Leaderboard

I almost had the Space Echo in my list. I tried one in a shop back in the ‘80s and was mightily impressed and, of course, Brian Setzer uses them and I’m a big fan of his. In fact, I must edit my guitar list.

It was my first thought, but the Zendrive into a clean Brunetti gets me very close to a Dumble.

Solution really depends on the guitar. 1) Is the neck straight? Check neck bow and make sure the neck is straight by using either a straight edge or by sighting down the neck from the headstock (less reliable than a straight edge). If it's too curved twist the truss rod a quarter turn clockwise, it shouldn't need more than that. If there's a backbow then turn the truss rod a quarter turn anticlockwise for more bow. If you need to do more than half a turn then take it to a luthier as you'll have a serious neck bow issue. Next, you'll need to check string height. Lower the strings until you get fret buzz and then raise the string saddles by a half turn each screw until the strings just start to buzz in some places but not others. 2) Where is it buzzing? a) If it's buzzing above the 12th fret and you've already straightened the neck and it's a bolt on neck then you'll need to adjust the neck angle. Take the neck off and remove a shim or replace it with one that isn't so thick. For Fender/Musicman microtilt necks, you won't need to remove the neck or slacken the strings, just tweak using an allen key in the hole in the neck plate. Otherwise, reattach neck, tune strings to pitch and check for buzz in the same places. You should notice a difference. If it's neck through or glued in then get a luthier to look at it. b) If it's buzzing below the 3rd fret then your nut is too low. You'll need a new nut and cut string slots in it that are slightly higher than the ones at present. It's best to take it to a luthier as it needs super thin files and good eyesight. c) If you're getting buzz on single frets then you'll need a fret level - get a reputable luthier to do it because if you take off too much metal from the frets the guitar will need a complete refret. d) If you're getting buzz on one side of a set of frets further down the neck and then on the other side further up the neck then you'll have a neck twist. The prognosis isn't great but a skilled luthier might be able to steam the neck straight or replace the fingerboard and install stiffening to correct the twist. It won't be cheap. Otherwise, is it comfortable? Is there fret buzz relatively consistently across the whole fingerboard? If so, raise the string saddles until the buzzing just disappears and your guitar should be 80% set up. With the exception of intonation.

Where abouts are you..? It may be an idea to have someone have a look at the instrument. No decent guitar shops or luthiers nearby..? A good set-up by a good luthier is always a Good Investment, and most will explain what's up and give tips, too. Any use..? Edit : you mention having already tried lowering the bridge. Have you put it back to where it was before..?

My Les Paul Trad has always had a low-level electrical hum - the sort that stops when you touch the strings. I’ve had some time on my hands recently and started playing it a lot more and now the hum has started to really wind me up. So I’ve just spent a happy morning shielding the control cavity with copper tape and - like magic - the hum has now gone! Happy day! Im now wondering if this might work on the irritating noise coming from Mrs S*...... *Just kidding, obvs. The next 12 weeks will fly past in the wink of an eye

I think we’re all about to become a bit Zen about small tasks, learning to take joy in little everyday things. For my part, I always enjoy tinkering with guitars, but I’m up to date with all of that at the moment, so I’ll have to find other things that need doing, although I draw the line at painting skirting boards - hateful task.