bizarre string noise just started....

[Lustycourtier]

Got my esquire out for the first time since new year, and the high E has developed a 'sitar' type ring when unfretted. Ive cleaned the nut slot and even raised the saddle but its still there! Its not hitting a fret anywhere, so its confusing me! Kept me awake actually lol.

Any suggestions?

[pgreenstreet]

Had a similar problem with a Strat. Tried everything but just could not find where this noise was coming from.
Eventually, I slackened off the strings, loosened the bolt on necks screws then re tightened them, tuned up and Problem solved.
I've no idea why but it worked!

[Gagaryn]

Is it starting to unwind at the ball end maybe?

[Lustycourtier]

cheers, its getting resrtung tonight so it will more than likely go, but It just baffled me.

[guitarfishbay]

It is likely something at the bridge. Have you tried re-seating the string off its regular 'groove'? If it is an old style brass saddle bridge brass can get a groove worn in it and the string angle can end up compromised and this might cause a 'sitar' noise on thinner lower tension high strings like E and sometimes B.

[stonevibe]

If it is doing it 'unfretted' then its the nut that is doing it. Probably slot has deepened slightly and is causing the'sitar' sound. If it was the bridge end then you'd here the 'sitar' sound on fretted notes as well.

My new (to me , but used) LP Jnr was doing the same and I put a drop of superglue in the nut slot, let it dry and then restrung it. Sounds fine now. Quick fix until I put a new nut on the guitar.

[bertie]

does it have a string tree ? is it in properly ?

[guitarfishbay]

If it is doing it 'unfretted' then its the nut that is doing it. Probably slot has deepened slightly and is causing the'sitar' sound. If it was the bridge end then you'd here the 'sitar' sound on fretted notes as well.

My new (to me , but used) LP Jnr was doing the same and I put a drop of superglue in the nut slot, let it dry and then restrung it. Sounds fine now. Quick fix until I put a new nut on the guitar.

In fairness I did somehow miss the 'unfretted' part when reading it. I guess I was too quick to assume tele+sitar sound = bridge, as that's what it has been in my experience.