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I am trying to set up a guitar for a friend - a fender dread - which is giving me a bit of bother. I have levelled the frets, changed the strings and made a new saddle. The problem is every note on every fret is fine except for the high e on the third fret. I have changed the e string a few times also, however it is still very muted and driving me crazy.
Any ideas?

Make sure the nut slot is perfect on that string. HTH. --J

Check for a loose fret end on the 3rd fret.

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I go with that loose fret or the relief may need a touch. Look real close the the fret ahead of the one you are fretting .

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John Hall
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There are a number of things I would look for including what has already been said.

First thing I would do is what you already have done and that is replace the string. I have run across strings that are just dead and it usually shows up on a single note. If that doesn't fix the problem then I would look along the string path. As mentioned above, the nut slot could be the issue but that would most likely show up on other notes. But you still need to check it. make sure the contact point at the bottom of the slot is at the front (toward the soundhole). Also check to make sure it doesn't get wider where the string exits.

Next thing I would look at is the 12th fret itself. Make sure the top isn't flat at that fret. A flat spot can cause a string to buzz or dampen the vibrations causing a string to sound dead. Also make sure it isn't being dampened by touching another fret higher up the board (as has already been mentioned). Sometimes those won't buzz but just make a sting not vibrate freely.

The saddle could also be the issue. Make sure it has a clean break point in front (toward the sound hole). If it is sloped off that can be the source of a buzz or dead string.

The next thing to look at is the contact point on the bridge. If it is slotted make sure the angle is correct and the string is not binding in the slot. Also look to see if the slot goes all the way down the peg hole and that the twist on the string isn't hanging up in the slot. I have had issues with that in the past where I didn't make the slot wide enough and the twist was too wide,

Then the last thing to check is the bridge plate. Make sure the ball end has a good seat and is not pulling up though the hole. Check for any splits or chunks out of the wood.

Last, I would look at bracing to make sure something isn't loose in a spot somewhere or maybe cracked. I usually test this by tapping firmly with my index or middle finger over each brace. Put your ear up next to the surface and listen for any clicks, pops or major difference in the sound along each brace.

If none of those thing come up with a reason then you might think about using some putty and start placing it on different spots on the braces. It cold be something like a wolf note where the braces are not working in harmony with the top. That may inhibit it to vibrate at that specific note.

I have repaired a number of guitars with buzzes, pops or dead strings and it can be difficult to find the source and sometimes impossible. I had one client that complained about a buzz coming from inside the guitar but I could never reproduce it and he couldn't make it happen for me. He said it was random and would come and go. I tired heat, humidity or lack of each and could never find it. He ended up trading it in and bought a new guitar.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Bob

Many thanks for the replies. I will have another look tonight. Thinking about it, the fret wear was quite excessive and although I have re-crowned, the 3rd fret may be slightly flat. I have already thoroughly checked the saddle, bridge holes,slots and plate and nut slot. I am leaning towards the 'flat' fret...

put a drop of thin CA glue on each side of the fret and let soak under. If the fret is loose that will cure it and if not it will at least eliminate one possible problem without much effort on your part. My 1st thing to try if the problem is only on 1 fret.

Fred

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Fixed now! I recrowned the fret as it was slightly flat and it was less muted so followed your advice Fred and held the fret end down and put a drop of ca either side - job done thanks!!