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Oahus - Can the aluminum bridge causes string buzz?

From Liz Williams on 12/26/2011 10:07:20 PM

Hi Everybody: I've got a stupid newbie question about my Oahus. I've got one of the little student models and a 65M. Both of them can buzz on the 2nd and 3rd string when I note up the neck, say from about the 7th fret up. Both guitars have aluminum bridges. Tonight, I put a little piece of folded-up aluminum foil under the second string on the student model, and that seemed to help, at least for awhile.

Have any of you run into this problem with your Oahus? Coud it be the aluminum bridge? It does have tiny divots where the "saddle" is. I know it could be my playing technique, but I have no problem with my Beard R. Unless I'm just picking too hard.

I'd appreciate any ideas or advice you have.

10 Comments
	jacknj says: 12/27/2011 7:56:45 AM Hi Liz: My student model Oahu doesn't have any buzzing problem with the metal bridge and I do pick fairly hard. If there are small divots in the saddle section, that may explain the issue. By the way, when do expect to receive your new Bear Creek Weissie, if you haven't already got it? Jack
	Liz Williams says: 12/27/2011 8:28:30 AM Thanks, Jack! We may have a winner then Anyone have any ideas for fixing those little divots, or replacing the bridge? Ugh - a project guitar! The Bear Creek Weissie is close to done. The latest pictures are on my homepage: resohangout.com/myhangout/phot...umid=1330 This week, while the finish is curing, Bill will be working on the fingerboard and bridge. I'll post the minute it arrives.
	jacknj says: 12/27/2011 9:36:25 AM Short of finding an old bridge on Ebay, there is some products that are epoxy-based fillers that harden like metal. One is "Lab Metal". I've never used it, but you can get more information on the internet. This should remedy the small holes and/or divots in the bridge. Also check the nut for issues. When I got my Oahu, the nut was either plastic or wood (I forget). I changed it out with a bone nut, which is much better. Jack
	Liz Williams says: 12/27/2011 4:26:59 PM Just got back from a trip to Gryphon Stringed Instruments where I had one of their miracle guitar techs look over my Oahu 65m. It's got several cracks, some repaired and some not. The repair wizard thought all the buzzing was coming from string height differences at both the nut and bridge, as the cracks were all tight and the braces well adhered. He suggested a bone nut (while you were posting about it, Jack - cue Twilight Zone theme song) and filing slots in the bridge to level the strings at that end. But, I'm not filing anything down - yikes! I'm going to check into an epoxy filler that will work on aluminum with my neighbor who is a machinist. I like the idea of adding to the bridge, and "Lab Metal" sounds promising. Thanks, Jack!
	jacknj says: 12/27/2011 5:21:24 PM Glad to be of help, although I've been trying to channel David Lindley, not Rod Serling. Jack
	Liz Williams says: 12/27/2011 5:45:54 PM LOL! There must be a disturbance in the force...
	jacknj says: 12/31/2011 1:11:08 PM I don't know if you already bought the metal epoxy yet, but I saw a product in Lowes that would probably work, J-B Weld Steel Stick. Home Depot more than likely carries it also. Have a Happy New Year, Jack
	Liz Williams says: 12/31/2011 1:45:31 PM I've seen that in my local hardware store! I forgot all about it. I'll check it out. thanks, Jack. Happy New Year to you too.
	Gitman44 says: 1/2/2012 5:56:20 AM That J-B Weld epoxy is incredibly strong. That should do the trick. If not, you could always take a short length of the stainless steel rod you bought for your Gold Tone Weissenborn and glue it onto the existing bridge and then slot it for the strings. That would do the trick, although it wouldn't look the greatest.. Just an idea. Happy New Year, by the way, to everyone!!! Andy Fekete (aka Gitman44)
	Liz Williams says: 1/3/2012 6:23:01 PM Thanks for the vote for JB Weld another approach, Andy. I'm excited to try this.
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