High E string sounds like a sitar....

sjfoote · January 7th, 2004, 01:06 PM

after doing just a few pull-ups and letting the string snap back to the fretboard. I do not do these very hard at all, just enough to get the string to snap.

When this happens, I have to loosen the string tension, take the string out from under the string tree, and wiggle the saddle around a few times. It just started doing this recently.

The guitar is a '86 Standard MIJ and the bridge is a top-loader with "Elite" style L saddles.

Any ideas?

TheGoodTexan · January 7th, 2004, 02:19 PM

I would have to guess that there is a problem with that nut slot - probably not enough downward angle in the slot. Depending on your skills and tools, you can probably fix this yourself very quickly. I few light strokes with proper file will usually do the trick. Don't use enough pressure to alter the string height...and concentrate on the edge of the nut that is closer to the tuners.

Otherwise have a qualified tech do it - should be a quick and cheap fix...I've done it for free many times.

In the mean time you can play the heck out of Paint it Black.

Bill Beck · January 10th, 2004, 06:38 PM

You cracked me up with that because I play it all the time.
HOWEVER, to do it right, you need the E AND the B to sound like a sitar. I don't think that he wants that!! :D

Deaf Eddie · January 14th, 2004, 05:34 PM

Sounds more like you need to go after the bridge, rather than the nut.

Nut "sitar" problems are only apparant when playing open strings.

The sitar effect, if it's there on fretted strings, is usually caused by a high fret or a bad saddle. As you say it goes away if you goof with the saddle, in your case it's probably a saddle that's not right. The fix is the same - go after the saddle with a fine file. EYE-BALL the saddle first, to see if you can see something that might be the culprit.

January 7th, 2004, 01:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
sjfoote Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Age: 54 Posts: 362 4 Photos	High E string sounds like a sitar.... after doing just a few pull-ups and letting the string snap back to the fretboard. I do not do these very hard at all, just enough to get the string to snap. When this happens, I have to loosen the string tension, take the string out from under the string tree, and wiggle the saddle around a few times. It just started doing this recently. The guitar is a '86 Standard MIJ and the bridge is a top-loader with "Elite" style L saddles. Any ideas? __________________ no better, just older

January 10th, 2004, 06:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bill Beck Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Chicago 'Burbs Posts: 372	"Paint it Black" Ha Ha You cracked me up with that because I play it all the time. HOWEVER, to do it right, you need the E AND the B to sound like a sitar. I don't think that he wants that!! :D

January 14th, 2004, 05:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Deaf Eddie Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sunny San Diego, CA Posts: 1,248 14 Photos	Bridge problem, not nut problem... Sounds more like you need to go after the bridge, rather than the nut. Nut "sitar" problems are only apparant when playing open strings. The sitar effect, if it's there on fretted strings, is usually caused by a high fret or a bad saddle. As you say it goes away if you goof with the saddle, in your case it's probably a saddle that's not right. The fix is the same - go after the saddle with a fine file. EYE-BALL the saddle first, to see if you can see something that might be the culprit. __________________ YMMV - I been wrong before...