High E string noticeably quiet?

[Aceman]

Compared to the rest of the strings, my high E string is significantly quieter.

What is the diagnosis?

Before you speak up, it's a Blackout, with a tune-o-matic bridge, string through body.

Let's assume the pickup is adjusted correctly. Because it is.

Thoughts?

-Nut?
-Bridge saddle
-funky string? (DR Neon 10's)

What say you???

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Looking forward to responses. The high E on my Strat is like this.

 

[Maynardo]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

nut or bridge....

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

You need a string tree./thread
Try this; hit the plinky dull string with pick then bend down the string with your other hand on the headstock. It should get loud and sustain.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

High Es are quiet IME. On pickups with adjustable pole pieces, I usually have to raise the high E pole piece quite a way.

Try tilting the pickup to favor the high strings. After that, try going to a thicker high E.

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

what does it sound like acousticly? might not be resonating as good as the others so I would check the path from tuner to tailpiece/bridge.

If its only when plugged in.. does it only sound quiet on one pickup or both? maybe the magnet needs moving down a touch inside the pickup?

 

[dano8180]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Does it "ping" like a sitar unplugged? I had a Les Paul Classic that had this problem. Wound up replacing the nut, TOM, and tailpiece to get rid of it. After that, I swore I could still hear it, but it was probably just in my head because of the headache it gave me.

 

[JeffB]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Try the string first DR puts out some wonk. Plus its the easiest thing to try first.

Then check nut, bridge, and check for a highfret that may be killing it off.

 

[Aceman]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

I definitely don't trust those funky yellow strings, so I'll chill until they get changed.

But I like the pressure behind the nut test. I'd get a new nut for this.

One of the guys at the dean factory was QA'ing some imports when i was there and had a similar problem. He was going to file the saddle a touch.

By the way - those dudes QA every Korean guitar than comes in...


Remember, I'm dealing with B stock guitar and B stock pickup!

 

[ErikH]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Definitely check the nut. That can be the issue a lot of the time. Take a small piece of very fine grit sandpaper, wrap it around the string and run it through the nut slot a couple times. Loose the string a little if you need to, but not too much as you want the downward pressure to assist the sandpaper. Do that to every slot on the nut.

Does it have a tilt-back headstock? If so, no need for a string tree.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

This is your "under construction" guitar I assume. (I love that guitar).

My first thought was either nut or bridge.

If it only happens with open E string, then it is your nut. A new nut or maybe just a tree (if pressing on the string behind the nut helps) should correct it. If it happens when the E string is open or fretted, then it is the saddle or a high fret that the string is hitting. If you raise the bridge and the problem goes away, it was probably a high fret somewhere and needs to be levelled. If raising the bridge doesn't help, then it's probably the saddle.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Persian Rug
/thread

 

[Aceman]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

This is your "under construction" guitar I assume. (I love that guitar).

My first thought was either nut or bridge.

If it only happens with open E string, then it is your nut. A new nut or maybe just a tree (if pressing on the string behind the nut helps) should correct it. If it happens when the E string is open or fretted, then it is the saddle or a high fret that the string is hitting. If you raise the bridge and the problem goes away, it was probably a high fret somewhere and needs to be levelled. If raising the bridge doesn't help, then it's probably the saddle.

Based on this...excellent logic - I'm feeling saddle!

 

[Aceman]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Just broke my SECOND high E string....it's the saddle.

 

[Aceman]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Man - that Blackout is just present. I really really really like it.

 

[metalmachine]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Seriously you should try the neck on bridge

 

[hamerfan]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

A Fender type single coil could have a degaussed magnet pole....

 

[sosomething]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

change the strings first

don't go filing your nut or saddle before you try the $5 fix. Plus, DRs are known to be inconsistent anyway.

i repeat

change the strings first.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Just broke my SECOND high E string....it's the saddle.

Some saddles have slight burs or sharp edges at the string notch. File it smooth and try another string.

 

[uOpt]

Re: High E string noticeably quiet?

Don't use aluminium strings

Refuse to post photo of where the string goes, exactly?