Resonance/whistling in PRS SE Standard.

[Chipuk700]

I’ve had my PRS SE for almost a month, but I just noticed that it produces a very strong resonance on most E notes. It even happens when the guitar is unplugged, and I don’t know where it’s coming from.
I’ve owned other PRS SE guitars before, and some notes produced a bit of “echo,” but nothing out of the ordinary. However, this new guitar literally seems to produce a very strong harmonic that stands out.





Has anyone experienced this and managed to fix it?

 

[mdb_prs]

I’ve had my PRS SE for almost a month, but I just noticed that it produces a very strong resonance on most E notes. It even happens when the guitar is unplugged, and I don’t know where it’s coming from.
I’ve owned other PRS SE guitars before, and some notes produced a bit of “echo,” but nothing out of the ordinary. However, this new guitar literally seems to produce a very strong harmonic that stands out.





Has anyone experienced this and managed to fix it?

Hello there: I joined this forum today specifically because of this post. I am experiencing the exact same thing with my ~2-year-old PRS SE (w/ Floyd Rose trem; left-handed model). The guitar whistles! This happens when completely unplugged (in fact this is when the whistling is most pronounced). It is especially pronounced upon playing an open A or open D chord. I've tightened the tuners, trem lock nuts, made sure the knobs are not loose, and checked the pickup selector switch and output jack, all to no avail. I am wondering whether the tremolo spring cavity rout is acting as a sound hole for some small metal bit resonating in some way. It is bothersome enough that I may take it my regular guitar repair shop to have them investigate while performing a new setup. You are not alone! I will keep you posted. Indeed it would be interesting to know if others have experienced this, and if so, if a fix was found? Happy New Year, -Michael

 

[show_a_little_faith]

Hello there: I joined this forum today specifically because of this post. I am experiencing the exact same thing with my ~2-year-old PRS SE (w/ Floyd Rose trem; left-handed model). The guitar whistles! This happens when completely unplugged (in fact this is when the whistling is most pronounced). It is especially pronounced upon playing an open A or open D chord. I've tightened the tuners, trem lock nuts, made sure the knobs are not loose, and checked the pickup selector switch and output jack, all to no avail. I am wondering whether the tremolo spring cavity rout is acting as a sound hole for some small metal bit resonating in some way. It is bothersome enough that I may take it my regular guitar repair shop to have them investigate while performing a new setup. You are not alone! I will keep you posted. Indeed it would be interesting to know if others have experienced this, and if so, if a fix was found? Happy New Year, -Michael

You could definitely be right about the springs - I haven't needed it myself, but have seen others recommend putting a small strip of foam rubber underneath the springs to keep them from vibrating. Simple and cheap to try before paying a luthier too

 

[Chipuk700]

Hello there: I joined this forum today specifically because of this post. I am experiencing the exact same thing with my ~2-year-old PRS SE (w/ Floyd Rose trem; left-handed model). The guitar whistles! This happens when completely unplugged (in fact this is when the whistling is most pronounced). It is especially pronounced upon playing an open A or open D chord. I've tightened the tuners, trem lock nuts, made sure the knobs are not loose, and checked the pickup selector switch and output jack, all to no avail. I am wondering whether the tremolo spring cavity rout is acting as a sound hole for some small metal bit resonating in some way. It is bothersome enough that I may take it my regular guitar repair shop to have them investigate while performing a new setup. You are not alone! I will keep you posted. Indeed it would be interesting to know if others have experienced this, and if so, if a fix was found? Happy New Year, -Michael

Hi Michael, thanks for replying to my post!





Were you able to find anything?


I was also checking, and I think the problem is the nut, but honestly, I wasn’t planning on replacing it yet.

 

[mdb_prs]

Hi Chipuk700 and all:

My apologies for the delay in responding. I indeed ended up taking the guitar in for a setup (it was sort of due anyway) and described the whistling issue. And just like "show_a_little_faith" states above, the shop recommended a little square bit of foam behind the springs in the tremolo rout. And voila -- no more whistling. I would have liked to attach a photo but it looks like (unless I am missing something) one can not.
But imagine a small, square cut of foam (like a small and skinny sponge) tucked back behind the springs. This seemed to have done the trick. Take care all, -Michael