Stoptail Bridge Lean Issue - Can you give an opinion about a deal?

[Julio]

Hello everyone! I see this subject has been discussed a lot around the late years but maybe someone has a new solution for it (That´s why I chosse this category, Tech Center), or even can give an opinion about a deal that came in.

This week I bought this PRS SE Singlecut on the internet, from a store. It´s in really good condition, came with a great semi-case, I really liked it. Needs a set up, there´s some light fret buzz going on in some frets, no big deal.... BUT, it came with that "issue" in the Stoptail Bridge. It´s tilted!

(Sorry I couldn´t share some photos, but I don´t use forums that much and have no links of it.)

I saw some videos and some threads about it and looks like there are 3 common solutions for this issue:
Insert a washer under the bridge, change the studs or change the hole bridge set. (Do you know any other ways to solve that? Please feel free to share).

The sound? Gorgeous... great tone and sustain, BUT... Yeah, it has that annoying "Sitar sound" only on the high "E" string...

I have time to decide if I will keep this guitar or return it (about 15 days to make the decision).
I really liked the guitar, but the idea of buying something that already came with a problem really bothers me.
I paid the regular price for it (used) and the seller told me it was in perfect condition.
That said, I ask your opinion:

Keep the guitar and solve the issue or return it and search for another one?

 

[jxe]

money off!

 

[Ovibos]

Those bridges tilt on the stock studs. You can pick up some locking metric studs if it bothers you. My SE One has some sitar on the B, and it has locking studs and a nontilted bridge. It’s something else, at least for me.

 

[Julio]

money off!

I'm really considering it... Unfortunately... Damn, its a great guitar.

 

[Julio]

Those bridges tilt on the stock studs. You can pick up some locking metric studs if it bothers you. My SE One has some sitar on the B, and it has locking studs and a nontilted bridge. It’s something else, at least for me.

Maybe your guitar has a different issue, does it happen in all frets? Mine does... What I don't get about this problem is 'where' it is. Is it the wood or the studs that become loose? Do you know?

 

[Julio]

Uploaded some photos here!

 

[AP515]

So, you can shim the bridge if you want to keep the SE studs, or you can buy locking studs and solve the problem. BUT, that is not your sitar problem. Your sitar problem comes from the nut. You can test that by loosening the string and put a layer or two of a tissue (yes a Kleenex) under the string in the nut and tighten the string back up to pitch. Then tear away all the tissue from around the string. Then pluck it. If the sitar sound is gone you have a loose slot in the nut and the tissue is filling the space.

 

[Julio]

So, you can shim the bridge if you want to keep the SE studs, or you can buy locking studs and solve the problem. BUT, that is not your sitar problem. Your sitar problem comes from the nut. You can test that by loosening the string and put a layer or two of a tissue (yes a Kleenex) under the string in the nut and tighten the string back up to pitch. Then tear away all the tissue from around the string. Then pluck it. If the sitar sound is gone you have a loose slot in the nut and the tissue is filling the space.

Thanks for the tips! The sitar sound happens in all frets, I think if it was the nut, it would happen only with the open string, what do you think?

 

[AP515]

Thanks for the tips! The sitar sound happens in all frets, I think if it was the nut, it would happen only with the open string, what do you think?

Yeah, I was thinking it was an open string. Still might be vibrating in the nut but you should hear a difference. It's easy to try. YOu could also put a tissue under it in the bridge.

 

[Black Plaid]

The other way you can solve the problem is to raise or lower (or both) the treble and bass sides so they are not the same height. The need for height compensation is the reason there's play in the mount.

 

[Julio]

Yeah, I was thinking it was an open string. Still might be vibrating in the nut but you should hear a difference. It's easy to try. YOu could also put a tissue under it in the bridge.

The tissue on the bridge solved the buzz. Its definitely coming from the bridge. The hard decision now, keep or return the guitar?

 

[Julio]

The other way you can solve the problem is to raise or lower (or both) the treble and bass sides so they are not the same height. The need for height compensation is the reason there's play in the mount.

Thanks, im gonna try it. Lets say it works. The lean would still be there. Would you keep this guitar or return it to search for another one?

 

[AP515]

The tissue on the bridge solved the buzz. Its definitely coming from the bridge. The hard decision now, keep or return the guitar?

If I loved everything else about it, I would keep it and replace the bridge. If the next one is just as good as this one, I'd return it.

 

[Julio]

If I loved everything else about it, I would keep it and replace the bridge. If the next one is just as good as this one, I'd return it.

Thanks for your opinion, i´m really considering it. The guitar is great, almost mint condition.

 

[garrett]

The MannMade metric studs are ~$20 very well spent. Very snug fit that will correct the lean and they look great. Hopefully not cost-prohibitive to get a set down to Brazil.

https://www.johnmannsguitarvault.co...t---Metric-Thread---Brass-Satin-x42807212.htm

 

[Julio]

The MannMade metric studs are ~$20 very well spent. Very snug fit that will correct the lean and they look great. Hopefully not cost-prohibitive to get a set down to Brazil.

https://www.johnmannsguitarvault.co...t---Metric-Thread---Brass-Satin-x42807212.htm

Hey, thanks for the tip! I think this link is broken, at least it didn´t open here, unfortunately.... But I got the idea!
Gonna search for these studs! I´m really thinking about keeping this guitar.

 

[Black Plaid]

Thanks, im gonna try it. Lets say it works. The lean would still be there. Would you keep this guitar or return it to search for another one?

If it works, the lean would no longer be there, that's the point.

Without being there in person to evaluate the guitar, there's absolutely no way I could recommend one way or another anything.

 

[Julio]

If it works, the lean would no longer be there, that's the point.

Without being there in person to evaluate the guitar, there's absolutely no way I could recommend one way or another anything.

You are right! Yesterday I took the bridge off and could see where the problem is. There´s play between the stud and the bushing and there´s another play between the stud and the bridge itself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[Nice F Holes]

There's also the possibility that some of what you see is an illusion: it looked like I had a lot of bridge post lean, but when I investigated I found it was an illusion due to the carve of the guitar curving away from the bridge. Here are some pics: note that the guitar curves away from the flat block. The bridge and strings should be close to parallel with the block.

 

[kipkohl]

Have you tried just changing that string. My SE 245 has a tilt to the bridge and for awhile had the dreaded sitar sound on the high E. It went away after doing a string change. Not saying it isn't your bridge; that can certainly cause "sitar-ification", but it may be just a bad string. Your guitar is beautiful, it would be a shame to return it.