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Hi guys-

In the electrics section I have this post - http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10123&t=22958. I have a problem and can use all the help I can get please. Especially from you acoustic guys.

I hope it's ok to link to my post in another section of the forum - I know it's a bait and switch. Admins - please delete if not ok.

Thanks everyone-

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John Lewis
Wannabe builder owned by 2 crazy dachshunds

nut or saddle just replaced/ installed?

can you take a short cut off from a string, and put it under your e string so its just resting on that, to see if the sound goes away? this will elevate the string enough to clear the sitar action, and help you troubleshoot it.

try to isolate the origin of the sound, if it goes away when you fret a note and play it at the first fret, its a bad nut slot ( most likly), if you still hear the sound it could be action too low (or an improper set up ), a fret too high, or a poor saddle "ramp" Jody

John we all get these during setup. It's simply not finished. On the saddle end it may need you to increase the angle over the saddle by making saddle ramps from the pin holes. At the headstock well, it needs ramping in the nut itself, angle it down toward the tuners at least half the thickness of the nut, then the bearing surface will be smaller and your sitar sound will go away. Good luck. Tell us how it went. bd

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

According to your posts in the other thread, this occurs when you fret the string on all 22 frets. That make it unlikely that it is the nut. I also find it unlikely that it is sympathetic vibrations with the truss rod because those usually have a set pitch. I don't know much about electric bridges but my guess is that the problem is there. Is it the kind of bridge where the string sits in a slot? Try lifting the string out of the slot and have it sit on the bridge. Oh, by the way, have you tried changing the string? Sometimes strings have kinks or weak spots in them that causes all sorts of problems.

I had something like that and it was more noticeable on the up stroke. I widen the string slot a bit at the saddle and I ramped the slot in front of the saddle. Sort of a fan shape opening up of the slot. I think the string vibrates enough to just catch the edge of the slot and causes that sound. It was on the E string too. Give it a try and see if it works for you. Funny how it didn't take much. You might also want to check the other strings. If it doesn't make that sound then it might also choke it off some. I kind of learned that from working on wood saddles on resos. You need a good ramp in the front.

Hi guys-

Thanks for all the help. It was the bridge - I bought a new wraparound bridge and it works great now. It took a little while but I found that the exit point for the high E had a miniscule flake in the chrome. It can't be seen but I can barely feel it scratching my fingernail. I forget who suggested this might be the problem but thanks a bunch dude. I'm glad this is over now.

This is a great thread for me because it will help the next time I come up with a buzz and for general setup. There are lots of great tips here for finding problems.

Thanks again everyone-

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John Lewis
Wannabe builder owned by 2 crazy dachshunds