GG asked ... Fix food processor motor?    |    T asked ... How do I turn the delay off on Electrolux DX302 dishwasher?    |    Helen asked ... How can I mend my Kenwood Gourmet FP505?    |    Roy Turner asked ... Kohlangaz Gosford HE fire?    |    Peter asked ... How can I mend a Powerwasher PRO PRO1800PWE?    |    Click here to ask your question

How can I fix my Fender Stratocaster?

Hi, I recently tried to build my own Fender Strat and have put everything together but when I finally strung it and tried to tune it, there is no sound, it only makes a buzzing noise. All the parts are in the correct place but I feel it may be somethin to do with the Tremolo. Someone please help me!!
Steve, December 2009
I am assuming that strumming without plugging it in still makes a sound (if the buzzing is happening prior to plugging it in, it means that the strings are rubbing on something). This means there is a fault somewhere in the electrics or the pickups haven't been turned up or on! There are a few things that could be causing this problem and assuming you have tried to make a standard Strat copy, the problem could lie anywhere from the pick-ups through to the output jack. Double check all your connections to make sure that everything is soldered correclty. Also, if you can, take a couple of spare lengths of wire and losely attach it to the wiring on the pick-up, directly to the output jack. Once you have done this, hold a magnet or a piece of metal and move it back and forwards towards the pick-up. You should be getting a noise through this. If you are, keeping the wires connected to the output jack, move along to the next stage (which should be the selector switch. Keep doing this until you find the buzzing. When you find the buzzing simply swap over the two wires connected to the part that has failed and see if that works.

Clivicus, February 2010