I have a weird problem that has just cropped up that I could use some advice with. Recently (the last two or three days) I have begun getting intermittent problems with my G string on My MIM Stratocaster. I will be playing along and when I play the G string by itself, it has started sounding louder than the other strings and kind of jangly. I was wondering if maybe I need to adjust the saddle for that string or if there is something else I should be looking at? I would appreciate any advice.

I think bringing it to a guitar tech would help here,plus it might be free if it only is a matter of saddles.Does it make a difference unplugged?Could be a problem behind the pickguard

Keep us up to date!

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2006 MiM Strat Black/Maple
1982 Alhambra 6P Classical
The Gibson L-1
Ovation Celebrity Acoustic
Epiphone Black Beauty Les Paul HHH

It very well MAY be that you need to adjust the pickup height. Or check the saddle height; does it appear the the saddle for G, seems lower than it should be? This could cause it to be louder, and jangly sounding, because its bringing it closer to the the pole piece, and also causing to be lower and closer to the frets, which will cause it to vibrate close to the frets, and you'll experience a buzz.

Unless its a major problem that you just cant figure it out; I suggest everyone to TRY to see if they can dianose the problem and fix it yourself before bringing it to a luthier. I am one, and personally wouldnt charge you to set the height on a saddle. But there are MANY luthiers, that would. I know guys who work in the repair departemnt of chain stores. People will drop off a guitar for a setup, the luthier finds, it really is fine as it is. He'll put on new streings, maybe put the fretboard to buff the frets, then go and charge for a full setup.
I find this a replusive and real scumbag thing to do, and I just wont do it. I learend from a very talanted luthier. A guy who ive seen many time stop what he was doing when a client came in with an issue that really wasnt an issue. He'd address is, and just let the guy have it back without charging him, or maybe charge him $10-20, or a 6 pack. Other time people came and dropped off guitars for setup that needed none. He'd call them and tell them straight up; 'this needs nothing done to it, if you want me to restring it, and maybe give the fretboard a quick buff, its $10, if not, come an pick it up.
THAT'S how ALL luthiers should be, and thats how i pride myself on being.
Strats are really easy guitars to learn to setup, then you get more confidnt, and maybe you decide to start to learn other things. Its what happened to me.
So i highly recommend trying these things on your own. There's an abundance of step by step instructions on doint setups. If you want to make a great investment, buy the Guitar repair guide by Dan Erlewine. He does a fantastic job and explaining everything in a way even a novice can understand. Its so good, i dont think you'd find a repair shop that DOESNT have one in there somewhere.

If it looks like the saddle is set correctly, and you can take a good pic, send it in. We can take a look at it and see if someone can diagnose the issue. If we cant, then take it to a luthier

Just to follow up, it was one of the saddles. It was slanted a little and causing the problem. The tech (Dennis Slick - Slick's Guitars in Anniston AL) fixed it and did a setup for me while I waited. It plays better then it ever did! He did such a great job with the setup, I am going to take my Taylor acoustic there tomorrow.

Now, Back to practicing......

Mystery solved! Rock on!

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Solid!

It sounds like one of the height adjustment set-screws had worked its way loose due to the routine effects of playing the instrument. I always inspect my saddles every time I re-string to prevent any unwanted "surprises"......



The allen screw should make full contact with the bridge plate when the strings are tuned to pitch.

Rawk On!

And Anniston is a great town.



Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY