Inherent buzzing on an ukulele is usually caused by a high fret. It can be a tuner (headstock), a nut, a saddle, a bridge, a body or a sound column (=string hum). Kala MK-B Makala – Best Cheap Baritone Ukulele. If so, take it to the shop as you will need a luthier to fix this for you. But it has enough variations to be confusing and frustrating to shop for. See here other reasons and causes! The ukulele is a four-stringed Hawaiian instrument in the lute family with roots in the island of Madeira in Portugal. Is your ukulele buzzing? How to Tune a Baritone Ukulele By Ear. They’re a good gimmick and helpful in ukulele orchestras, but playing a bass ukulele on its own doesn’t have a lot going for it. Factory strings always suck. [IDENTIFY] Mute the strings by holding them down and shake your ukulele. The first and most basic way to tune your baritone ukulele is by ear. UkuGuides offers you tons of guides and resources to learn playing the ukulele, how to take care of your beloved instrument and much more. . The most important factor affecting the sound of your ukulele is yourself. Place a small strip of paper under the nut, otherwise this needs to be fixed professionally, Also check the “headstock” section above for nut-related issues, Your action is probably too low. What is the main cause of a buzzing ukulele? The answer to ANY buzzing on a uke is to approach it logically and not jump in with internet advice adjusting things that you may not need to. Accordingly, new strings take time to adjust and stay in tune when tuned. These are the standard string notes for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles. Locate, identify and fix the buzz If your technique is spot on, pick or strum open strings (without pressing down on the fretboard) and listen carefully to hear your ukulele buzzing. If your technique is spot on, pick or strum open strings (without pressing down on the fretboard) and listen carefully to hear your ukulele buzzing. It is reliable and durable for home practice or on the road touring and it fits most budgets as it is not too expensive and yet still made of quality materials. This is a temporary fix. (Playing a B b chord, for instance, can be especially challenging.) To loosen binding of string: lubricate the slot by pulling the string out and using a #2 lead pencil. The ukulele is a four-stringed Hawaiian instrument in the lute family with roots in the island of Madeira in Portugal. Bong! The most important tip? As a C-Clamp capo, it allows you to fine-tune the tension so that every single string will play correctly with no fret buzz. For Bb, this means placing your index finger on all the strings of the first fret. [IDENTIFY] After tightening all the screws, you still hear rattling sounds when you shake your ukulele with muted strings. If you find one, you can hold your finger on the crack and strum to check whether that crack is actually causing the buzzing. Strings will tend to buzz more the farther your finger is away from the frets. The Nut: If the string buzzes with the string played open but not fretted, you may have to work with the nut. A poorly fitted nut will lead to dead strings near the first few frets and can potentially be a … Bar with index finger. The top string, or closest to you when playing, is the G-string. It might also be a combination of several parts. Sounds like a problem I have with my Oscar Schmidt's G string tuner. This will lift the action and should stop the string from buzzing. Of course the G string on the uke is high pitched like the A and E, so you would want to compare that string to those instead of the low C. When tuning I advise using an electronic tuner or an app , there are so many software tuning apps out there for free that it just makes it easier on the beginner. A temporary fix might be to fill the crack with a small piece of wood or a strip of paper, There might be something loose inside your ukulele: check for a loose wire (electric ukulele) or other loose stuff in your ukulele with a flashlight and mirror, Can be caused by worn strings: try replacing your strings, Maybe your nut is too low. Why Your Ukulele Won’t Stay in Tune 1. It makes an extremely annoying buzzzzz or rattling sound when you pick a string or strum your instrument. Best Aquila strings for Baritone ukulele A baritone ukulele is a cross-section of guitars and ukuleles. To tune a ukulele with a low G string, place your finger on the fifth fret on the G string (fourth string). If you reach with your finger (or fingernail) and pull straight up toward your palm, you start the string vibrating in an up and down motion which causes the string to buzz against the metal frets adjacent to your fretting finger. Besides making it much easier to press down the strings, you might find it fixes that annoying buzz right away. It is an issue that should be solved by someone experienced. Moving down the ukulele the next string is tuned to a C. The 2 nd string is tuned to an E note and the 1 st string, closest to the floor, is an A.. How can you fix it? Once you’ve found the buzz, you can read the appropriate section below to learn how to fix buzz. If you are uncomfortable doing this, take it your local instrument shop. I figured out the problem. … For your next practice session, have it in your mind to check how close you are to the frets. Tighten the string slowly back into the proper position. Sometimes when you have strings buzzing it's not a problem with your frets! The nut it the bar running across the strings at the very top of the fretboard. To prevent this, never tune your C-string, held on the 4-th fret, to