Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on December 14, 2006, 09:56:35 PM

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: Twinfan on December 14, 2006, 09:56:35 PM

I've always suspected there was a bit of an issue with my Gordon Smith SG in that the top E string when plucked "open" never really rang out properly and bends seem to choke off on the higher frets.  It had a "general setup" done professionally a while back and I didn't mention the top E issue at that point thinking the setup would cure it.  So the intonation and neck relief etc was all done then.  Tonight I've:

* Fitted a fresh set of strings
* Adjusted the intonation
* Adjusted the overall action
* Lowered the pickup
* Adjusted the pickup pole pieces

It still does it!  It's driving me mad!  I can't see that the string is touching a fret or anything (either open or fretted), and some frets are better/worse than the open string.  All other strings ring out fine and sustain for 25-30+ seconds but the top E sounds dull and only rings out for 15-20 seconds max.

Any ideas as to what might be the problem?  Could it be just be dead wood and it can't be solved?  Would that affect only one string???

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: gingataff on December 15, 2006, 01:50:04 AM

String guage too light? Dodgy bridge saddle? I'd also suggest it could be the nut but you said you have a problem when bending strings so that can probably be ruled out.

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: Twinfan on December 15, 2006, 08:38:03 AM

Quote from: gingataff

String gauge too light?quote]

I'm using regular 10 to 52s, and all other strings are OK.  I've had it with 11s too, so I'm ruling out a dodgy string.

Quote from: gingataff

I'd also suggest it could be the nut but you said you have a problem when bending strings so that can probably be ruled out.

Yeah, fretted notes are a problem too so I'm ruling out the nut.

Quote from: gingataff

Dodgy bridge saddle?

Could be.  Not sure how this would affect things though?

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: gingataff on December 15, 2006, 11:45:28 AM

I don't know either :)
But I imagine a string that sits too deeply in a saddle, so that it contacts a lot of the metal, may be transferring a lot of its energy into the saddle and the sound will die quickly.
Likewise, maybe a loose saddle will vibrate and you'll lose energy that way. My physics may be a bit askew though, there's probably a much better explanation.

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: scottsoldano on December 18, 2006, 05:14:40 PM

You will probably find it's a poorly cut nut. The break angle needs to be correct on the top e otherwise it will really deaden the string.

Title: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"?
Post by: Twinfan on December 18, 2006, 05:18:32 PM

Cheers matey - I'll get my local tech to take a look...