Bad D String Harmonics

Cadorman

Cadorman

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So, I'm playing my white Lester for the last couple of days and I keep hearing this high note in the background when I'm playing chords and can't figure it out. Finally, I start plucking the strings between the bridge and stop tail with all the strings muted. When I hit the D string it actually rings out and sustains. WTH? All the other strings have the normal dead plucked sound. This is the note I am hearing while playing. What would cause this? It is a regular Gibson stop tail and Nashville Tune-o-matic. The D string is wound. It's a 10-46 set of NYXLs. Any thoughts?
 
Cadorman said:
So, I'm playing my white Lester for the last couple of days and I keep hearing this high note in the background when I'm playing chords and can't figure it out. Finally, I start plucking the strings between the bridge and stop tail with all the strings muted. When I hit the D string it actually rings out and sustains. WTH? All the other strings have the normal dead plucked sound. This is the note I am hearing while playing. What would cause this? It is a regular Gibson stop tail and Nashville Tune-o-matic. The D string is wound. It's a 10-46 set of NYXLs. Any thoughts?
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Any contact at the back of the bridge, on the way to the tailpiece?
 
Cadorman said:
No contact. It's top wrapped.
View attachment 57151View attachment 57151
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Did you try not top wrapping it? It looks like you lowered the stop tail but it's hard to see if there is enough break angle.

I can almost guarantee you this won't happen if you don't top wrap. I never understood the point of it. I mean I know why people do it but I don't think it makes any difference, at least not a positive difference.
 
Cadorman said:
Probably telling me it wants new strings. I'll get a set tomorrow and try that with a good cleaning.

It doesn't have anything to do with the top wrap. All of my Gibsons are this way and only this one has this issue and it just started recently.
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Yah, if you never had the problem before it's likely an anomaly with that particular string.

If you want to get a little more mileage out of the current set, you could try damping the vibration there - a little piece of something wedged between the string and the top of the tailpiece might do it

A bit of sponge might be good for that - you can put it in place moist, and it'll firm up when it dries.
I've done that with whole sponges to make custom-shaped padding for gear in racks.

Even a folded piece of paper would probably work fine in this case.
 
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Completely disassembled and cleaned this morning. I ran abrasive cord through all of the string slots on the bridge. Greased all string slots in nut and bridge. Installed new strings. Tuned and checked intonation. No difference. It is a Kluson Nashville bridge. I don't get it.
 
Cadorman said:
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Here is a recording of it. Can you hear the D harmonic when I cut off the chord?
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Definitely a maddening sound! I can understand your frustration!
I have never run in to this issue...wish I had something solid for you.
Did you try running the suspect piece of the bridge through its intonation travel a couple of times(and then reset) to see if things settle down?
 
Thatbastarddon said:
Definitely a maddening sound! I can understand your frustration!
I have never run in to this issue...wish I had something solid for you.
Did you try running the suspect piece of the bridge through its intonation travel a couple of times(and then reset) to see if things settle down?
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No I haven't. That's a good idea. I will give it a try when I get Boo off my lap.
 
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