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Bit tinny
Nov 26, 2023 15:13:43 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 26, 2023 15:13:43 GMT
I'm hoping one of you erudite lot can help me. My 1st string is sounding tinny. Not just higher (obviously it's higher) but tinny. I can't explain it better than this whenever I'm finger picking which I do most of the time I'm almost wincing when I pluck it because it sounds wrong. It's not out of tune just wrong. Is it the set up? Would using heavier guage strings help? Am I plucking it to forcibly? Is it the nail varnish I'm wearing? It's driving me bonkers any ideas? Please.
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Post by Onechordtrick on Nov 26, 2023 15:57:46 GMT
I'm hoping one of you erudite lot can help me. My 1st string is sounding tinny. Not just higher (obviously it's higher) but tinny. I can't explain it better than this whenever I'm finger picking which I do most of the time I'm almost wincing when I pluck it because it sounds wrong. It's not out of tune just wrong. Is it the set up? Would using heavier guage strings help? Am I plucking it to forcibly? Is it the nail varnish I'm wearing? It's driving me bonkers any ideas? Please. In the absence of the erudite one here’s my view. Definitely the nail varnish. Try a darker shade perhaps? Are they a different brand of strings? Or overdue a change? Has it come on suddenly?
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andrewjw
C.O.G.
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Post by andrewjw on Nov 26, 2023 16:00:05 GMT
You could try the Steve Knightley method of REALLY stretching the string by pulling it well away from the guitar about where the fret board ends and then letting it go abruptly. This was one of the tips he shared during his "lock down" videos. You'll have to retune afterwards [or put a new string on if it breaks ] ... Much to my surprise it has worked for me...
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Bit tinny
Nov 26, 2023 16:09:29 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 26, 2023 16:09:29 GMT
I'm hoping one of you erudite lot can help me. My 1st string is sounding tinny. Not just higher (obviously it's higher) but tinny. I can't explain it better than this whenever I'm finger picking which I do most of the time I'm almost wincing when I pluck it because it sounds wrong. It's not out of tune just wrong. Is it the set up? Would using heavier guage strings help? Am I plucking it to forcibly? Is it the nail varnish I'm wearing? It's driving me bonkers any ideas? Please. In the absence of the erudite one here’s my view. Definitely the nail varnish. Try a darker shade perhaps? Are they a different brand of strings? Or overdue a change? Has it come on suddenly? Seems to have crept up on me and no they're the same Newtone Heritage I always use. I was. Wondering about trying to he mediums instead of the light ones
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Bit tinny
Nov 26, 2023 16:12:05 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 26, 2023 16:12:05 GMT
You could try the Steve Knightley method of REALLY stretching the string by pulling it well away from the guitar about where the fret board ends and then letting it go abruptly. This was one of the tips he shared during his "lock down" videos. You'll have to retune afterwards [or put a new string on if it breaks ] ... Much to my surprise it has worked for me... I will try it thankyou
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 2,320
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Post by colins on Nov 26, 2023 16:14:58 GMT
Look inside to make sure that the ball ends of the strings are all seated tight against the bridge plate, it might be any of the strings as they could just be vibrating in sympathy with the 1st string. Often when people change a string and the tinniness/buzzing stops it wasn't that the string was faulty, but that it wasn't seated properly against the bridge plate and the new one is.
Another cause can be the break angle over the saddle or the nut. The string needs to break at the edge of the saddle and nut, if the edges are rounded then the sting can make a tinny buzz against the saddle/nu. If this is the case the groove will need careful dressing with the correct size file.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Nov 26, 2023 16:47:23 GMT
Seriously, it might be your nail.
I notice it on the top e string when my ring finger nail is even slightly raggy and needs a good buffing. The wincing is definitely something I have encountered…
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Bit tinny
Nov 26, 2023 18:58:22 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 26, 2023 18:58:22 GMT
Look inside to make sure that the ball ends of the strings are all seated tight against the bridge plate, it might be any of the strings as they could just be vibrating in sympathy with the 1st string. Often when people change a string and the tinniness/buzzing stops it wasn't that the string was faulty, but that it wasn't seated properly against the bridge plate and the new one is. Another cause can be the break angle over the saddle or the nut. The string needs to break at the edge of the saddle and nut, if the edges are rounded then the sting can make a tinny buzz against the saddle/nu. If this is the case the groove will need careful dressing with the correct size file. Not buzzing at all would this still apply?
