a strange buzz

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 13 Jan 2005 1:01 pm

Just recently, my string 2 has started to make a buzzing noise.

The funny thing is, this only happens when I engage the lever that lowers this string a semitone. If I play the string with no lever engaged, its fine. Even weirder, its also fine when I engage the lever that lowers the string a whole tone. The position of the bar makes no difference. The same thing happens if I play the string open, with no bar.

Now I bet the problem will go away once I change the string (*) but I'd like to know whats going on here. Any ideas ?

(* its over a year old - I know, I should change strings more often, but on my keyless Sierra Session they just never break, and I'm lazy. The exception is string 9, with the severe B->D pull. This breaks about once every 6 months, and always at the changer end)

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 13 Jan 2005 1:10 pm

Try loosening the string and wiping the schmutz off the string and the changer.

Ron ! · Post by **Ron !** » 13 Jan 2005 1:30 pm

Mick.

What kind of Pup do you use?
Maybe the magnetic field thats around the second pin got mixed up in some way.
Must be a TT or a BL pick up ey?

its over a year old

Doesnot have to be the reason for the buzz.

Ron

Nikaro SD10 4x6
E.S.G.F.[This message was edited by Ronald ! on 13 January 2005 at 01:32 PM.]

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 13 Jan 2005 3:41 pm

The pickup is the standard Sierra slide-in one (whatever that is). Can't see how it could be down to the p/u - surely if it were that, then the problem wouldnt only appear when a particular lever is engaged ?
The other strings (except for #9) are just as old/dirty, so same question applies..

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 13 Jan 2005 6:15 pm

Old strings make bad noises. Change them!

Jim Peters · Post by **Jim Peters** » 13 Jan 2005 6:51 pm

change the string. JP

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 13 Jan 2005 6:53 pm

Bobby speaks the truth. Most of these problems turn out to be bad strings, or dirt or damage at the top of the bridge. (The old {unwound} strings sometimes make wacky sounds a day or two before they break!)[This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 13 January 2005 at 06:55 PM.]

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 14 Jan 2005 9:36 am

Changing the string is a good idea and will probably fix the problem, but I have seen a few of these be related to the nut roller for that string that only buzz at a certin tension/note. FWIT
JE:-)>

mickd · Post by **mickd** » 14 Jan 2005 12:48 pm

actually, I'm getting to quite like the sound - its a bit like a wah-wah pedal

OK. I'll change the string

Scott Appleton · Post by **Scott Appleton** » 15 Jan 2005 12:20 pm

If you only play on an avarage of 1 hour per week then change the strings every 6 months. If you play an hour every day and gig out at least once a week
change the whole set every month. I notice there is a vast improvement in clarity and tone when i do that.
They may not look bad but they do loose that clean
sharp tone we all love in about 40 hours of use. I have seen some posts from pro's who change thier strings once a week.

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Mullen S12 Almost Mooney
71 Tele, Regal 45
Sho Bud S10 NP
Line 6 Flextone 3 + JBL D130, Nash 112