Fret buzz - C string on fret 1-4 only - why?

ChaosToo

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Just noticed a light fret buzz on my new concert.

It's particularly bad when finger picking, but is still there even on really light strumming.

It's only on the C string, and only on frets 1 to 4

I know my technique needs improvement, but even on the lightest of touches of the fretboard, the buzz is still there.

I've tried the old 'bit of paper' trick and that gets rid of the buzz, but at the expense of intonation, which goes horribly out and makes the uke pretty nasty to play at those first few frets.

The Uke was bought online but was from a reputable specialist (Clifford Essex Music), who state that all their instruments are fully setup. The strings came fitted to the uke (they are Clifford Essex own brand - medium gauge) and were fine initially, but have only just developed this buzz.

So - the question is, as strings stretch, is it possible that they could become unequal in thickness? I'm trying to be logical and this is the only thing I can think would cause such a specific buzz that has only just started?

Your thoughts on this are much appreciated.....
 
Yes, almost certainly fret work needed. The fifth fret may be high under that string.
 
Got some new strings and a new bone saddle coming (FOC - courtesy of the shop I bought the uke from). They are sending their heavy gauge strings which are apparently a bit higher tension - and a new bone saddle in case the new strings don't fix the issue, so that I can raise the action slightly......

I'll give it a go and if that doesn't fix it, I might have a quick look at dressing the frets.....
 
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