Out of tune string?

[gtr475]

I noticed a wierd problem with my new warmoth build. The low E string and some others sound like they are out of tune. Its like it is out of tune on it self so to speak. Meaning I only pluck one string and it vibrates like it is two strings out of tune.. First I thought that the tremolo springs did something to make it out of tune,.But it wasnt the problem. Then I thought that the other side of the fretted string vibrated thru.. but it is on its own, and it sounds really bad. It gets worse when going up on the higher frets above the 12:th fret. Strings used are D'addario XL110.

Can it be the pickups interfering with the strings?
Or is it just bad strings from the factory?


Have anybody of you encountered this problem before and what did you do to fix it? Any suggestions?

 

[pabloman]

Set the intonation

 

[gtr475]

How can intonation make a lone string sound out of tune on it self?

 

[dudesweet157]

try lowering your pickups a bit, especially if they are single coils.  It sounds to me that like you have Stratitis, which is a musical malady caused by having your pickups too close to the strings.  The magnetic field from the pickup actually pulls at the vibrating string and causes wolf-tones that make it sound out of tune or like two notes are sounding at the same time.  Usually it is the neck pickup that causes this.  Try lowering them down a bit and see if it goes away.

Cheers,
David

 

[gtr475]

Great!! that fixed the problem.....It sounds much better when I lowered the pickups. Thanks.

Stratitis or "Stratus bad vibratus" (as It would be called it in latin) is a really bad disease. But luckily there is an easy cure  :hello2: :toothy10:

 

[The Norwegian Guy]

How can intonation make a lone string sound out of tune on it self?

How can a lone string sound out of tune? :icon_scratch:

 

[lafromla1]

How can intonation make a lone string sound out of tune on it self?

How can a lone string sound out of tune? :icon_scratch:

I have a high E on my vip that initally tones correctly when struck open, then as it resonantes, it changes pitch.  Personally I think it has to do with the truss rod and it needing an adjustment as it sits very close to the frets on the upper part of the neck and I think its hitting the first fret.  I'll adjust it when it really starts pissing me off.

 

[AutoBat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9erpxHYFBrQ
Setting pickup height. starting around 1:40

 

[Cagey]

How can intonation make a lone string sound out of tune on it self?

How can a lone string sound out of tune? :icon_scratch:

As was mentioned earlier in the thread, it's caused by something called "Strat-itis".

When you pluck a string, it vibrates in a semi-circular or elliptical orbit. If the pickup is too close to the string, the magnetic field of the pickup will pull at the string in one direction and cause that vibration to change orbit. This results in a gradual change of timbre as the forces involved equalize, and it sounds like kukka, or as the kids say, "broccoli" <grin> The cure is to simply lower the pickup a smidgen. It usually doesn't take much, and while it might result in slightly lower output, the increase in tonal quality is definitely worthwhile. You can always turn up your amplifier.

 

[strumminsix]

GREAT THREAD!  Thanks so much for the advice and  tips and experience.

I'm on my first build and had the pickup WAY TOO HIGH.  Those weird out of tune wolf thing was happening all over and low sustain too.  Problem solved.

AutoBat - nice video and chops!  Nice setup on that Strat!

Quick question - Does a guitar, specifically the neck, need to settle a bit before her tuning is stable.  I set her up 5 days back and first 2 days tuning stability was horrible.  But better each day.  Same with the intonation it was moving for a few days then stable.  Curious if that is normal.

 

[Paul-less]

PROTIP
1) Lower your pickups
2) Use underwound to vintagewound puppies. Overwound is acceptable for metal.









EDIT:  Lol protip  from an idoit with a sticky keybord.