Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

  1. #1

    Question Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I just bought a new Big Muddy M-4 and the "G" string has fret buzz. Since the bridge has no adjustment what are my options for stopping the buzz?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    1,971

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    When the company was called Mid Missouri, they used to include 3 bridges of varying heights to compensate for things like this. If you can, have a luthier take a quick peek to see if anything is going on with the instrument and if not, contact Big Muddy and see if they'll send you a higher bridge. They tend to be really, really good about things like that.
    Steve

  3. #3

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I talked to Mike at Big Muddy about it and he is sending me other bridges to try. Great guy to deal with, and I am really enjoying my Big Muddy mandolin!

  4. #4

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I'm getting ready to place an order with Mike for an M-17 mandola... accumulating the funds. :-)

    I'm a guitar player, and researching all thing mando during my wait. I've seen many bridges that have adjustment thumbscrews; is this something a few makers do, and is there a reason that it's not on Mike's mandos?

    Bob
    (Newbie appreciative of the hive mind's wisdom)

  5. #5

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I'm a guitar player, and researching all thing mando during my wait. I've seen many bridges that have adjustment thumbscrews; is this something a few makers do, and is there a reason that it's not on Mike's mandos?
    His are flattop mandolins. Flattop mandolins generally do not have adjustable bridges because the neck angle and string height do not allow room for it. Much like on guitars where flattop acoustic guitars have non adjustable bridges while archtops have adjustable bridges. Though unlike a flattop guitar, mandolin bridges are rarely fixed in one spot glued to the instrument. Some archtop mandolins have nonadjustable bridges also where the neck angle and string height are lower, particularly oval hole instruments with the fretboard laying on a ramp on the top rather than having a violin style elevated fretboard.

    There are always exceptions though and if you look far enough you will find an odd instrument where the luthier chose to violate these norms.

  6. #6
    Confused... or?
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Over the Hudson & thru the woods from NYC
    Posts
    2,927

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    Quote Originally Posted by bobashforth View Post
    ... is there a reason that it's not on Mike's mandos?
    Considering that fixed bridges existed for centuries on stringed instruments, whether lute, guitar, etc., before Mr. Loar designed the adjustable type (a disputed point), I tend to think of it the other way around:

    Adjustable bridges are on archtops because arches are more responsive (swelling, contracting) to atmospheric variation than are flattops.
    - Ed

    "Then one day we weren't as young as before
    Our mistakes weren't quite so easy to undo
    But by all those roads, my friend, we've travelled down
    I'm a better man for just the knowin' of you."
    - Ian Tyson

  7. #7
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Howell, NJ
    Posts
    26,875

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    If anyone ever has a problem with a non-adjustable bridge there is always this option from Frank Ford's www.frets.com.

    Another piece of history from Frank's site.
    "It's comparable to playing a cheese slicer."
    --M. Stillion

    "Bargain instruments are no bargains if you can't play them"
    --J. Garber

  8. #8
    Registered User Martin Jonas's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    North Wales
    Posts
    6,431

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeEdgerton View Post
    If anyone ever has a problem with a non-adjustable bridge there is always this option from Frank Ford's www.frets.com.
    In the context of this thread, worth noting that the instrument in Frank's photos appears to be a Mid-Mo/Big Muddy so that the example transfers directly to the OP's situation.

    Martin

  9. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    3

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I bought an M-11 from Mike a little over a year ago and I would add that it came with three different bridges of different heights. The middle one was what was installed. I’m sure you could talk to him about your action preferences and he will accommodate. Terrific to work with.

  10. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    S.W. Wisconsin
    Posts
    7,507

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    For something that has a flat top and non adjustable bridge I will use a piece of maple vernier for a shim. I don't glue it in, but use it in the winter when it is drier and take it out in summer when it is humid. It can go under the bridge as the top changes with humidity. If your environment is stable then I would glue a piece to the bridge.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

  11. #11

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    Thanks all!

  12. #12
    Old Guy Mike Scott's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Bend, OR
    Posts
    755

    Default Re: Big Muddy has fret buzz?

    I bought a Big Muddy from Mike a few months ago. It came with 3 bridges and instructions (on web site?) for use and installation. He said he always sends the extras for differences in preferences an humidity. My second Big Muddy. Great mandolins from a great guy (NFI).
    Thanks

    Several mandolins of varying quality-any one of which deserves a better player than I am.......

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •