G-String Problems ... (that sounds very rude; sorry)

[mlbarlow]

Okay, I've got a '96 Hamer Cruise 2Tek 5-string, and it has played wonderfully with the exception of this recent glitch. I get an odd buzz on my open G, and I feel like I've tried everything to remedy it - truss adjustment, sadle adjustment, etc. I restrung it with flats (I'm loving the sound) and it's slightly better, but no cigar. It actually helps considerably if I apply pressure behind the nut, which would indicate to me that I need (sorry) one of those hold-the-string-closer-to-the-headstock-thingys similar to the one that restrains my A and D. Agree/Disagree? How would I go about finding one of those and is there anything it need to know before installing? My local guitar shop told me they didn't have any.

Peace.

[eldave777]

That thing is called a string tree. You might also try winding your thong er I mean G string more turns on the peg. Get it lower to the headstock to apply more downward pressure. Also perhaps you need a new nut. I suggest bone or graphite.

[Hambone]

Originally Posted by mlbarlow

Okay, I've got a '96 Hamer Cruise 2Tek 5-string, and it has played wonderfully with the exception of this recent glitch. I get an odd buzz on my open G, and I feel like I've tried everything to remedy it - truss adjustment, sadle adjustment, etc. I restrung it with flats (I'm loving the sound) and it's slightly better, but no cigar. It actually helps considerably if I apply pressure behind the nut, which would indicate to me that I need (sorry) one of those hold-the-string-closer-to-the-headstock-thingys similar to the one that restrains my A and D. Agree/Disagree? How would I go about finding one of those and is there anything it need to know before installing? My local guitar shop told me they didn't have any.

Peace.

That is an ever-so-slight vibration coming from the fact that there isn't enough down force on the string as it goes over the nut. Your solution of adding a string retainer is right and should easily fix the problem.

[mlbarlow]

I'll do that ... thanks. I'd forgotten to mention that I'd already tried winding the string various ways to no avail. I look forward to putting on a string tree or string retainer (new vocabulary words!).

[Audiophage]

Hipshot makes some nice string trees/retainers.

http://www.hipshotproducts.com/acc.htm

[KSDbass]

you may have a buzzing truss rod, thats what my G-string does, only my bass is $90 new......