Recently I've noticed that my 12th fret on the high E string on both my Tele and Strat have a slightly dead 12th fret when played. All the other strings are OK. I put new strings on both to no avail. I've always used Fender Bullets (10's) and have had no problems up to now. There have been no wild temp changes as they stay in my practice room all the time. If I bend the string slightly it will ring true. I've also checked the pitch on the 12th when fretted and both guitars have perfect pitch. Now heres the weird part. If I try to get a harmonic on the E, it's missing. All the other strings are perfect. The guitars don't have any bridge or nut wear as far as I can see. Any ideas? I've been thinking of going to 11's. Any help is appreciated.

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

Try raising those E strings a hair. If this doesn't work, it is entirely possible that the 13th fret on both guitars is high. When a fret is high, usually the one directly below it doesn't ring true or in extreme cases, sounds just like the fret above it.

Why the coincidence? It could be that per your stylings, you simply don't play the 13th fret on the 1st string as much as the 12th and so, the 12th fret wore down enough to make the 13th high.

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You dig?

Actually I tried that and it didn't work. I had it noticeably higher than the other strings and it was the same deal. I think it has something to do with the dead harmonics on the high E. Also I checked the fret with a straightedge and the 13th is fine. The nut doesn't show any wear and the bridge saddles look good too. Also, the relief is how I always set it. It's weird that the same thing is happening on both guitars. I'm going to try changing strings. Maybe go to 11's and see what happens. I'll lets you know and thanks for the imput.

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1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500

11's wont make any difference that any new set of strings at any gauge wouldnt make. Or it would affect every guitar so, which it doesnt.

That would be my first guess, the strings are dead. Then I'd look at the pickups, particularly height.

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No no and no

Good luck and you're welcome!

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You dig?

Well both my guitars are happy now. Same fix for both, a "Super Tune". I block sanded all the frets on both necks, replaced the strings, set the relief and set the intonation on both. Now they both play like a dream, no dead frets. Happy happy joy joy!

_________________
1999 Strat Delux Transparent Crimson
2000 MIA Tele Transparent White
2009 Gibson LP Studio Deluxe Vintageburst
2010 Gibson SG Std Wine Red
Peavey Delta Blues 115
Line6 POD HD500