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  String "Zing"?

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Author Topic:   String "Zing"?
Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 05 August 2004 10:35 PM     profile     
Last night I was playing my Carter with TW Jagwires and I was getting that dreaded "zing" on both necks, especially the 4th string on the E9. The strings only have like 2 hours of playing time but were loosened and retightened to do a pickup swap. Same amp, room, etc. If you don't know what zing is, it's like a screeching feedback that is only dampened by continuous vibrato or bar movement.

thx

bob

CrowBear Schmitt
Member

From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

posted 06 August 2004 12:17 AM     profile     
to quote David Nugent on another thread:

This may not be the cause of the problem you mentioned, but I was given the advice that each time you change strings you should always rotate your roller nuts about a quarter turn so that the strings will not constantly ride in the same spot and wear grooves in the slots. This may result in a buzzing sound much as a worn fret on a six string guitar would make. Try loosening the offending strings and rotate the rollers to a different spot. Let me know if this helps.

Ricky Davis
Moderator

From: Spring, Texas USA

posted 06 August 2004 12:24 AM     profile     
Well several things cause this.
If you wipe your strings regularly; you make of gotten a piece of cloth under a string or two at the finger or the roller.
If the rollers have a little wobble side to side to them; this will cause this...and you can either wrap more string around the tuning peg shaft up the post to create a small angle there or just drop you a bead of 3&1 oil right on top of the string doing this at the roller. Or you may have a small groove wearing on top of the finger and needs to be smoothed out with scotch brite pad then simichrome polish or try moving the string over just a smidge on the top of the finger till you change strings again.
It is not the string; it is one of those reasons above.
Have fun.
Ricky
Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 06 August 2004 07:20 AM     profile     
Thanks, Guys

I don't wipe ths strings but I'll try the suggestions. Is there a technical explanation or this phennonema(sp?)

thx

bob

Morton Kellas
Member

From: Chazy, NY, USA 12921

posted 06 August 2004 08:29 AM     profile     
I have had a similar problem on occasion where the 5th string sings when I pull it up with the pedal. This even happens while using the bar and muting behind it with my left hand. If I put a new string on, it seems to decrease. Anyone else ever have this happen?
Terry Sneed
Member

From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA

posted 06 August 2004 12:15 PM     profile     
Guys I have the same problem with my 4th and 5th strings ocassionally. I'd like to know why this happens also. matters not whether it's a new or old string. I thought maybe it was the brand of strings I'm usin. I'm usin SIT, and I didn't notice this when I had the emmons extra lively on.

Terry

------------------
84 SKH Emmons Legrand D10
session 400'rd Steelin for my Lord.


[This message was edited by Terry Sneed on 06 August 2004 at 12:19 PM.]

C Dixon
Member

From: Duluth, GA USA

posted 06 August 2004 12:29 PM     profile     
Oh how I love this thread. Thanks for bringing it up.

I have had it sooooo many times. And on various guitars. Interestlingly, I never recall having it on my Fender 400 PSG or my '69 Emmons' P/P. I may have, just don't recall it.

The first time I recall hearing it was on my brand new 88 LeGrande D-10. And it was brand new. As I recall, several strings zinnnggged. I call it a false overtone that is very objectionable.

In both cased it was corrected by replacing the strings. I then bought a Sierra, and the same thing, only it was not the same strings. Again, replacing the strings corrected it.

Sadly, and it breaks my heart, on my Excel, I have it on the 1st string and the 5th string, and I have tried everything I know of included all of the above, and I cannot stop it. New strings do not correct it.

At this point I have not a clue what else to try. Just know I do not like it.

carl

Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 06 August 2004 12:51 PM     profile     
I never experienced this on my Franklin or P/P ands have used Franklin brand strings exclusively for years. I put the Jagwires on the Carter because that's what came on it and it sounds so good that I thought I'd keep the same brand of strings. I'm going to order some Franklin strings and see. BTW, the Carter has such great ring and presence it could be that it may be more zingable than a more laid back guitar

bob

Scott Appleton
Member

From: Half Moon Bay, California, USA

posted 06 August 2004 09:04 PM     profile     
I find I can eliminate some of the zzzinggg by putting foam behind the roller nut under the string to deaden the odd harmonics, also rotating the rollers and a touch of oil in between. All these things help considerably. bar technique helps the rest of the
way. Keep that vibrato going.

------------------
Mullen S12
Acoustic 165 100W tube
71 Tele, Regal 45, Gretch
Lap, Columbia Lap, Sho Bud S10 lap, Line 6 flextone 3, JBL d130,

Bobby Boggs
Member

From: Pendleton SC

posted 06 August 2004 09:59 PM     profile     
If it's not the rollers.Just for kicks try the string that Zings on the Franklin. Or even better try another string on the Carter.Bet it will still sound like a Carter.But no zing
I only use George L stainless but every once in a while I get a zinger.

[This message was edited by Bobby Boggs on 06 August 2004 at 09:59 PM.]

richard burton
Member

From: Britain

posted 07 August 2004 12:36 AM     profile     
*

[This message was edited by richard burton on 15 June 2006 at 01:56 PM.]

Burton Lee
Member

From: Denton, Texas, USA

posted 09 August 2004 06:27 PM     profile     
I just read this thread today and wouldn't you know it-- my guitar has developed a wicked zing.

I was experimenting with heavy bar pressure yesterday and I do believe I gouged the fingers a little. Time to find some simichrome...

Burton Lee
Denton, TX

Bob Snelgrove
Member

From: san jose, ca

posted 09 August 2004 08:17 PM     profile     
Maybe you guys could post what guitars are zinging and what brand strings? My P/P w/ Franklin strings sure sings but don't zing

bob

clive swindell
Member

From: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK

posted 10 August 2004 02:22 AM     profile     
Hi Bob

I have always found that the 'zing' in a string is either when it is about to break or when it is sat in a groove that has been cut out on the roller - Jeff Newman showed me how to use some very fine emery paper to get rid of such a groove and I do it whenever a string breaks.

All times are Pacific (US)

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