Help with 1959 NC problem

[Billy Anderson]

I have had a used NC for several months now, but have just recently noticed a problem after switching from a fixed Bigsby bracket to a swivel model, and then installing a brass Tru-Arc bridge. I am not very technically oriented so I hope someone can point me in the right direction for a fix without making me feel any more stupid than I already do.

A few weeks ago, I had the Tru-Arc installed by a friend of mine at a local music store, and he put on a set of Ernie Ball N/P 50-10 strings (only set the store had with a wound third, and it had probably been on the rack for several years since most players use the plain third). He set the action as low as he could, but I noticed that there were some dead spots at frets 14-16 on the high E string. He measured with a straightedge and said the neck appeared straight so there was nothing he could do to help. He raised the action on that side a little which in turn made it harder for me to play up the neck.

I have now discovered that there is a noticeable vibration noise on that string when the guitar is plugged up to my Peavey Vypyr 60 or my Roland Cube 40 XL; however, when played acoustically, no vibration is audible at all. Anyone have any ideas as to what the problem may be, and if so, what do I need to do to get this repaired.

Forgive the long posting, but thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have.

Billy Anderson

[Phil Waldron]

Billy ... before I did anything else to the guitar I would probably change the strings. If they are as old as you say I would start there. Just a thought. I have had even new sets of strings that when installed just didn't do well.

Thanks ... Phil

[Norm]

Since you're talking about a used guitar. were it me I would spend a little money and have a good guitar repair guy go over it for a setup. Maybe a light fret dressing. These things are factory made and don't get the attention a lutheir type builder can give it. Having the frets leveled, crowned and polished does wonders for the playability. You might think "Well it doesn't need that kind of work." Might be, but from you say it isn't playing right.

New strings might do the trick. Odd that a music store can't give you fresh strings with a wound third or a least provide you with single strings so you can pick one up. I use some kind of D'Addario strings that I have to buy a wound third for as an extra. Got a few unused plain strings but it's not exacty a break-the-bank situation.

I'm not a fan of really super-low action either but that's just me.

[Phil Waldron]

I agree with you Norm ... it is amazing what a good guitar repair guy can do. It has been my experience that most of the "guitar tech's" in the larger chain music stores really don't do that great of a job on setup's. Also I agree that the store should have changed the strings. To be candid I have never bought a guitar from a store without first having them replace the strings so I can try it out. If i am going to spend large sums of $$$ on a quality instrument then I want to hear what it sounds like with new strings. I don't play my own guitars with old worn out strings so why should i play theres. If they balk at changing the strings then find another store. I have been in stores and pulled down guitars to examine with rusty strings.. nuff said ... Phil

[Billy Anderson]

Thanks for the information. I, too, have been leaning toward taking the guitar (which I bought sight unseen "as is" through this Board) to a reputable Gretsch dealer for a setup. We really do not have anyone in this area who has the qualifications to handle something like this-I know because I have used both of them, and the third one died last year.

I have located a Gretsch dealer about 50 miles from here, so I will follow your advice and take the NC to him for the setup. With regard to strings, this area (Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR) has very few music stores, and they cater to the metalheads. They just don't carry sets with wound thirds, and I have not found any single strings other than EB which I do not like. I usually get the D'Ad 49 set with the wound third by mail, but I just forgot to order before I took the guitar in for the bridge changeover.

Thanks again to all of you for your assistance.

Billy

[Norm]

A gretsch dealer is a vendor, a merchant. Being a dealer does not confer any particular skill or knowledge of guitars. To be a gretsch dealer all you need to do is make a rather large initial investment in merchandise and sign a contract to maintain a certain number of guitars in stock. That's It!

You need a guitar tech. A mechaninc. He may have total body tattoos and rings and wires hanging from his face but he also may actually know what to do to a guitar to make it play right. This is like taking your automobile in for a major tune-up. Your car mechanic might be a hairy Hells Angel but if he knows his cars you really wouldn't care.

[Richard Hudson]

Billy, I run into the same problem with strings, so I buy all of my strings on line. I hate to do that because I like to support my local businesses, but my local music store does not stock the strings I need. A good setup and good strings will probably make a world of difference in your guitar.

[Mike Detlefsen]

I'll second what Norm says. I've only been to one dealer that I thought might be competent to set up a guitar. The guys at your typical Guitar Center aren't going to have a clue.

I took my 6122-59 to a local guy (Mark Erlewine) for a setup, bringing along a new set of strings. It was expensive, but well worth it, since I had some uneven frets way up the fretboard. I hardly ever play there, but when you need to, it's nice if it doesn't buzz.

Mike

[Joeb]

I've been playing guitar for 46 years now and have purchased my share of new and used guitars and I never heard of anything that a guitar dealer is going to change strings on a new guitar he's selling in his shop tro cater to a customer. That's just insane! It's up to the player to make a call on what kind of action and strings would suit his OWN style.You go with the flow that the guitar is setup with at the time. When buying a guitar of any kind you simply raise or lower the bridge to where you like your action set and make sure the neck is true and straight and check the frets to your liking and go from there. Don't be scared to work on your own guitar. You will never learn a thing about the guitar and what makes it tick if you don't. It's not rocket science. Stuff like a simply 1/4 inch turn at a time to the truss rod to make minor adjustments are part of a normal routine as a guitar owner .Up here in Chicago Il. the weather is always changing hot and cold If I had to take in 33 of my guitars from my collection at any time I'd be flat broke. JOEB

[RonBloor]

You need to visit my "go to" guitar shop. They are not a big shop, but they do have a good selection... for example they got in 3 Gretsch HOF guitars in.... and sold them. I can't remember ever picking up a guitar that had corroded or dead strings on it!! If you mention that a particular guitar needs a setup, they will grab it from you and do the setup right there and then.. They have 3 setup benches right on the floor and all the staff are capable of doing setups!! It is really a pro guitar shop, not a guitar supermarket.. I just wish all guitar shops were as good... I'm spoiled.