Cello Handbook/Buzzing
Apart from external causes of buzzing, such as a button on your clothes
vibrating against the cello or even something in the room vibrating in
sympathy as you play, buzzes can be caused by almost any part of the cello.
Below is a list of the most common buzzes and possible causes.
Buzzing on only one string
- There may be a loose string winding – if so replace the string.
- A stopped string may buzz because of an oversized string groove at the
bridge; an open string buzz that disappears when the string is stopped
suggests an oversized string groove at the nut
Buzzing only on certain notes
Your fingerboard may be uneven and the strings may catch on the bumps when
you stop certain notes. If so, ask a luthier to smooth (‘true’ or ‘re-shoot’) the
fingerboard for you.
Intermittent buzzing
Buzzes caused by loose purfling or open seams can disappear in damp weather
and reappear in dryer weather as the glue softens and hardens. If in doubt,
consult a luthier.
Other common causes of buzzing
- The end of the tail-gut is buzzing against the tailpiece
- Fingerboard is coming unglued
- Loose adjuster – try tightening it down
- Loose bridge vellums
- Loose end pin (spike)
- Loose end of a string buzzing inside the peg box
- Loose decorations on pegs
- Loose plastic sleeve bridge protector; either remove it or push it firmly down over the silk at the bottom of the string
- Open (unglued or fresh) cracks
- Poor contact between the bridge feet and cello front
- Tail-gut vibrating in an over-sized hole in the tailpiece
- Mute not placed correctly. If you are using a mute, ensure that it is secured.