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Muted B string
http://www-.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=3097		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Andy Zimmerman [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 10:03 am ]
Post subject: 
Newbie again
I am finishing up my first guitar and after setting it up, the B string sounds
slightly muted. Not the same sustain as the other strings. No buzzing and
action seems fine. The bridge pin is a fraction lower in the slot, so I am
wondering if I reamed that hole a bit larger. The pin appears to seat well
and with a mirror, the string appears to be seated correctly

Any suggestions

Andy
Author:  L. Presnall [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 10:50 am ]
Post subject: 
Andy, I had the same problem with one of mine...check the nut...you may try angling the slot just a hair back in the direction of the headstock...also, at the bridge pin, take the string out of the hole and replace it, making sure that all of the twistie-windy (that's the technical term for it ) part of the string is below the bridge plate before inserting the pin...then tighten the string slightly and pull up sharply at the bridge pin...then re-tune...this may do it...and there's a slight possiblilty that your B string is bad...if all else fails (or maybe even first thing of all)...restring the B with a new one.
Author:  Michael McBroom [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Andy, is the string muted only when playing it open? Is it still quiet even when you fret it? If so, it probably isn't the nut. But might be as L Presnall mentioned a problem either with the way it is bound at the bridge, or possibly even the string. Of course another possibility is that you might have a resonant frequency of the guitar working against the string, but then that should only affect the string across a relatively short portion of its length.

Best,

Michael
Author:  Andy Zimmerman [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 1:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have tried a new string...no change
The slight muting is open or fretted
When listening closely, it seems the problem is at the bridge end....
Now what????

Andy
Author:  Andy Zimmerman [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 2:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Actually, I think it is worse when open.
When I fret or use a capo it seams better.

What could be wrong at the nut. Too large a slot???

Andy
Author:  Andy Zimmerman [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 2:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
Actually, the muting is very suttle, there is almost a buzzing sound. But it is
clearly not hitting a fret.

Andy
Author:  Brazilwood [ Sat Sep 03, 2005 5:35 pm ]
Post subject: 
Andy, check the b string nut slot. It sounds like it might be too deep and too tight. After cutting the string slots at the nut to the correct string height, you need to cut the top of the nut down to where the strings are not too deep and being "pinched" by the slot. As a rule of thumb, I usually cut the top of the nut down to where the larger (bass side strings d,a,e) ride about 1/2 to 2/3 of the string thickness into the slot. As you progress to the first three strings (e,b,g) you will want those a little deeper but not too deep. Also, when cutting the slots (as larry mentioned) angle the slot down on the headstock side. The focal point of the slot needs to be on the fingerboard side. Sounds like the angle could be toward the fingerboard side and the string slot is too tight. Hope that makes sense.
Author:  Scott van Linge [ Thu Sep 15, 2005 10:33 am ]
Post subject: 
Allow me to be the first to suggest that the B string may be muted by top
bracing, if nut and saddle are ruled out. I have been tweaking braces
since 1983, and operate, literally, as Parabolic Brace Works. Specifically,
the B string us most often muted by the lower side braces--to the sides
of the X brace. Try plucking the B string and feeling lightly over that
brace, then above and below slightly. If vibration stops over the brace, it
needs to be lighter. I shape them parabolically, much as did Martin
during their golden era. I invite you to visit my website for a lengthy
discussion of my theories and a picture or two. You can blame John How
for turning me on to this forum.

Scott
Author:  tl507362 [ Thu Sep 15, 2005 4:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi Scott,
Welcome to the OLF! I'm sure you will like it here. Do you have a website we can visit?
Tracy
Author:  Dave White [ Thu Sep 15, 2005 5:25 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hi Scott,

Nice to see you here - Scott has helped me hugely with my brace profiling. His website is well worth visiting
Scott
Author:  Scott van Linge [ Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:21 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the welcome! I thought my web site would be shown, but here it is http://www.vanlingeguitars.com/

Keep pickin'

Scott
Author:  Sprockett [ Fri Sep 16, 2005 11:36 am ]
Post subject: 
Andy...

2 questions but I think I know what the problem is...

1. The buzz is very low right, almost quiet?

2. Fretting makes no difference at all to the buzz?

If you can play a chord or a B note on another string and nothing buzzes it's most likely not a brace, what it sounds like to me is you have a negative saddle angle on that B string, it's a little hard to explain but bear with me and I'm sure this will work (don't ask how I know )

When you shape your saddle you want the intonation point to be actually a little rounded over spot (almost to a point), if your string comes over from the bridge rises to the intonation point and the saddle does not "fall away" at that point what will happen is the string will virbrate and scrape the saddle and mute and buzz like you are hearing.

The solution is to have a sharp angle on the front side of the saddle (the part facing the neck), you can round over the back (I wouldn't but that's another thread), but at the point the string leaves the saddle it should drop away AND it should not be in a groove (I know I'm treading on tradition here), the string will create it's own small grove on the saddle and needs no help.

Try that and I bet it will clear up...

-Paul-
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