Maybe a beginner question but I was hoping for some help

[chedwerks]

I just changed the strings on my ASAT Classic for the first time. I used the same gauge, same brand, and I know how to properly change strings. For some reason my low E is buzzing even when a note isn't fretted. It isn't very noticeable when amplified but more of an acoustic thing. I can live with it but it drives me damn nuts knowing it's there.
I do know how to fix it by most likely raising the string height at the saddle. However my question is why? What would cause this to happen and why do I have to adjust something that is the same as it was before? Thanks fellas.
Mike

[yowhatsshakin]

Hi Mike,

It can be for several reasons.

I do not know whether you take off all your strings in one go and then restring your guitar one by one. But in the former case, since you remove all the string pull from the neck, your neck relief may be slightly changed. This may be solved by a slight tweak of the truss rod. BTW, even if you change your strings one by one, and I do them from the outside to the inside, this change in neck-relief can still happen.

Another reason may be that fresh strings are a little bit more 'elastic'. This is why you have to retune your guitar frequently with a new set. And is is why people stretch their strings so they don't have to retune that often. Did you stretch your strings? Otherwise, try it and see what happens.

Hope this helps,

- Jos

[sirmyghin]

Maybe your nut is done, worn too low and only noticable with the near strings?

[sickbutnottired]

+1 for both yowhat and sirmy's posts. I changed strings on my ASAT Deluxe, to a lighter string--my traditional Ernie Ball Slinky's (10's). And, strangely, had a pretty noticeable overbow to deal with. I was thinking I might have an underbow going to lighter strings, but nope.

An easy way to check the truss rod setting is to fret low e at first fret, then at the 22nd. There should be a very slight gap between the string as you travel up the neck. Then I like to check like between the first and 12 or 14th fret, like you would with an acoustic. Just to get a 'feel' for the shape. Then I make very slight adjustments from there.

You can google for more detailed instructions, and 'right' way to do it with measurements and all. I would check that out.

Also, if someone modified the nut for very heavy strings, going lighter can cause serious buzz issues, that are only correctable with a re-nut.