Fixing fret buzz: spot leveling and re-crowning

Dan Erlewine found a 1935 May Bell and fell in love with her. She has some fret buzz due to worn frets that are flat and wide. Dan shows how a little leveling and filing got her playing again.

This old May Bell guitar has a “mother of toilet seat” pickguard and fingerboard. This model was made by Regal in 1935 and distributed by Slingerland. In the case with it was a metal raised nut to be placed over the string nut, presumably for playing Hawaiian lap-steel style.

For more information on tools and parts:

StewMac Fingerboard Guards

3-Corner Fret Dressing File

Fret Dressing Stick

Fret Work Step-By-Step

Dan Erlewine's Fret Basics

4" Radius Blocks Essential Set

[TheBassplayah]

This Gentleman has the best knowledge and most trustworthy quality of any luthier people who post here.

[talister]

I never tire learning something new about guitars and the noble act of restoring life to a old guitar. Thanks.

[blrobinson]

I've been a Singer/Song Writer and Performer for 50 years and have always had to send my Favorite Guitars to shops for repairs never getting them back in time for the next show. Thank you for the tips. Tried them and they flat work. You are the Guitar God.

[fernandomagana]

That was honestly the easiest explanation I've heard. I researched all day on how to do this job and saw your video! Thank you! You're a Genius!

[hivacdecatron]

All us guitar fellows do things differently to suit our own style, but you are a true gem. Cheers buddy from Scotland

[michael_caz_nyc]

Mr. Dan Erlewine is The Man. I could watch ( and learn ) from him - all day = True Master.

[SeemsLikeSomething]

Who else wishes this guy was their grandpa or uncle and you could get him to look at all your guitars and fix up em real nice? 😁

[kenren]

Dan is a national treasure. Thanks Dan!

[rakowumusic]

You made my day. I had this "buzz" problem with one of my guitars. No one could explain me the reason. Thank you a lot :)

[Jonpoo]

I'd never have the guts to operate on my own guitars but this great video helped me at least understand what I'm paying for. Thanks.

[jimtomatola]

I take a Sharpie and color the whole top of the fret. When there's just a thin line of black along the centerline, you're done filing.

[ClarenceHW]

Dan, your videos share a wealth of knowledge and experience, thanks so much.!

[jB-cwgs]

Thank you sir for posting these videos. You've help make my guitar fixing skills so much better.

[TranscendianIntendor]

I don't know if I ought have gotten so much deeper into guitars.  I never had them in my future before it came.  Thanks, great videos.

[u.s.a.]

I'd like to work with someone like this to learn from them. Very knowledgeable... that's a rare find!

[symonf]

It never occurred to me that a string could buzz on the fret it was fretted on. I did like the mother of toilet seat. I'd never heard of that before. Thank you Dan

[GRAFHC]

Wow, hard to believe you're 70 years old... I'd guess early 60's if I had to. Great video as always!

[rockhoundingeasternwashing]

Cool ole' guitar you have there, Thanks for the buzz fix tip!

[lawncuttingplusdelta]

Your friend paul from Canada, thanks you.... U are all I need to do it myself on my I like how u explain and put little visuals . Great job

[Robil]

Great little tute, learnt a valuable tidbit here if nothing else.