Go for medium jumbo or jumbo frets instead of skinny frets as this will give you a better sound and will stop "choking". If you can get a good bone or graphite nut put in that would be a help. As far as strings go if you are using 15's then I don't know why you are having these problems as it should not sound like a banjo even unplugged. My guess is that you may be using the wrong type of strings and perhaps you should consider getting some jazz strings (heavy flatwounds?.beandip said:the action is high, and man sized strings? you have no idea (15's big enough? I use this guitar for alot of open D and like the tension of 13's). I dont really wanna put duncans in it (its a '52) and cant sell it (it was a gift). I'm in the process of refreting it (only gibson I've ever seen w/ skinny small frets). do you think that'll help?
Are you sure your pickups aren't out of phase, either with each other or within themselves?