport.

International is the furthest away, about 45 mins drive but the City Airport is on the South side of Belfast and we're only 20 mins away, much handier to get from City Airport to us.

Altho' the office is open longer the actual factory is 7:30am - 4pm Mon - Thurs and 7:30 - 2pm on Friday.

I look forward to your visit if it all works out.
Cheers
Jim
02891 - 820542

[mycroscope]

Is Monday the 15th May okay? I shall be arriving in the area on Sunday 14th May and leaving early on Tuesday 16th.

Could you please give me good directions from Dublin?

Many thanks, Jim.

Alan.

[JB]

Dublin ! .... ? .... make sure you've got your mobile phone with you, a packed lunch, a tent, sleeping bag, compass, comfy walking shoes and a map

no seriously, it's a long trip from Dublin to us, either by train or bus to Belfast then another bus or taxi to us.

I'll check to see if there's a bus going direct Newtownards from Dublin or some other handy way.

Mon 15th is fine

[mycroscope]

Thanks for the thoughts John Greypicker.

Yes, I would definitely describe myself as a committed guitar player! Not a great guitar player cos I play mainly cross-picking/strumming to accompany my songs in our group (two guitars, cello, double bass and drums) rather than as a flashy soloist. But I just don't see the point of doing anything without being committed - especially when it comes to music. I mean for a beautiful lover I'd do anything and travel anywhere. So nipping over to Ireland is a pleasure because it can only result in increased sweetness in my lover/guitar. (Well that's down to you, Jim!)

I find that Ryanair are usually very helpful regarding guitars. I've used them many times with mine. And I love their prices. Flying to Dublin will cost me £27 for a return flight. Can't complain about that!

More later, no doubt...

[crofty]

Hi Mycroscope
I am sure the lads at Newtonards will sort your L32 out.I have a A100
(early one serial no 122)on which I had a set up done,the action was lowered and when I dropped the tuning to play in DADGAD the e and b
strings buzzed,raising the strings back up again solved the problem.
Looking forward to hearing all about your trip to the factory.
Regards
Crofty