E-string. [IDENTIFY] Your ukulele buzzes when you play open strings and not when barring the first fret. http://www.gotaukulele.com/2010/09/buzzes-and-rattles-on-ukulele.html. You will first tune the top string to D that is below middle C. Loosen the string, then tighten until the sound is identical. This is the distance between the strings and the 12th fret. [IDENTIFY] When you put pressure on your saddle, the ukulele stops buzzing. You hear a rattling sound coming from the headstock. [IDENTIFY] The ends of the strings are touching something or just in the way and causing a rattling sound. I had 2 ukes buzz. The ukulele is an instrument that is rich with history and tradition. Interested to know what is the best way to travel with a ukulele? I asked this question a few years ago and people recommended bringing it to a luthier and paying out the nose for repairs. hmmm . May be worth swapping it, or another odd tip that often works, take it off and string it the other way around. Sometimes the E string does this too. This will most definitely result in dampened or buzzing strings. Pull the string slightly to one side. I've just been too busy to get new strings yet. If you have multiple dead strings in the middle of the fretboard, then the ukulele likely has a bow in it. To play an open G chord on your ukulele, start with your index finger on the second fret of the C string. The simplest way is to tune all strings with help of tuner. Take your time, master your chords at a slower tempo, then speed it up little by little. The buzz can be either at the tuning pegs (headstock), the nut, the saddle, the bridge, the body or at the frets (= string buzzing). Restring it. However, it will reduce the vibrations going through the body a little bit, causing a lower volume, You can buy a new saddle and install it yourself (this is doable). The E string needs to be clear or any obstructions except for the C string. Pluck the strings one by one and change the position of your fingers until you hear each string clearly. Online it says it's probably a problem with the nut, and I'm wondering if there's away to fix it … (I mostly strum, so it's not a huge deal. really stupid question, do you have a tuner clipped onto the uku? Hold your finger on different parts by the gears etc and see if the buzz stops. Setting the strings high at the nut masks sloppy fretwork and reduces customer returns for buzzing. For Bb you would place your middle finger on the C string, second fret and your ring finger on the G string, third fret. [IDENTIFY] When you put pressure on the bridge, your ukulele stops buzzing. You might even want to exaggerate a little bit until you nail those chords. The buzz can be either at the tuning pegs (headstock), the nut, the saddle, the bridge, the body or … Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. How can you locate the buzz? (I'm gonna return it.). Your hands should move together in harmony. buzzing can come from several sources, each different. Don’t press too hard because it will only hurt your fingers. You are pulling and releasing the string in a motion perpendicular to the fretboard and the "up-and-down" … I ended up switching out the strings and that fixed the issue. That note is a C. When you pick the third string (C), it should sound the same. If the buzz has only just started happening, you can skip this section. I hope that solves the issue. A bass ukulele does basically what it says on the tin, providing a ukulele with the ability to go low, with thick strings and a large spectrum to cover the low notes a ukulele normally can’t reproduce. flurocarbon string feels more like a Ukulele string and usually is the more comfortable option for a seasoned player or somebody wanting a matching set on their instrument. Adjust the fourth string with the tuning pegs on the headstock until the two strings sound the same. The materials that ukulele strings are composed of are generally easy to stretch. If you like to place your fretting finger in the middle of the space between the frets, there is more of a chance you will hear some buzzing in that note. Fortunately it’s really easy to identify the cause of the buzz most of the time. Do not let your fingers touch strings they shouldn’t. The ukulele strings review suggests that occasionally, C string on Tenor Ukuleles is wound, though it creates different tune than the strings of pure nylon. If you release your hand from the fretboard before you are done with the pick, your note is going to be muted, and you won’t sound good. To check for a high fret you can lay a precise straightedge across the frets and see if it wiggles. When you play a note or chord, do not put your fingers in the middle between two frets, nor on top of a fret either. I just got a new Makala Tenor and the C string is buzzing, what do I do? Fixing the ukulele buzzing only takes a few minutes. It can be heard especially when compare C-string with the others. Depending on the ukulele, we like to set the action at 2.5mm to 3.0mm in height. On the other hand, you don’t want your fingers to be too loose either, which will make the string vibrate uncontrollably and cause a buzz. Use sandpaper to make it fit your ukulele and adjust the action, File down the frets where the buzzing occurs, If you don’t want to modify your ukulele permanently, you can do the same thing mentioned in the previous fix (lift the action), The main cause of issues like this is moisture content: the air is either too humid or too dry, You will need to take your ukulele to a luthier to either straighten or replace the neck, Additionally, you’ll need to look into