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Bit tinny
Nov 26, 2023 18:59:57 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 26, 2023 18:59:57 GMT
Seriously, it might be your nail. I notice it on the top e string when my ring finger nail is even slightly raggy and needs a good buffing. The wincing is definitely something I have encountered… No I'm paranoid about my nails I am 100% sure this isn't it 😊
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colins
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 2,320
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Post by colins on Nov 26, 2023 19:36:40 GMT
Look inside to make sure that the ball ends of the strings are all seated tight against the bridge plate, it might be any of the strings as they could just be vibrating in sympathy with the 1st string. Often when people change a string and the tinniness/buzzing stops it wasn't that the string was faulty, but that it wasn't seated properly against the bridge plate and the new one is. Another cause can be the break angle over the saddle or the nut. The string needs to break at the edge of the saddle and nut, if the edges are rounded then the sting can make a tinny buzz against the saddle/nu. If this is the case the groove will need careful dressing with the correct size file. Not buzzing at all would this still apply? Yes, especially the the point where the string breaks over at the nut or saddle. The ball end not seated against the bridge plate is a very common problem.
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Bit tinny
Nov 27, 2023 12:17:14 GMT
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Post by RodB on Nov 27, 2023 12:17:14 GMT
I use lights on some guitars but always fit a 13 1st string and sometimes a 17 for the 2nd. Another option is to use DADGAD strings (True Mediums) to achieve this but the 6th string would also go up to 56, but might be a more cost effective way than having to buy single strings.
Also nail shape can have a large impact irrespective of length, and the ring finger can be tricky - and quite different to the index and middle shapes - even needing a ‘reverse’ ramp vs index and middle for some players.
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Bit tinny
Nov 27, 2023 13:16:53 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 27, 2023 13:16:53 GMT
Not buzzing at all would this still apply? Yes, especially the the point where the string breaks over at the nut or saddle. The ball end not seated against the bridge plate is a very common problem. . Right thank you very much I'll look at this
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Bit tinny
Nov 27, 2023 13:17:41 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 27, 2023 13:17:41 GMT
I use lights on some guitars but always fit a 13 1st string and sometimes a 17 for the 2nd. Another option is to use DADGAD strings (True Mediums) to achieve this but the 6th string would also go up to 56, but might be a more cost effective way than having to buy single strings. Also nail shape can have a large impact irrespective of length, and the ring finger can be tricky - and quite different to the index and middle shapes - even needing a ‘reverse’ ramp vs index and middle for some players. Thank you that is very useful
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nixsbee
Sore Fingers
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Post by nixsbee on Nov 29, 2023 13:19:42 GMT
I'm hoping one of you erudite lot can help me. My 1st string is sounding tinny. Not just higher (obviously it's higher) but tinny. I can't explain it better than this whenever I'm finger picking which I do most of the time I'm almost wincing when I pluck it because it sounds wrong. It's not out of tune just wrong. Is it the set up? Would using heavier guage strings help? Am I plucking it to forcibly? Is it the nail varnish I'm wearing? It's driving me bonkers any ideas? Please. Does it do it with a capo? If so, then those who've suggested checking the saddle are on the right track (there could be a tiny filed groove in the saddle for the purpose of intonation correction, I had a guitar where this had worn). If it stops with a capo at 1st fret, check the nut. Loosen just that string until it lifts out, and blow any dust/dirt out of the slot (some folks use a tiny piece of folded fine sandpaper), then if necessary add a little bit of pencil lead into the slot for lubrication. Finally Capo higher up the neck eg 5 or 6, to eliminate if humidity changes this time of year have "straightened" the neck, to the extent of the E string is now "clanging" into a fret, these strings tend to run lower on the neck. Hope you've sorted it!
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Bit tinny
Nov 30, 2023 21:43:26 GMT
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Post by Janey on Nov 30, 2023 21:43:26 GMT
I'm hoping one of you erudite lot can help me. My 1st string is sounding tinny. Not just higher (obviously it's higher) but tinny. I can't explain it better than this whenever I'm finger picking which I do most of the time I'm almost wincing when I pluck it because it sounds wrong. It's not out of tune just wrong. Is it the set up? Would using heavier guage strings help? Am I plucking it to forcibly? Is it the nail varnish I'm wearing? It's driving me bonkers any ideas? Please. Does it do it with a capo? If so, then those who've suggested checking the saddle are on the right track (there could be a tiny filed groove in the saddle for the purpose of intonation correction, I had a guitar where this had worn). If it stops with a capo at 1st fret, check the nut. Loosen just that string until it lifts out, and blow any dust/dirt out of the slot (some folks use a tiny piece of folded fine sandpaper), then if necessary add a little bit of pencil lead into the slot for lubrication. Finally Capo higher up the neck eg 5 or 6, to eliminate if humidity changes this time of year have "straightened" the neck, to the extent of the E string is now "clanging" into a fret, these strings tend to run lower on the neck. Hope you've sorted it! Brilliant thank you very much
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