Am I just THAT OCD? S61AL woes..

[u/Axlej11]

Hello all,

I have an Ibanez S61AL I got used at a musicgoround a few months ago. I played it in store for a while to make sure it was gtg before I left with it. I check for buzz, major defects, etc.. I discovered no issues.

First string change, stuck with the same gauge of 10-46 to play in Eb/Drop C#. Discovered a low E buzz while open. Had my luthier fill the nut slot, issue fixed.

However, a new issue has made itself known. Unfixable fret buzz on the low E and A strings.

For Drop C#, I bumped the gauge up to 10-52, adjusted truss, action, intonation, but on EVERY fret all the way up the neck both the Low E and A ring out when fretted, but there’s a buzz that accompanies it.

Thought maybe I had bad strings, I’m on my 4th pack and have gone back to 10-46 until more 10-52 arrive in the mail, and tuned the Low E back up to Eb.

I’ve done a complete set up, starting from scratch, quarter turn of truss rod each direction, my action is HIGHER than I normally play comfortably. I have an RG550 that has incredibly low action and the buzz is there but manageable, as to be expected with low action. Same deal with a PRS SE 642 that has 11-49’s on it in Drop C, minimal buzz on that guitar.

What I’ve done:

-Got the neck straight, added strings, adjusted truss 1/8 turn in each direction, checking playability between each adjustment. Right now, it sits with some slight relief.

-Adjusted action to borderline uncomfortable height

-Adjusted intonation

-Checked bridge saddles for rattling

-Checked frets, they are level

-Luthier looked for a twist in the neck before doing the nut slot, no twist

TLDR; At my wits end, went through all proper checks, power chords on E and A strings ring out but have audible buzz especially through clean tone.

What’s next? New frets?

[u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose]

Have you identified which fret(s) is causing the buzz?

[u/Axlej11 → u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose]

All of them lol. E and A strings only.

[u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose → u/Axlej11]

Every fret on only those two strings? And didn't start until after your first string change? You changed tuning and went to a slightly heavier string gauge. Long shot, and I'm definitely no expert, but did you try lowering the pickups on the bass side?

[u/Axlej11 → u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose]

Yes I have, which is why this issue is driving me crazy. I’ve tried so many different remedies. Pickup height, saddles, neck adjustments, no avail. Tried going back to 10-46 and E flat, still does it.

[u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose → u/Axlej11]

I got nothing.

[u/Axlej11 → u/heavenIsAfunkyMoose]

No worries man, probably going to drop it at my luthier. Going to try 10-52 one more time when those come in, if not off she goes lol

[u/all4musicsk]

Why not buy it in a store that will set it up as youbrequest and it will work 🤷🤷

[u/AdventurousKeys]

Is this your first time down tuning with thick strings? It could simply be that: you hit the strings with sufficient force to trigger a big enough vibration that the strings hit the frets. Downtuning means lower tension so easier to get that big amplitude vibration