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Post new topic HELP: Getting Extra Noise From Strings on my E9
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Author Topic:  HELP: Getting Extra Noise From Strings on my E9
Michael Harrington


From:
Ann Arbor
Post  Posted 5 Jul 2017 4:09 pm    
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Hey all,

While practicing at my steel lately, I've started to notice some strange additional noise after the initial pick of certain strings. Once the string vibrates and the initial pitch is heard, it gets louder and almost sounds sitar-ish. What is the deal? The strings that seem to be affected the most are the 9, 8, 5, and 4 string- with the 5th string being the most extreme. When I use the floor pedals on the strings that change pitch, this issue seems to go away..

Is this a bar issue, re-stringing issue, or something else? I don't recall this happening when I first got my steel, but then again I never noticed it until a few days ago. Advice would be much appreciated!

- Michael
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 2:26 am    
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If you are not muting the strings behind the bar, that can happen.
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Michael Harrington


From:
Ann Arbor
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 9:42 am    
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Jack,

I tried to mute the strings a couple of different ways with the bar hand to see if the problem changed, but it's still occurring. Confusing!

Does anyone know if restringing the guitar with less winds around the tuning peg would cause this issue?

- Michael
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 10:16 am    
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Bar pressure is another potential cause.

I doubt that less winds on the tuners is causing the problem.
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Dick Wood


From:
Springtown Texas, USA
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 11:05 am    
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I get noise out of mine a lot but I keep getting hired back anyway.
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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.
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Kevin Fix

 

From:
Michigan, USA
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 11:05 am     String Noise
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Muting and blocking for sure.
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Brint Hannay

 

From:
Maryland, USA
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 11:06 am    
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You might check the tops of the fingers for any possible grooves or flat spots at the takeoff point of the string.
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David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 1:48 pm    
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Have you tried striking the offending strings open to determine if the overtones are still present? This may help eliminate the question of a mechanical issue.
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Michael Harrington


From:
Ann Arbor
Post  Posted 6 Jul 2017 8:25 pm    
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David, good point. Now I'm starting to wonder if it's a bar related issue.. I don't believe so because I'm having the same issue on open strings. But oddly enough, the lower strings seem to be worse then higher strings.

-Michael
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David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 7 Jul 2017 4:08 am    
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Michael..This may (or may not) help. Loosen the strings and rotate each roller nut around 1/4 turn and tune. If you do not routinely perform this procedure each time that you change strings, a flat spot or burr could develop from the strings resting in the same spot constantly. This in turn may result in the strings riding unevenly in the grooves thus causing the buzzing noise that you are experiencing.
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Rick Abbott

 

From:
Indiana, USA
Post  Posted 7 Jul 2017 10:28 am    
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And put a drop of very light oil on the rollers before you loosen the strings and see how it sounds. Then do the thing Mr. Nugent said.
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RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Sehy #112
1975 Peavey Pacer
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Michael Harrington


From:
Ann Arbor
Post  Posted 8 Jul 2017 7:23 am    
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Thank you Dave and Rick, for the helpful suggestions. I went in and rotated around the string rollers and most of my issue has gone away. I'm going to apply some oil and see if that seals the deal. It already sounds much better!

Thanks guys.

-Michael
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Rick Abbott

 

From:
Indiana, USA
Post  Posted 8 Jul 2017 8:42 am    
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Both of my Sho~Buds need an occasional drop of oil on the roller-nut to quiet stray vibrations. Like once or twice a year. Not often.

Also, the above comment about the bridge being free of grooves is extremely important. The integrity of the surface the string is resting on is one likely source of odd string noise.
_________________
RICK ABBOTT
Sho~Bud D-10 Professional #7962
Remington T-8, Sehy #112
1975 Peavey Pacer
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