Author Topic: Help? Top E string sounding "dead"? (Read 2150 times)

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???

gingataff · « **Reply #1 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.

Twinfan · « **Reply #2 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?

gingataff · « **Reply #3 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.

scottsoldano · « **Reply #4 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.

Twinfan · « **Reply #5 on:** December 18, 2006, 05:18:32 PM »

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