"dead Spot" On Fretboard

[xaghce]

I just finished revamping a used body and neck. (they were in good condition, no visible problems) new electronics, new paint job etc.

However. I have a big problem.

the 3rd string on the 7th fret doesn't resonate. Sounds more like a hollow twang and then buzzes if I loosen my hold just the slightest.

I've tried changing everything, string height, bridge height, nut height, sanding down the fret, adjusting the truss rod.

having a higher action reduces the effect a little bit, but that's a poor solution.

I can tell it's a problem w/ the fret since when I bend to that spot w/ other strings they fret out also (or die a tinny death).

The odd thing is, is that I had the same neck on a different guitar a month ago and didn't have this problem.

(after that the neck sat seperate from any body while it's new finish was drying)

Do I need to replace the fret itself?

any advice would b really appreciated!!

Thanks!

[GregP]

You mention adjusting height, but have you adjusted neck curvature (ie. truss rod adjustment)? With a superlative fret job, some people can have dead-level fretboards. I know a few people on this board who have their guitars that way. But more commonly--especially if you don't have a superior professional setup job--the neck will be slightly "bowed".

Also, just to be absolutely clear-- if you are fretting at the 7th fret, it's not necessarily that fret that's causing the problem in that exact moment. It could be any fret from 8 onward. If the 7th fret is too low, it could be the problem. But if the 8th (or whatever) fret is too high, THAT's where the problem is. I hope I'm making sense.

The first step is to do a full setup, including adjusting height and relief (amount of bow-- which is itself a side-effect of the truss rod working to counteract string tension). If a full setup doesn't fix it, then you might be able to do (or have done) a fret levelling job, which means that the frets don't necessarily need replacing. If you or the luthier determine that this won't solve the problem either, than you can consider a full or partial refretting.

Greg

[Myka Guitars]

Since you mention that there is a specific location on a specific fret that this problem occurs at then I can only think that this is an area of fret wear. The solution would be to level the fretboard and redress the frets.

~David

[xaghce]

Yes, I've adjusted the neck curvature, to no avail.

Good point about the problem isn't necessarily the 7th fret.

Guess I'll just take it in to the shop

Thanks for ur help!

Edited September 25, 2007 by xaghce