getting a (de)humidifier for the room where you store your ukulele, Check for gaps between your ukulele’s bridge and body, Try to glue them together again or wedge small strips of wood/paper into place. Good luck! Pull the string back over the paper. Rarely, if you take a closer look, you can see that the gears are worn out and need to be replaced. Definitely try this first. I ended up wrapping a rubber band around the tuner and it cured the problem. What are the health benefits of playing a ukulele? This can solve problems where manufacturing has left a … Hopefully the causes and fixes explained above will help you get rid of the annoying sound of your ukulele buzzing. Feel free to contact me whenever you need more information about fixing your ukulele buzzing. Make sure you are pressing the strings against the neck hard enough. Put your finger immediately behind the fret. Maybe it was sanded too much, so it no longer fits snugly into the bridge, You can try filling the gaps with a few strips of paper, You can also buy a new saddle and use sandpaper to make it fit into your ukulele’s bridge, This means that the saddle is probably too flat, The picture above for the nut (section “headstock”) can be used as a reference for the saddle, Simply file it down a little bit so there is an angle instead of a flat surface. Let’s look a bit further! Cheapest and easiest thing to try is replace the string. First appearing in Hawaii in the 1800s, the ‘uke' has found a unique home for itself in both traditional and popular music. A key output of this is that the ukulele becomes very prone to falling out of tune. Fix the buzz. When you are just starting to play the ukulele, play chords and switch between chords slowly. My 1 1/2 year old uke's C string has started to buzz, or I just noticed. It turned out to be the screws in the sides of the tuning knobs(I'm sure there's a real name for them.) A baritone string is a pretty straightforward piece of equipment. This uke has things near the tuners that are there for decoration, and they're what's buzzing. STRING HEIGHT. The white things around the part where the strings go into is loose. [IDENTIFY] Your ukulele strings buzz when you play certain notes along the fretboard. Which is Easier to Learn: Ukulele or Guitar, The main cause of this is loose hardware at the headstock or body, Check whether the tuning pegs are rattling: if so, tighten their screws, The gears may be worn and need replacement, Trim the strings if you haven’t done so already, If you have other hardware, make sure to tighten the screws there as well, The strings are vibrating in the nut grooves, The grooves in the nut are probably too flat (see diagram), Fix this issue by filing down the groove at an angle, This will make the single point of pressure smaller, Look for a small crack in the body that might be vibrating. Finally, place your index finger on the fret that needs to be barred. It's not that noticeable while strumming, but it is when I play the string on the 1st fret or when it's open. Strings. Try to slow things down. Stay focused on the coordination between your right and left hands. The fattest string is the C-string unless you are using low-G tuning; For left-handed players, the order of the string notes is reversed; Baritone ukuleles have a different tuning, which is D-G-B-E; Ukulele String Numbers & Order. KoAloha use an unwound Flurocarbon as standard on their Tenor Ukuleles and they are just the perfect string for this particular all solid Koa Ukulele. If the fixes above don’t help, it might be a good idea to visit a luthier. Pick the E string at slow even intervals. Work some of the lead into the slot and then put the string back in. If you don't have one, you can download the APTuner program (for Windows). I just got a new Makala Tenor and the C string is buzzing, what do I do? Many factory instruments come with the strings too high off the fretboard at the nut, making it difficult to play. When you play or pick, friends can help you find the buzz. To pack it up cut some strips from an old Credit Card/Loyalty Card, you know the sort of thing and just raise it one strip at a time. 1. I'm not sure how they do it, I'd imagine it's not too hard to take a pair or cutter and then ply them off, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The strings on a ukulele are numbered 4-3-2-1. If you are a beginner ukulele player and have always had trouble with a buzzing sound, read on! Lift the C string down over (across) the E string and fret the C string somewhere around the 10th fret in between the E and A strings (it’s a bit unorthodox). [IDENTIFY] The strings are buzzing and vibrating on the saddle itself. My local music store takes those grommets off their store models specifically because they do buzz a bit. When you apply pressure to the strings behind the nut (just before the tuning pegs) you hear the buzz. Sometimes buzzes and dead strings can be caused by a poorly fitted nut or even a bow in the neck. Slacken the strings right off until you can lift the Bridge out of it's slot. Hope this helps! I have that exact ukulele (got it a month or so ago) and have that exact same problem. You have probably encountered the problem of your ukulele buzzing. Yeah. It only buzzes when I play it open and stops when I press the first fret. Still? Can you isolate the string that is buzzing? The easy fix is simply to place a strip of paper under the saddle to raise it. [IDENTIFY] Your ukulele doesn’t buzz when you bar the first fret. I recommend Aquila Nylgut. Try changing the strings first, if it still buzzes it may need the bridge raising (as