I’m looking for some help to set my Fender HSS strat. It is playing fine but it is over 4 years old and I have been playing with it on and off and I guess it needs some maintenance now. The 6th string is producing some buzz sound often times, so I thought I will better do a full service, replace the strings etc., but I’m not good at this. Are there any step by step instructional video or books that can help me with setting my strat up?
Welcome Joesan. Here some links where you’ll find some lessons that may be helpful.
3 Likes
It produces string buzz acoustically (not plugged in) when you hit hard (i.e. power chords) or you can hear the buzz through the amp? Those are different things. El. guitar low action setup usually means that strings 6 and 5 would buzz a bit acoustically with the agressive pick attacks, but that buzz wouldn’t carry through the amp.
2 Likes
Hi Joesan, and firstly welcome to the community the advice from David and Boris reflects on what I would say, Four years is a long time for a set of strings check the posts above and simply give your guitar a bit of a service clean new strings and then take it from there cheers Hec
1 Like
Thanks for all your help.
The buzz happens when not plugged in. Somehow the thick E string is not properly functioning in my opinion. It was a bit hard to get it in tune unlike the other strings. Nevertheless, I will give the set up a try. If I mess it up, I will take it to a shop for a professional service.
2 Likes
I like the Phil McKnight setup guide. He walks through each step you will want to check:
2 Likes
So you’re saying it’s 4 years old and you’ve never changed the strings? If the low E won’t even stay in tune, but it used to, then a string change is probably called for.
1 Like
Yeah, when your guitar doesn’t stay in tune like it used to, that’s one of the cues that you’re past due for a string change. I change the strings on my electric about every three months.
1 Like
Honestly, like a few others have said, I’d just start with changing the strings. They’re really old. It’s quite easy to change strings.
Here’s Fender’s vid on it - really concise and straightforward.
If you are going to set it up yourself, here’s Fender’s guide on that: How do I set up my Stratocaster® guitar properly? · Customer Self-Service.
It’s quite a lot more complicated and might not be necessary though. I’ve done self setups before and they were OK, but the difference a luthier setup made on my Fender Tele was significant - particularly with filing the nut and leveling frets, things I wouldn’t attempt myself. So seeing as it’s an Am Pro, if the string change doesn’t get you what you want, take it to a luthier.
2 Likes
Which set of strings should I be looking at? A bit of research points me towards EB 9-42. Would that be the right choice?
1 Like
Your strat would most likely already have 9-42s on it, so yes, another set of 9-42s would be the simplest.
Strings are pretty personal, Ernie Ball is fine, I use D’Addario XS on my electric and really like them.
I think 9-42 are great choice for strat, but that is a personal choice, you can experiment a bit.
I love Earnie Ball strings, I currently use Turbo Slinky strings 9.5 - 46.
Replaced the strings, feels slight improvements in the playability.
Is upgrading to a locking tuners worthy? I have the vintage style tuners on m strat. I had some minor difficulties replacing the strings. With the locking tuners, this will be easy. Do these locking tuners bring stability to the tuning? I’m not using my tremelo system at all. So if this brings in the tuning stability, I’m considering upgrading to them.
1 Like
Locking tuners don’t bring tuning stability, just make string changes faster.
After a few more string changes you’ll find it much easier and quicker.
1 Like
When do you see the tuning stability problems?
- If it is just after a string change, this is pretty normal if you did not stretch your strings as part of the change process. Give it 3-4 days to settle out.
- If it is from day to day, then you can make sure the “system” is tight. Check the screws that hold the neck in place. Check the nuts that fasten each tuner onto the headstock.
- If it is while playing, then the tightness mentioned just above and you can consider either decking or blocking your bridge so it no longer floats. This helps with bends, playing very aggressively, and too much pressure when fretting.
- If you have your guitar in a place that the sun shines on it some parts of the day, move it into the shade. the temperature change will alter your tuning when it warms up from the sun hitting it.
In that case, docking the tremolo (which is really vibrato) system could improve tuning stability. You might find comments about it in other earlier threads on here.
Also, in general, you should adjust the intonation as well after changing and stretching the strings.
I just realized that I have the American Performer Strat and not the Professional. How stupid I should have been! Nevertheless, I’m considering to get the locking tuners as they are running on offer near by.