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Post new topic Tricone - ringing behind the bridge.
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Author Topic:  Tricone - ringing behind the bridge.
Paul Seager


From:
Augsburg, Germany
Post  Posted 29 Mar 2022 11:18 am    
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Hi all. I recently posted my joy of acquiring a vintage Tricone and I'm getting used to it. One feature that is driving me nuts is the resonance behind the bridge whilst playing. It resonates a dischordant A (its tuned open A). I can rest my right hand there but it's neither a comfortable nor practical playing position!

My previous acoustic lap (a converted, battered archtop) suffered a similar problem so I shoved some foam under the strings, between bridge and tail piece - problem solved but this is going to look ugly on a beautiful tricone!

Given the age of the instrument I'm wondering if something like a rubber mute has dropped off over the years. But I have checked many pictures of old tricones and see nothing different to mine.

So, anyone else experienced this and have a solution?

\ paul
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Howard Parker


From:
Maryland
Post  Posted 29 Mar 2022 1:31 pm    
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Impossible to give a definitive answer without have the guitar in front of me but...

Check the easy stuff like the tail piece touching the top.

Does it resonate when barred as well as open strings? All strings or one?

If the "easy" stuff doesn't reveal anything then it would not be surprising at all the the guitar might need a new bridge insert installed in the T-Bridge, a general inspection and new setup.

Hope this helps.

h
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03\' Carter D-10
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Jack Hanson


From:
San Luis Valley, USA
Post  Posted 29 Mar 2022 2:34 pm    
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I had a similar issue with my '29 Style 1 until I pulled the tailpiece and attached a small, thin slice of leather to the underside as close to the butt as possible. Weaving a chunk of thin foam rubber over and under the strings between the saddle and the tailpiece may also help. As will a similar, but smaller, chunk between the nut and the tuners.
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Ryan Matzen


From:
Wisconsin, USA
Post  Posted 29 Mar 2022 4:15 pm    
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You might try weaving a piece of leather lace (or something similar) through the strings right behind the bridge. That way the hand strap will pretty much hide it.
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Paul Seager


From:
Augsburg, Germany
Post  Posted 30 Mar 2022 10:58 pm    
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So, success! I took all of your advice, starting with checking which notes were causing the problem. Answer is A, anything with an A, including barred notes, had the biggest influence on the resonance. Open C# and E less so but certainly an influence.

The tailpiece was not resting on the body but between the tail and bridge is where the resonance occurs so I started by simply shoving some paper under the tail and that instantly removed the resonance. I tried different material (whatever I could find to hand) and finally used an elastic hair band (the kind used to tie back ponytails) which is compact, easier to manipulate and has enough padding to stop the resonance.

Then I changed the strings. Now I posted recently that due to the guitar being strung open D (low bass) for years, I started off with a very light set for open A (13 - 40). I changed these yesterday to 16 - 47 for a wonderful change in the tone. Out of curiosity I removed the hair band and noticed that the resonance was far less prominent but audible nonetheless. So I shoved the band back under the tail and now I am a totally happy tricone owner!

Thanks all for your help.

\ paul
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Glenn Wilde

 

From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 1 Apr 2022 1:41 pm    
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They used to make metal dampening thingy's for banjo that would probably work. I have one somwhere, ill put up a pic when i find it.
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Bryan Bradfield


From:
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Post  Posted 21 Apr 2022 7:21 pm    
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Paul Seager


From:
Augsburg, Germany
Post  Posted 22 Apr 2022 3:57 am    
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Thanks Bryan, I think I can find something like that at my local DIY! They look far more elegant than my current string of elastic Smile

\ paul
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Howard Parker


From:
Maryland
Post  Posted 22 Apr 2022 6:51 am    
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A proper setup will render all of those "fixes" to be unnecessary.

Especially if you must under string the tail.

h
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Michael Brebes

 

From:
Northridge CA
Post  Posted 22 Apr 2022 7:08 am    
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I have seen a number of tailpieces with a piece of felt glued to the underside to stop metal to metal contact with the cover plate.
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Michael Brebes
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Paul Seager


From:
Augsburg, Germany
Post  Posted 24 Apr 2022 12:23 am    
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Howard Parker wrote:
A proper setup will render all of those "fixes" to be unnecessary

I do not doubt you but check my address - these babies are not common over here and I would have to travel some distance to find a person with any experience of setting these instruments up. I once took a lapsteel to have the nut replaced and slotted and it came back cut for a curved fingerboard!

Hence why I love the help and advice I get from this forum!

\ paul
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Howard Parker


From:
Maryland
Post  Posted 24 Apr 2022 6:01 am    
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Not common over here either, in the greater scheme of things. Shipping is typical for most folks.

Have fun.

h
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