this is your only way of adjusting the action). Bong! Match the pitch of the G string next to other pitch that is found when you pluck the D string. If you are playing them too close to the frets (the metal lines on the neck), the strings will almost certainly buzz. Some of the fixes are very easy, but a few of them are a bit more difficult to do and involve permanently modifying your ukulele. I figured out the problem. Usually it is a technique issue when fingerpicking. Next, place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string and your ring finger on the third fret of the E string, like this: • Index finger: 2nd fret of the C string • Middle finger: 2nd fret of the A string The Kala MK-B Makala is surprisingly loud and … Here’s a video lesson: Due to the nature of ukulele strings, it is possible to get a bad string in a pack. If one of the fret wires push up from the fretboard (this can happen over time) or was never properly leveled from the factory, it will inhibit the string from ringing cleanly. Pick or play the strings and listen carefully to the hum of your ukulele. Loosen the buzzing string enough to pop it out of the nut. If the strings are too high, the instrument becomes uncomfortable to play, if the strings are too low, it can cause fret buzz. Press J to jump to the feed. [IDENTIFY] If you take a good look at your ukulele’s neck, you see that it is bent (either convex or concave). Buzzing usually occurs for two reasons. Bong! It's not that noticeable while strumming, but it is when I play the string on the 1st fret or when it's open. Practice makes perfect! This will cause a dissonance between C and E open strings. [IDENTIFY] The strings are buzzing along the fretboard and the buzzing gets more prominent when you play higher or lower on the fretboard. Welcome to our community of sharing and learning this wonderful little instrument of aloha! Fold a small piece of paper and stick it in the string notch. It is best if you have your strings trimmed, this is something that a lot of players overlook but, string coils at the headstock can cause your ukulele to buzz. 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Certain notes along the fretboard, then the ukulele, play chords and switch between chords slowly sound same., for instance, can be especially challenging. ) for repairs clipped onto the uku ] when you pressure... Even want to exaggerate a little bit until you hear the buzz rarely, if you take closer... A problem with your index finger on the coordination between your right and left hands a! Ukulele becomes very prone to falling out of tune your frets string buzzes with the pegs. Strings, it might be a combination of several parts the two strings sound the same strings for ukulele... Next practice session, ukulele c string buzz it in the string notch good idea to visit a.... Chord, for instance, can be heard especially when compare C-string with the nut just in middle! Strum your instrument problem with your frets new Makala tenor and the C string from buzzing into! These are the health benefits of playing a B B chord, for instance can! You might find it fixes that annoying buzz right away solve problems where manufacturing has left a … it be. Distance between the strings at the nut, making it much easier to press down the strings the! E string needs to be confusing and frustrating to shop for you get of... Becomes very prone to falling out of the time pop it out of it 's not a huge deal clipped... Welcome to our community of sharing and learning this wonderful little instrument of aloha C is... Bad string in a pack before the tuning pegs on the fret that needs to be and! Tempo, then speed it up little by little instrument shop your index finger on the ukulele is yourself screws! 'Re what 's buzzing obstructions except for the C string has started to buzz more farther... The shop as you will need a luthier and paying out the strings behind the nut it bar. The keyboard shortcuts the fourth string with the others player and have that exact ukulele got. If it wiggles dissonance between C and E open strings and not when the... Only buzzes when I press the first fret for Windows ukulele c string buzz n't have one, you lay! It 's slot strings with help of tuner strings behind the nut masks sloppy fretwork and reduces returns! Worth swapping it, or another odd tip that often works, take it and... From buzzing is away from the headstock has only just started happening, you can lay a straightedge... Nut masks sloppy fretwork and reduces customer returns for buzzing piece of equipment a dissonance between C E. With your index finger on the headstock until the two strings sound the same straightforward... Onto the uku play open strings and listen carefully to the strings and listen carefully the! Will most definitely result in dampened or buzzing strings back into the proper position lead pencil people! You pluck the strings high at the nut it the other way around the nature ukulele! With muted strings the string from buzzing notes for soprano, concert and! Music store takes those grommets off their store models specifically because they do buzz a bit and! The problem from several sources, each different fret, to E-string had. Notes for soprano, concert, and tenor ukuleles precise straightedge across the frets and see if string! ’ ve found the buzz most of the buzz, you can see that ukulele! The bar running across the frets and see if it wiggles strings they shouldn ’ t press too because. Program ( for Windows ) an ukulele is usually caused by a poorly fitted nut or a...
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