HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

[SoCalSteve]

I've got an Original FR equipped guitar and the low (EAD) strings have a pingy, metally sound that comes out mainly under amp distortion. The same sound I get out of my Strat. Is this caused by the springs?

The setup from the previous owner has 3 springs on the bass string side and 1 on the high E side. Should I take one off the low side where this is prevalent? Also, I've heard putting foam under the springs can help. Has anyone done this? I'd rather hear your input before setting it up again.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

If you hear a little bit of an "echo" or "reverb" to your tone, then it's definitely the springs. I noticed this with my Grosh and freaked out (thinking that there was something wrong with the guitar). Foam helps (it will dampen that strange overtone) and I recommend that the springs on the trem are evenly distributed (it's just something that's proper to do... not sure of any tonal changes).

So, to make you feel better, you're not alone

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

Found that with my RR, the echo/reverb type thing. It was cool at first, but then got annoying after the novelty of it wore off. Shove some foam in that sucker!

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

I don't know if I would characterize it as echo. It's twang or ping. I don't know, maybe it's fret noise. Maybe I need the action raised.........

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

I think one thing that causes that is when 2 springs have more tension than 1 other one, and that one isn't taught (pulled with tension). So, what you're hearing is a vibration of that 1 spring. It's hard to pinpoint, but that's what I think causes that.
It's likely that having uneven tension from odd spring placement is the issue.

Remember, if you move the springs, you'll have to readjust the spring claw screws slightly, and will also need to re-check the intonation, to make sure it didn't drift.

If it still does it, use the foam or bubblewrap trick under the springs.

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

If it's a full floater, it'll do that, especially with a lot of gain. My Carvin with a floating Wilkinson VS-100 does it, and it also flutters a bit when I smack the strings hard.

I think I'm getting a Trem-setter for that guitar. :burnout:

 

[Chris P]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

wow, it makes so much sense now. I've noticed my Jackson doing this lately and it's been driving me nuts to the point where I really don't play it anymore.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

I think it's probably best to make sure that all your springs are the same exact kind and age, and that they're all running parallel to each other. I've noticed the problem more when some springs are angled, or mismatched. A piece of foam or bubble wrap underneath will quiet them, if nothing else works.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

I had the same sort of problem with my Fender Strat. A "pingy" sound when playing.
I filled the spring cavity with foam, and problem solved.

Also check for any loose parts on the tremolo as well. They can cause a similar effect. Good luck!

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: HELP! What is that 'pingy' metally sound..springs?

Well, I got her setup (G&L Invader) and I'm lovin' this guitar (is it wrong to love an inamimate object? LOL). The 'pinginess' came from 2 sources. I put foam under the springs and also the action was super low, rubbing the frets.

I received the guitar and the strings looked 5 years old so, after oiling and cleaning the fretboard I put some D'addario 10's on, I raised the bridge some, the tone control wasn't working so I soldered a wire back in place that runs from the tone control to the volume knob and now this thing plays like a dream.

The Original Floyd Rose really stays in tune. I played about 2 hours last night and again today and didn't have to fuss with it. The neck is very fast - my hand just glides up and down it smoothly. I thought the JB might be too bright for this wood (swamp ash) but I'm really liking the sound of it. Also, with the coil-tapping switch it splits up nicely, making this a pretty versatile guitar. Definitely the best guitar I've owned!