Since I changed strings on it, one of my ukes has one fret that buzzes from time to time on the 2nd string when I lift my finger, unless I fret it a gazillion times more accurately than on any other uke I have, and even so.
I couldn't figure out why it did this as it wasn't the action, the nut width, the fret level, my fretting technique or the strings (I've spent lots of time narrowing things down). Then I realised that the main difference between that uke and my other ones is that the frets are chunkier. Quick search through the forum and apparently a fret that is too wide and flat can cause buzz, which is what "crowning" is meant to avoid (it also helps with intonation apparently). Total epiphany! Thank you UU forum archives! That specific fret is indeed a tiny bit flatter where I usually get that buzz and the other frets are much sharper. Tomorrow I'll bring that uke to a local luthier to have the fret re-crowned.
Just wanted to share this because when I check the set-up on a uke, I check the action, intonation, buzzes and how nice and even the fret level is across the fretboard but I had never thought about checking how wide or flat the frets are. Make sure to check that too before buying, the buzz might only appear once you change the stock strings! The sharper the fret the better apparently (please correct me if I'm wrong!)
I couldn't figure out why it did this as it wasn't the action, the nut width, the fret level, my fretting technique or the strings (I've spent lots of time narrowing things down). Then I realised that the main difference between that uke and my other ones is that the frets are chunkier. Quick search through the forum and apparently a fret that is too wide and flat can cause buzz, which is what "crowning" is meant to avoid (it also helps with intonation apparently). Total epiphany! Thank you UU forum archives! That specific fret is indeed a tiny bit flatter where I usually get that buzz and the other frets are much sharper. Tomorrow I'll bring that uke to a local luthier to have the fret re-crowned.
Just wanted to share this because when I check the set-up on a uke, I check the action, intonation, buzzes and how nice and even the fret level is across the fretboard but I had never thought about checking how wide or flat the frets are. Make sure to check that too before buying, the buzz might only appear once you change the stock strings! The sharper the fret the better apparently (please correct me if I'm wrong!)