High E volume suddenly drops

[jwhite]

Hi,

I haven't use the forum for several years, but at least its still here.  

Ran into a problem with my main ax: I'll pick the high E, hear the tone for a second, and then the volume drops preciptously.  If I do the same with the adjacent B string, no such volume drop occurs.  Has anyone experienced this type of problem before?  

J.White

 

[daddymack]

A little more info please, let's start with what kind of pickups? Active or inactive?

[jwhite]

50 year old Gibson SG Custom, so inactive pickups, and original equipment (don't know that type).  

[daddymack]

this happens playing straight into what amplifier?

[1001gear]

I've had the top E lose output with older high gain pedals. This was from turning down the fizz and icepick which apparently is where those top notes are. No sudden dropouts though.

[jwhite]

@Daddymack,

Yes, going directly into the amp.  My board did not seem to make a difference, even though I do have an 8 year old Digitech Blues Screamer on the board.  

[jwhite]

@1001Gear,

I have an 8 year old (actually, now that I think about it, probably 15 year old) Digitech Blues Screamer.  I'll have to play around with the gain to see if that's causing the problem.  Thanks. 

[mrbrown49]

Does it do it acoustcally too, or just through the amp?

[jtr654]

On all 3 pickups ? When you play without a amp same?

[daddymack]

okay, still does the cut out straight into the amp...so ....what is the amp?

Tube or solid state?

Do you have another amp...and another electric guitar?

Do you have a volt/ohm meter?

have you ever cleaned the pots?

Do you know what the value of the bleed capacitor is?

[badpenguin]

Let's try something even simpler here: The slot of the saddle on the bridge might be the culprit. It's 50 years old, may have worn down. Hit a note on the E string while holding pressure behind the bridge on that string. If it rings normally, boom, you have your answer.

[jwhite]

Thank you all for your responses.  

@badpenguin

Good idea.  I have to try that.  

@daddymack

I'm using a 15W solid state amp for practice.  Yes, I do have another amp to use; good idea.   I also have a VOM, but really don't want to take the pot plate off to test this.  Its going to have to be repaired anyway because the output jack became loose and I had to tighten it.  Its possible that this shifted the wiring position or is shorting out a component.  Its my best guitar; I don't want to ruin it.  

 

J.White