Fret Buzz

[47Taskmaster84]

I got my guitar about a month and a half ago and so far it has been fine. Recently though I have noticed that on the G and B string they buzz when i play them on the first fret and only the first fret. My low E string also buzz when I strum hardly. (actually not even that hard) Does anyone know why and how I can fix this?
I have a Huntington outlaw. It was only $50. It is an electric. Is it like that because it is cheap?

[Commodore 64***]

Is it an electric? Does the buzz amplify? A little rattle is normal on electrics.

If you are just buzzing when fretting the 1st fret, then either fret 1 is low or 2 is high. get a short straight edge and see if it rocks when you straddle 1, 2 and 3. It should be level. If it rocks, figure out which one is high and consider filing it down, a very little at a time.

[marnold***]

I got my guitar about a month and a half ago and so far it has been fine. Recently though I have noticed that on the G and B string they buzz when i play them on the first fret and only the first fret. My low E string also buzz when I strum hardly. (actually not even that hard) Does anyone know why and how I can fix this?
I have a Huntington outlaw. It was only $50. It is an electric. Is it like that because it is cheap?

Not necessarily. You might just need to adjust the truss rod. The low E thing especially indicates that the neck might not have enough relief.

[47Taskmaster84]

Thx.
Is adjusting the truss rod a do it yourself thing? If so how can I do it?

[marnold***]

Thx.
Is adjusting the truss rod a do it yourself thing? If so how can I do it?

Yes, but you just need to be careful. Only adjust a little bit at a time. If you go crazy twisting the truss rod, you can permanently ruin your neck. You really have to crank on it to bust it, though. Do a Google search for it. Since the guitar is a beater anyway, it's a good tool to learn how to do a proper setup. You will thank me once you learn that.

[47Taskmaster84]

Thx a lot!
Another question though, How often should I change my strings?

[marnold***]

Thx a lot!
Another question though, How often should I change my strings?

As often as they need to be changed! OK, I know that's a worthless answer, but there is truth to it. Thankfully my body's sweat chemistry is very kind to strings, so mine last a long time. I usually notice a loss in tuning stability first, especially with a floating tremolo bridge. I know some people who's skin corrodes strings almost immediately. I'm also not playing out anywhere, so my strings aren't subjected to extra sweat, the occasional beer, etc. Making sure your hands are clean before you play will extend the life of your strings. It's a bad idea to play right after a couple of pieces of KFC original recipe (although I have known people who actually use something like chicken grease on their fingers). Otherwise, if they sound dull, change 'em! Guitar strings are relatively cheap. After a few changes, you'll get a good feel for how long they'll last for you. Thankfully my bass strings seem to last forever, which is a good thing since the set I'm currently using is about $35.

[47Taskmaster84]

Thx