sustain for one string is off?

naruki · #1 12-25-2010, 09:28 AM

The sustain of the A string of my Rickenbacker 4003 is ****ed for some reason, compared to the other 3 strings. Anyone knows what might be the problem?

The A string doesn't sound as lively as the other 3 strings as well. It wasn't like this before and I didnt mess with the hardware/pickup before this happened.

**butchblack** · #2 12-25-2010, 09:37 AM

Maybe the string went bad. I'd try changing the string first. Also make sure the string is seated properly on the saddle.

naruki · #3 12-25-2010, 09:45 AM

I think I'm just gonna bring it to luthier for a full set up, been a while since I did that.

Foamy · #4 12-25-2010, 09:56 AM

You may be throwing $75 at a $8 problem.

prd004 · #5 12-25-2010, 10:10 AM

Yep, sounds like a dead string.

With a new set of strings, bend each string at 90 degrees right where you want it to enter the tuning post. Then cut the string about half an inch beyond the bend, then stick the exra half inch in the hole in the center of your tuning peg! This will help prevent your strings from going dead in the future.

If this doesn't help only then would I think about shelling out the coin for a set up!

walterw · #6 12-25-2010, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prd004

With a new set of strings, bend each string at 90 degrees right where you want it to enter the tuning post. Then cut the string about half an inch beyond the bend, then stick the exra half inch in the hole in the center of your tuning peg! This will help prevent your strings from going dead in the future.

the idea being to keep the windings from coming undone at the headstock end when you cut them, which can kill the string.

the other method is put a little bend in the string where you would normally cut it, then cut a 1/4" past the bend, shove all the way down in the hole as usual, then wind. same principle, to "lock" the windings before cutting so they don't unravel before you get the string into the key.

the other part of the procedure is, once you get the string around the post a couple times but before it straightens out, push the ball end back out of the bridge, so that it's free to rotate. this is crucial to let the string untwist itself before it gets tightened, otherwise its life and tone will be compromised.

naruki · #7 12-27-2010, 01:57 PM

hmm i havent sent it for setup yet, gonna try new strings first, thanks dudes.

naruki · #8 12-29-2010, 10:15 AM

This is embarrassing. Apparently the Ric has a damper which can adjusted up or down by turning the two screws on the bridge. I didn't know it has a damper because the sponge is a shade of black/grey that looks like metal. I was messing around with the screws before and didn't know I pushed the damper up which is why the sustain is messed up.

Foamy · #9 12-29-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naruki

This is embarrassing. Apparently the Ric has a damper which can adjusted up or down by turning the two screws on the bridge. I didn't know it has a damper because the sponge is a shade of black/grey that looks like metal. I was messing around with the screws before and didn't know I pushed the damper up which is why the sustain is messed up.

Good news for us to hear.
Glad you got it worked out.

elgecko · #10 12-29-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naruki

This is embarrassing. Apparently the Ric has a damper which can adjusted up or down by turning the two screws on the bridge. I didn't know it has a damper because the sponge is a shade of black/grey that looks like metal. I was messing around with the screws before and didn't know I pushed the damper up which is why the sustain is messed up.

Did you have to pay to find that out? Oh yeah...

naruki · #11 12-31-2010, 07:50 AM

Nah haha, just realized it when i put on my spare strings.