Solution to dead E string finally found

[deliciouspesto]

edit - pictures posted below!

Greetings folks,
I finally figured out how to fix my dead E string on my rickenbacker, and anyone with a similar problem can try it out and please post here.

The problem was the dead sounding funky E string with a lot of fundamental but bad nasty harmonics, sometimes it sounded like it was underwater... just didn't sit with the other strings, etc... a nightmare.

The solution is temporary but it tells us where the problem lies. On my saddle, I put a small metal washer (the kind with sharp edges, not rounded edges) on the string slot side of the saddle, with the tip of it basically where the string would fit in the washer if it weren't there, and it just sort of balances with the pressure. I have foam underneath it just in case it goes flying. The washer is as thin as possible but with sharp edges, you dont want to raise the string too high- I have adjusted my pickups to compensate.

Indeed, the sound is proper now... the deep fundamental that sounded lacking because it was missing harmonics now is full and it matches the rest of the strings, and when the pickups are adjusted the output volume now matches.

I would implore anyone with a dead E problem to try this out - it is a quick fix and it basically tells us that the saddle is just messed up or the break angle for the particular string needs to be higher.

Please try it out and post back, I would like to see if this solves the problem for others. Cheers.

[stflbn]

A photo would help visually describe what the heck you're talking about...

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by stflbn

A photo would help visually describe what the heck you're talking about...

I would be happy to include a quick drawing:

[smeet]

Uhhh... Why does this work and what does it tell us about what the problem is?

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by smeet

Uhhh... Why does this work and what does it tell us about what the problem is?

Well it works because it eliminates the saddle cut and it might have something to do with creating more pressure pushing the saddle and all of the junk beneath it (spring/screw) more forward. What I mean by it telling something is that it points to the bridge and bridge area being the problem, not truss rods or nut or pickup or string.

[thobbinghotrod]

This happens to every E-string you try on your bass? And the washer fixes them all?

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by thobbinghotrod

This happens to every E-string you try on your bass? And the washer fixes them all?

haven't tried it with a different string, but i had trouble with other strings including rotosounds and another set of TI flats. The problem is definitely gone now and its never been before- it causes some trouble with the string being higher up so pickups are a bit messed up but this is a LOT more enjoyable

[deliciouspesto]

I'll get a picture soon, hang on.

[Jim Carr]

I can see the headlines:

Faulty Witness Point Kills E. String on Rickenbacker Bridge

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

I can see the headlines:

Faulty Witness Point Kills E. String on Rickenbacker Bridge

If that was the problem all along, and it helps others, then we'll take it

[deliciouspesto]

Here you go guys:

[Low Main]

That bass has now officially entered the Federal Witness Point Protection Program.

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by Low Main

That bass has now officially entered the Federal Witness Point Protection Program.

haha, until i get a new saddle together. Glad it isn't a big deal.

[SoLongJake]

you could just get the hipshot bridge for your ric and eliminate your problem.

[otis_thick]

Can you put the washer on the bridges' raise /lower screw to raise the saddle? A more adjustable saddle will fix ya up! I am guessing that you are going for a really low action and there is some neck bowing that is causing the strings to miss the witness point on the bridge that appears to be in its lowest position????? If so, you should take it to a shop and let them make some adjustments to the setup to get it where you want it. Then just ask what they did so you can eventually start setting it up yourself.

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by otis_thick

Can you put the washer on the bridges' raise /lower screw to raise the saddle? A more adjustable saddle will fix ya up!

i dont understand what you are trying to say

[otis_thick]

Originally Posted by deliciouspesto

i dont understand what you are trying to say

Washer under the Bridge Height Adjustment

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by otis_thick

Washer under the Bridge Height Adjustment

you mean simply raise the left side... eg raising the bridge? If thats what you are trying to say then it won't possibly work.

[KrisH]

Just to play devil's advocate . . . how can you tell it's not the slightly higher action that raises the string just above a bum fret . . .

[deliciouspesto]

Originally Posted by KrisH

Just to play devil's advocate . . . how can you tell it's not the slightly higher action that raises the string just above a bum fret . . .

because it didn't matter what action I was using- high or low. This fixed it, its ugly for now but it sounds killer.