SE singlecut w/ stop tailbridge...nasally high E

[mojo1fan]

I recently picked up a used se singlecut. It has the stock stop tail/bridge. The high E has that horrible nasally/sitar like tone when played. Often times, I've found a poorly cut nut can cause this. Usually, fretting the string will reveal whether the nut is the problem or not. In this case, it has the nasally/sitar quality whether played open or fretted so I feel the nut is fine.

I'm running 9-42s on the guitar currently. I've been thinking 10-46 might help, but I'm also wondering about bridge replacement. What kind of reasonably priced replacement bridges are out there? Preferably under $100. I've found the Wilkinson style bridge on ebay for around $40. Any others?

 

[andy474x]

http://prsguitars.com/forum/showthr...ge-modded-with-washer-to-prevent-forward-tilt

I had the same problem with an SE a few years back. I would try the method above. If that doesn't work, get an aftermarket bridge, I especially like the Tonepros with locking studs.

 

[Chiliphil1]

I'm probably clueless here, but I know if I ever have that issue on any of my guitars raising the string height takes care of it, generally the string is hitting one of the frets. I may be completely wrong in this case though.

 

[andy474x]

I'm probably clueless here, but I know if I ever have that issue on any of my guitars raising the string height takes care of it, generally the string is hitting one of the frets. I may be completely wrong in this case though.

That's certainly the case on a lot of guitars. And it could very well be what's going on here. There's also been a few cases documented on the forum here (myself included) where the bridge is the cause. Basically, the studs that hold the bridge have too much vertical space to hold the tailpiece, resulting in a tipping forward of the bridge when the string tension is added. Causes a poor break angle of the strings over the tailpiece, so the string isn't in tight contact when it's leaving the tailpiece (if that makes any sense) and that allows it to rattle around a bit, causing the sitar effect.

So, not trying to undermine Phil's comment, it could most definitely be either of those things and I don't want to discount what he's saying! So, Mojo, my point is try to isolate where the buzz is coming from and go from there, could be the frets or the bridge.

 

[mojo1fan]

That's certainly the case on a lot of guitars. And it could very well be what's going on here. There's also been a few cases documented on the forum here (myself included) where the bridge is the cause. Basically, the studs that hold the bridge have too much vertical space to hold the tailpiece, resulting in a tipping forward of the bridge when the string tension is added. Causes a poor break angle of the strings over the tailpiece, so the string isn't in tight contact when it's leaving the tailpiece (if that makes any sense) and that allows it to rattle around a bit, causing the sitar effect.

So, not trying to undermine Phil's comment, it could most definitely be either of those things and I don't want to discount what he's saying! So, Mojo, my point is try to isolate where the buzz is coming from and go from there, could be the frets or the bridge.

I think your theory about the bridge is the likely culprit. There is a Wilkinson on ebay for $30. I wouldn't mind taking a chance at that price. May also try the washer thing, as that (looseness between bridge and stud) does seem to be an issue.

 

[mojo1fan]

That's certainly the case on a lot of guitars. And it could very well be what's going on here. There's also been a few cases documented on the forum here (myself included) where the bridge is the cause. Basically, the studs that hold the bridge have too much vertical space to hold the tailpiece, resulting in a tipping forward of the bridge when the string tension is added. Causes a poor break angle of the strings over the tailpiece, so the string isn't in tight contact when it's leaving the tailpiece (if that makes any sense) and that allows it to rattle around a bit, causing the sitar effect.

So, not trying to undermine Phil's comment, it could most definitely be either of those things and I don't want to discount what he's saying! So, Mojo, my point is try to isolate where the buzz is coming from and go from there, could be the frets or the bridge.

I was able to tinker a little bit this evening. This is definitely the issue. I do not have any really thin washers but I was able to jam my thinnest nut file in there to prevent the bridge from rocking, and the problem went away. So I'll have to go in search for something suitable tomorrow.

 

[gush]

What is the peavey amp in your avavtar?

 

[mojo1fan]

What is the peavey amp in your avavtar?

The Butcher. 100 watt all-tube head with matching 412 cabinet. Great for straight up rock.

 

[mojo1fan]

So I went ahead and ordered a no-name bridge from ebay. Meanwhile, I tried 10-46 strings just to see what happened. Same result- in fact, the high E now barely has any sustain at all. Hopefully the new bridge makes a difference.

 

[dogrocketp]

I like the 2 knob setup, so I have too many SE's. I've tried every solution for sitar string. The one that has worked the best for me is Jason Schroeder's locking studs and bridge. Unfortunately, this breaks the $100 dollar mark, but you won't need to re-mortgage your house. I've tried every other option and combination, and am absolutely sold on this one. Seems to make a huge difference with both Humbuckers and P-90's. Mike Garvey turned me on to it. I've seen the light. Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[DHW]

I just went with locking tonepros studs. Fixed it right up. I would check the string slot on the bridge and make sure it doesn't have a burr on it. Wipe a q-tip down it and if it snags take some real fine emery cloth and knock the burr off. That said, the reduction in sustain with heavier strings definitely could be fretting out.

 

[mojo1fan]

So the bridge I ordered arrived yesterday. This looks like an accurate picture of it-

Unfortunately it will not work. Too tall. Unless I want to mill it down, or cut way-too-deep slots in the saddles. Luckily I only paid $9.00 for it.

The next step is to purchase the Tone Pros locking studs. Or maybe the entire Tone Pros bridge.

 

[mojo1fan]

I just went with locking tonepros studs. Fixed it right up. I would check the string slot on the bridge and make sure it doesn't have a burr on it. Wipe a q-tip down it and if it snags take some real fine emery cloth and knock the burr off. That said, the reduction in sustain with heavier strings definitely could be fretting out.

Received the Tonepros studs today, and they did the trick. Very pleased.