Weird, ring mod-like harmonics above the 12th fret with new strings on Mustang

Alex Isaiah · #1 09-24-2008, 07:07 PM

So, I bought some Rotosounds a while ago so I could replace the strings on my CIJ Mustang.
For about a year, I've had some long scale strings on (I later tuned them DGCF to relieve some of the tension I feared might start to pull on the neck). I forget what brand and gauge they are. I can't remember any problems when I put them on.

The Rotosounds are 40, 50, 75, 90, medium scale roundwounds.
They sound really bright a little clattery. As I start playing right up near, and above, the 12th fret on the low E string, it produces these weird harmonics, almost like a ring-modulator. The harmonics are almost as prominent as the fundamental note.

This was a few months ago, so I took them off and put the old ones back on. Thoroughly depressing. I couldn't remember if the problem occurred on all the other strings.
Anyway, I tried just replacing the low E again tonight and I got the same result.

I don't want to buy Rotosounds again, too bright for me.
I'd like to switch to a lighter gauge or lighter tension set of strings. Whichever will help cure my problem (if it is the strings...).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex

Mutant Corn · #2 09-24-2008, 07:33 PM

Picking up a radio station maybe? That's a really weird problem...

Alex Isaiah · #3 09-24-2008, 07:35 PM

Nope, definitely not radio.
I can feel slight beat frequencies between the fundamental and the unwanted harmonic.

Mutant Corn · #4 09-24-2008, 07:38 PM

Are you using a Y-cable anywhere in your signal-chain? Could it possibly be feedback?

coolrunner989 · #5 09-24-2008, 07:40 PM

the strings are haunted

Alex Isaiah · #6 09-24-2008, 07:41 PM

No, it's just straight.
It's the same even when playing unplugged.

BigOldHarry · #7 09-24-2008, 07:54 PM

where are you fingering / fretting? I've seen guys get odd false harmonics by the way they played...

patman01 · #8 09-25-2008, 12:28 PM

pickup too close to strings???

Bobster · #9 09-25-2008, 01:24 PM

May need a truss rod adjustment. Short scales can "ring" if the truss is out.

Bob

mikezimmerman · #10 09-25-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patman01

pickup too close to strings???

That'd be my guess. How close is "too close" depends on the specific string, because some are more magnetically responsive than others--try lowering the pickups.

It's also much more of an issue on bright new strings, since they have lots more harmonics in the tone (which is what makes them sound bright).

Mike

MatticusMania · #11 09-25-2008, 01:45 PM

Is it possile youre hitting some ghost notes in there?