Les Paul Action Issue...

[Conisewer]

I generally like the action on my guitars pretty low, and I play with .009's. I like to sit on the couch and jam while watching tv, usually unplugged. I've noticed, since having my guitar setup, that the strings buzz, especially on the wound strings. But, it is not like a low action type buzz. It's just a small noise that it makes when I attack the note. And the thing is, I can't hear it at all when plugged in. It really wouldn't be an issue if I didn't play unplugged so much.

So, have you experienced this? Does your guitar make any noise when unplugged? Is it just because of my light strings?

Conisewer

[T.L.]

I'd have to play your guitar to discern what's going on with it...

[JLee]

Is the buzz audible through your amp? If not, you're fine. Some buzz is perfectly normal when playing unplugged.

[cvansickle]

Sitting vs. standing - you're hitting the strings differently. When sitting, you're pushing the strings toward the neck more so than you do when standing. The vibrational plane is not parallel to the neck.

[brentrocks]

any loose screws? truss rod cover, P/G? that kind of stuff will make noises

[OM Flyer]

Originally Posted by Conisewer

I generally like the action on my guitars pretty low

I play with .009's.

since having my guitar setup

These three factors are not coincidental. Especially the setup. Play with 10s and/or raise the action and/or add neck relief and see what happens.

[Jim Collins]

Lighter gauge strings actually require more relief, in the neck, than heavier gauge strings require, regardless of the action. Check your relief. If the neck is too straight, loosening the truss rod, just a bit, may help the problem. Of course, if it doesn't bother you that much, leave it alone.

[Pax]

All these observations and suggestions are relevant. Your attack is probably different sitting down. A little buzz that you can't hear through the amp is not unusual. String gauge, relief and loose parts make a difference, but none of it means your set-up is terrible; maybe just a little off of where you like it. You can either take it back to the tech and he’ll probably adjust it for you, or learn how to fix it yourself (raise the action slightly?) and intonate. It’s not as hard as you might think. Dan Erlewine’s products and others can teach you this.

[Conisewer]

Originally Posted by paxbd18

All these observations and suggestions are relevant. Your attack is probably different sitting down. A little buzz that you can't hear through the amp is not unusual. String gauge, relief and loose parts make a difference, but none of it means your set-up is terrible; maybe just a little off of where you like it. You can either take it back to the tech and he’ll probably adjust it for you, or learn how to fix it yourself (raise the action slightly?) and intonate. It’s not as hard as you might think. Dan Erlewine’s products and others can teach you this.

I'm capable of basic setup work. I think Ill just step it up to 10's. Found a pair I really liked the other day. And my guitar with 11s does not have this issue. Thank you for the suggestions all!

[OM Flyer]

Originally Posted by Conisewer

I think Ill just step it up to 10's.

Good call - don't mess with the truss rod until you've given the neck a chance to acclimate to the higher string tension. That alone may give the neck a little more relief.