Archtop resonance buzz solution

[chris_b]

Hi there, I've noticed some other folks having issues with random bits on hardware buzzing on archtops. I have a Greco es175 copy that is quite acoustically resonant for a laminate top that was buzzing something wicked. It turns out it was the spike/star washers under the pots! I removed them and it's significantly better. Thinking of adding some rubber or cotton 'washers' on either side of the pot to further reduce vibrations.

Just thought I'd share because I know how annoying that buzzing can be.

[XISTH]

Hi

In my case, an Eastman T49d/v, and after a lot of head scratching, it turned out to be the pickups vibrating against their plastic settings. The solution was to insert plastic shims (actually cut up Gibson plectrums) between the pickups and the settings. And now ... no buzz!

[Tal_175]

It's odd that spike/star washers caused buzzing. They are supposed to be tightly sandwiched between the top and the pots. If they are loose that means the nut that attaches the pots to the top is loose. I don't see how they can cause buzzing if the pots are secure.

[citizenk74]

Hi there, I've noticed some other folks having issues with random bits on hardware buzzing on archtops. I have a Greco es175 copy that is quite acoustically resonant for a laminate top that was buzzing something wicked. It turns out it was the spike/star washers under the pots! I removed them and it's significantly better. Thinking of adding some rubber or cotton 'washers' on either side of the pot to further reduce vibrations.

Just thought I'd share because I know how annoying that buzzing can be.

[citizenk74]

Hi

In my case, an Eastman T49d/v, and after a lot of head scratching, it turned out to be the pickups vibrating against their plastic settings. The solution was to insert plastic shims (actually cut up Gibson plectrums) between the pickups and the settings. And now ... no buzz!

[sgosnell]

I agree that if the star washers are loose, then the nuts that hold them in place have to be loose, so tighten them up. If they're loose because of a tang on the top of the pot holding it away from the top and the washers are inside it, bend it flat so the washers are tight against the top. Removing them isn't the best way to do it.

I once had a buzz that took me awhile to find, which was caused by a push-pull pot shaft buzzing because it was loose in the housing. Some silicone took care of that. And anything which can loosen, will, sooner or later. You can take that to the bank.

[kris]

Hi

In my case, an Eastman T49d/v, and after a lot of head scratching, it turned out to be the pickups vibrating against their plastic settings. The solution was to insert plastic shims (actually cut up Gibson plectrums) between the pickups and the settings. And now ... no buzz!

I had a similar problem.

[Dennis D]

.......Not sure exactly if this fits, but my acoustic '50's L-7 had an intermittent buzz / rattle. It took a while, but even with my old eyes, I finally spotted the source - -the bone nut had a hairline crack - - maybe half-way through the nut between the 3rd&4th string spacings. Unless the light hit it perfectly, it was barely visible.
........And my luthier missed it too.....

........So, bottom line, new nut installed and away went the noise.

[73Fender]

Another source can be on an ABR bridge. The adjusting screws and or wire can be pushed downward. That one is well known.
I discovered another on my ES 330’s ABR. There are two round knurled adjusting washers on each side. One is for bridge height adjustments but the other one sits on the top. If that one is off the surface at all it will rattle.