Help! Is it my trussrod?

[dennisobell]

Hey everyone:

I need a little help here. I know that this topic has probably been discussed a million times before (most likely on that "other" forum),
but all the people here seem to really go out of their way to help out-even for a relative novice (only about 16 months) like myself.

The issue is this:

-I have both a Les Paul Std. Plus and a Casino that are both experiencing a fair amount of buzz on my "A" string, especially on the frets closest to the nut. The symptoms are the virtually the same on both guitars. As of now, the only adjustment that I felt comfortable doing myself was to raise the one side of the bridge a few turns. This helped, but only slightly-the buzz is still there. And now, of course, the action is a little high for my taste.

The questions:

-Is this a sure sign that I need to adjust my trussrod?
-If so, I am fairly hands on, but is this a territory that is better left to a professional?
-Should this be considered a regular maintenance issue or a sign that I might not be storing my instruments properly? I have them on neck wall hangers (I've already seen the previous post here discussing this issue).
-Finally, could this be an Epiphone issue? My Fender Standard MIM Strat experiences none of these symptoms.

All your suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance.

[CAFeathers]

Is this problem ONLY on the A string? and on 2 guitars? Have you changed strings and/or string guages lately? Do you play alot on the A string? Does it buzz unplugged and plugged in to your amp?

[dennisobell]

CAFeathers said:

Is this problem ONLY on the A string? and on 2 guitars? Have you changed strings and/or string guages lately? Do you play alot on the A string? Does it buzz unplugged and plugged in to your amp?

I know that it sounds weird, but:

-Yes, it seems to appear only on the "A."
-Yes, on both guitars.
-I haven't changed the strings that much-I know that I probably should do it more often.
-No, I don't play the A string more so than the others.
-It certainly is there when I am unplugged-I haven't really tested it too much with the amp on.

Hope this will help. Thanks.

[CAFeathers]

Strange as it seems it sounds to me like dead strings.

[dennisobell]

CAFeathers said:

Strange as it seems it sounds to me like dead strings.

O.K., now I feel like a real dumba**!

I changed the strings on the Les Paul last night. . . Problem solved!

My question now, therefore is:

How often should I be changing my strings (Before everyone answers all at once: "Obviously more often than you have been!")?

I mean, is this just like motor oil in a car (one month or 100 hours, whichever comes first)?

I would think that more experienced players just sort of know, I guess.

Thanks for the help!

[CAFeathers]

No need to feel like a dumba**, It is all part of the process that we all go through.

It would depend on how often and how much you play each guitar.
If a guitar is played daily and is wiped down after each use the strings probably should be changed once a month.

Here is what I do to keep track of string changes. After I restring I cut the front of the box or package that the strings came in off, I write on the back of it, what guitar, and the date I changed them. Then that goes on my desk so I can check them often.

[jukes]

wash your hands before you play.and wipe down your guitar after.and i play(try to anyways) every day and i change once a month,or if i think the strings sound a bit dull sounding i change them anyways even if its a week and i notice a difference.truss rod?,i tried to lower my action,and screwed with the truss rod,my guitar was not right for a while after that.had to learn how to set a guitar up really fast:)

[zep]

Not a very rare problem really...
speaking of that I need to change my strings ;D

CAFeathers hit it on the head as far as replacement goes. Some people have it narrowed down to a certain number of hours of playing per set of strings but you don't need to be that precise. On the "other" forum, some people have allegedly used the same set of strings for several years (they must like the old worn out sound or something...I dunno, maybe they're happy as long as it plays), but since packs of strings are only around $5 it doesn't hurt to change them and have an extra set lying around.

[dennisobell]

Thanks, everyone.

I'm going string-shopping today!!!