Members scott944 Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Just spent a bunch more time chasing this issue. Arrgh. So - the patient is a PRS Santana SE, trem. Noticed this problem as I started playing more over the last year. The G string warbles, like what you get when tuning by harmonics and you're almost in tune. The G is also less lively than the others. The problem is worst around the 12th fret, but is present nearly everywhere on the fretboard. The other strings sing freely. Fret buzz is not the issue. Things I've tried to date: bridge flush to body, floating to PRS spec (1/16th inch free of the body and level), or blocked with a piece of maple; swapped saddles around; adjusted height of both pickups; swapped pickups from a set of Duncans back to stock; different string brands (Ernie Balls and Dean Markleys) in 2 different guages (9s and 10s); different spring tension.... I should also mention that, while the problem can be heard with a clean amp, it gets worse as the gain is piled on. I love the neck on this thing, but perhaps it's time to move on. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members warriorpoet Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 try a set of strings with a wound G. It will fix your problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members loganonymous Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 try a set of strings with a wound G. It will fix your problem. I think I posted this EXACT same thread when I first started posting here. And yes, this was the solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members warriorpoet Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 I think I posted this EXACT same thread when I first started posting here. And yes, this was the solution.I'll bet you I posted the exact same reply, too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members scott944 Posted November 2, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Sounds like a good enough excuse to visit ye 'ol axe shoppe tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Make sure there are no burrs or wear spots on the saddle. Not having a clean 'take off point' can cause warbling like you describe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Reignman Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 bad g string. I chased my "relaible" floyd equipped axe for over an hour once... then tried a new g string, never again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members scott944 Posted November 2, 2010 Author Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Swapped the saddles around (inspecting each with magnifying glass) - no change. Two different guages, two different brands - no change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lex.Luthier Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 I have also asked questions about this on many a forum and I found two solutions that worked for me: The first is as others have suggested, use a wound G. The second option is not as well known, use a lighter string like a .011 or .012 in place of the standard gauge G string. For me this cleared up the 'warble' and unlike the would G your bending range increases instead of decreases. It does feel slightly weird though as the tension on the string is a little lower than the surrounding strings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jacobarber Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Nearly every problem I've ever had with a 3rd string is because it was plain. Get a wound G. It feels better and sounds a lot better. You can probably get your regular set of strings, then grab a wound G from some other set. Maybe your guitar shop sells individual strings. Try a few out and see what works for you; just make sure you use a wound G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members wartoxin Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 Just spent a bunch more time chasing this issue. Arrgh. So - the patient is a PRS Santana SE, trem. Noticed this problem as I started playing more over the last year. The G string warbles, like what you get when tuning by harmonics and you're almost in tune. The G is also less lively than the others. The problem is worst around the 12th fret, but is present nearly everywhere on the fretboard. The other strings sing freely. Fret buzz is not the issue. Things I've tried to date: bridge flush to body, floating to PRS spec (1/16th inch free of the body and level), or blocked with a piece of maple; swapped saddles around; adjusted height of both pickups; swapped pickups from a set of Duncans back to stock; different string brands (Ernie Balls and Dean Markleys) in 2 different guages (9s and 10s); different spring tension.... I should also mention that, while the problem can be heard with a clean amp, it gets worse as the gain is piled on. I love the neck on this thing, but perhaps it's time to move on. Thoughts? I thought of 2 things right off, the most likely is simply a bad string, and it's possible to get several bad ones in a row I bet, but it sounds like you tried plenty so...I think it's this, the string portion between the nut and tuning peg is too long and not angled enough, it rings and possibly flexes. I would first experiment with something to hold the string from ringing, even a hairband around that area. I wonder if a string tree could also be used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mrbrown49 Posted November 2, 2010 Members Share Posted November 2, 2010 I thought of 2 things right off, the most likely is simply a bad string, and it's possible to get several bad ones in a row I bet, but it sounds like you tried plenty so...I think it's this, the string portion between the nut and tuning peg is too long and not angled enough, it rings and possibly flexes. I would first experiment with something to hold the string from ringing, even a hairband around that area. I wonder if a string tree could also be used. It could be a nut issue. I had a warbly high E string caused by a poorly cut not slot once. And yes, it sounded weird even when fretting notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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