Sitar on high E

[Johnkenn]

Bought a used SS…didn’t really notice at the store, but it’s got a little sitar/donkiness on the open high E. Doesn’t do it fretted. So I’m assuming it’s the nut? When I changed the strings, I noticed the nut nearly popped out. Obviously, that’s not great. But I was able to line it up and it’s usable. Ordered a bone nut replacement from axemasters and since it was cheap got a GraphTech one too.

Neither of those have arrived yet…but think it’s safe to think it’s a nut slot issue? Anything I can do without a file in the meantime? I’m not a luthier, but I’m also just gonna replace the nut.

 

[KentuckyBoiledChiccan]

Bought a used SS…didn’t really notice at the store, but it’s got a little sitar/donkiness on the open high E. Doesn’t do it fretted. So I’m assuming it’s the nut? When I changed the strings, I noticed the nut nearly popped out. Obviously, that’s not great. But I was able to line it up and it’s usable. Ordered a bone nut replacement from axemasters and since it was cheap got a GraphTech one too.

Neither of those have arrived yet…but think it’s safe to think it’s a nut slot issue? Anything I can do without a file in the meantime? I’m not a luthier, but I’m also just gonna replace the nut.

Give it to a tech. It's only done right by experienced people with proper tool set

 

[DISTORT6]

You could be the next sitar playing Ravi-o-li.

 

[d^rren]

Nut is slotted too deep, or there's a fret sprouting up and causing the buzz.

 

[dogrocketp]

Have a real luthier set it up, and pay close attention. If you watch closely enough, you’ll be blessed to do simple things later. The first thing I do when I get a used guitar is take it in and have the nut replaced professionally. Most of the used PRS I have bought had nut problems and a rely badly done “home” set up. Have your Ferrari tuned, and not by a Yugo mecjanhic.

 

[Johnkenn]

All of my other PRS used guitars have been pretty much dead nuts after intonating them. This slot looked untouched until I put some pencil lead in it. Unless that’s not the issue.

But yeah, if I can figure it out, I’ll take it back and have them fix it.

 

[AP515]

While you wait for the incoming nuts, put a tissue paper under the string and tighten it again. Then pull away the excess tissue. The tissue under the string, in the nut slot, will probably quiet the string.

 

[Johnkenn]

While you wait for the incoming nuts, put a tissue paper under the string and tighten it again. Then pull away the excess tissue. The tissue under the string, in the nut slot, will probably quiet the string.

Thanks! That’s a great suggestion.

So - I think I figured it out. Don’t think it’s the nut. There’s a slight “burr” or slot on the bridge saddle. If I slide the string over out of that little “slot “, it doesn’t sitar anymore. It’s weird that you would think it would do it no matter where you were on the board if it were in the saddle.

Think I’m going to try to buff it out with like a soft fingernail file – or is that a bad idea? Yeah yeah if all else fails, I’ll take it to Luthier lol. I looked this up, but our bridge upgrades a common thing with these guitars?

 

[AP515]

Thanks! That’s a great suggestion.

So - I think I figured it out. Don’t think it’s the nut. There’s a slight “burr” or slot on the bridge saddle. If I slide the string over out of that little “slot “, it doesn’t sitar anymore. It’s weird that you would think it would do it no matter where you were on the board if it were in the saddle.

Think I’m going to try to buff it out with like a soft fingernail file – or is that a bad idea? Yeah yeah if all else fails, I’ll take it to Luthier lol. I looked this up, but our bridge upgrades a common thing with these guitars?

put the tissue in the saddle and see if it works there also. You might try running a wound string past the burr instead of the file. Just enough to push the burr away from the string.

 

[Carlost]

Think I’m going to try to buff it out with like a soft fingernail file

I did this, very gently, with a tiny jeweler's file on the buzzy saddle of a non-PRS bridge. My guitar tech complimented me. Just be very gentle, one file stroke might do it.

If you want to test the nut slot, try placing 1–2 short strands of dental floss.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

Before you get too technical with the nut and bridge, what are your pickup heights set at.

I had a Strat that had the pickups adjusted too high and I was getting a sitar like sound. It was the magnetic field of the pickup pulling at the string, causing the sound.

Just a thought.

 

[Carlost]

Before you get too technical with the nut and bridge, what are your pickup heights set at. I had a Strat that had the pickups adjusted too high and I was getting a sitar like sound. It was the magnetic field of the pickup pulling at the string, causing the sound.

Excellent advice. Definitely make sure you're hearing the buzz acoustically before you touch anything. High E strings are especially vulnerable to string-pull distortion, especially with Strat-style pickups.

 

[Johnkenn]

Before you get too technical with the nut and bridge, what are your pickup heights set at.

I had a Strat that had the pickups adjusted too high and I was getting a sitar like sound. It was the magnetic field of the pickup pulling at the string, causing the sound.

Just a thought.

I know what you’re talking about. But that’s not it.
I tried buffing…didn’t work. I might just replace the whole bridge. MannMade the best way to go?

 

[Carlost]

I might just replace the whole bridge. MannMade the best way to go?

If your problem is just one saddle, I'd first write to PRS support and ask them to send you a replacement saddle (or a set). They almost certainly will, whether or not you're the guitar's registered owner.

 

[Johnkenn]

If your problem is just one saddle, I'd first write to PRS support and ask them to send you a replacement saddle (or a set). They almost certainly will, whether or not you're the guitar's registered owner.

You think? That would be impressive. I need to try swapping the saddles, but it’s such a PITA. This one is used, but I’ve definitely paid for Paul’s grandkid’s braces in the past two months lol, so maybe I’ll try that!

 

[bodia]

I know what you’re talking about. But that’s not it.
I tried buffing…didn’t work. I might just replace the whole bridge. MannMade the best way to go?

If you decide to go with the new bridge, I would definitely go MannMade

 

[Johnkenn]

Apparently there's not a drop in bridge replacement? I'd probably just do saddles and block.

 

[Johnkenn]

Just to update. I tried to buff out the saddle on the high E with no luck. Then swapped it for the Low E saddle - and notice it has sone scuffing too. Still thunky. Not as bad maybe.
So - I probably need more relief in the neck, but I’m scared to force the truss rod as it’s not wanting to budge any more. It’s pretty straight at the moment, so I can’t imagine it’s maxed out or anything. I also just have doubts the nut is an issue. Don’t they pre-cut these things and they’re super precise? It doesn’t appear anyone has tried to file it down.

Obviously, I might just have to take it to somebody that knows what they’re doing…but what fun is that? Also, finding someone that actually knows what they’re doing is getting harder and harder. Well, without being without your guitar for a month.

 

[Johnkenn]

Bought a new bone nut from Axemasters on reverb. Supposed to be a drop in replacement - I guess that doesn’t include the depth/height because I had to sand it down. (Which I’d never tried before)

Anyway - got it installed and it’s a pretty big improvement overall in my opinion. More articulation, and I swear the pickups with tone all the way maxed sound less bright to my ears (that’s a good thing.) The High E problem is gone and overall sounds “more expensive” with a $15 fix.

Btw - I just realized Mannmade sells replacements too. Wonder if that would have started off the right depth?

 

[DISTORT6]

Just to update. Bought a new nut from Axemasters on reverb. Supposed to be a drop in replacement - I guess that doesn’t include the depth/height because I had to sand it down. (Which I’d never tried before)

Anyway - got it installed and it’s a pretty big improvement overall in my opinion. More articulation, and I swear the pickups with tone all the way maxed sound less bright to my ears (that’s a good thing.) The High E problem is gone and overall sounds “more expensive” with a $15 fix.

Another happy ending.
TWSS