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What's killing the sustain on my G string?

Joined
May 28, 2023
Messages
2
So I recently bought a 50s Les Paul Standard which was set up with .10s. Everything played just fine, but I knew I wanted to change it to .11s as I like the added tension, and it's what I'm used to. Changed to .11s and immediately noticed a major loss in sustain on the G string only. No buzzing, just loss of sustain, and perhaps a loss of a high end... sounds dead.

1) Is the nut, or saddle choking it due to the higher gauge? .11s aren't exactly unusually heavy. Is there something I could change if that's true, but don't want to mess around with the nut if I don't know exactly.

2) Is it possibly just a "bad" string from a brand new pack of strings?

I can notice it whether playing a fretted note or playing it open. I can also notice it whether I'm playing it plugged in or acoustically.
 
Last edited:

corpse

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Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
The slot is too narrow. Try some Emory cloth and widen it. Just three to five soft passes on each side. Do not deepen it.
 

poor man's burst

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Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
The slot is too narrow. Try some Emory cloth and widen it. Just three to five soft passes on each side. Do not deepen it.
As the OP stated that he noticed it playing open AND fretted, it is very unlikely that the nut is the origin of the problem. However, when going to a higher string guage, one may need to adjust the nut slots so the strings don't get pinched in the nut, causing tuning problems.
2) Is it possibly just a "bad" string from a brand new pack of strings?
Yes, it is possible. The best way to get an answer to this question would be to try to change the string.
 
Last edited:
Joined
May 28, 2023
Messages
2
I would check neck relief first
What would I be looking for in terms of neck relief? Tightening the truss to counteract the added tension of the higher gauge?

Thanks for all the input so far ya'll.

I should also add, i'm not hearing any "pinging" while tuning or bending which I've heard is usually the telltale sign that the nut needs to be widened. Part of why I'm confused on how best to proceed.
 
Last edited:

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,021
You adjust neck relief by checking the bow of the neck.
You don't just randomly tighten because you used a heavier gauge.
Try a new string.
I find heavy gauge plain strings can sound odd.
 

metropolis

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Sep 14, 2018
Messages
390
My money is on the saddle. It's happened a lot to me when I've experimented with 11s.
 

Any Name You Wish

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Apr 15, 2021
Messages
493
I agree with metropolis, the saddle. Take a brass rod with a flat end and very precisely tap the G-string into the saddle a few times. Not hard, just a light tap.

If there is going to be a problem when going to heavier gage strings, it is probably going to be the G-string. It will bind in the nut when trying to tune up, and not sit right in the saddle slot.
 

charliechitlins

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 16, 2021
Messages
1,021
So I recently bought a 50s Les Paul Standard which was set up with .10s. Everything played just fine, but I knew I wanted to change it to .11s as I like the added tension, and it's what I'm used to. Changed to .11s and immediately noticed a major loss in sustain on the G string only. No buzzing, just loss of sustain, and perhaps a loss of a high end... sounds dead.

1) Is the nut, or saddle choking it due to the higher gauge? .11s aren't exactly unusually heavy. Is there something I could change if that's true, but don't want to mess around with the nut if I don't know exactly.

2) Is it possibly just a "bad" string from a brand new pack of strings?

I can notice it whether playing a fretted note or playing it open. I can also notice it whether I'm playing it plugged in or acoustically.
Did you figure it out?
 

TM1

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Joined
Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
You should really take it to a Tech and have it set-up! Also, dump the crappy D'Addario strings (if that's what you use..) they are just the worse. Get some Pyramid's or T-I's
 

Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
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... Also, dump the crappy D'Addario strings (if that's what you use..) they are just the worse. Get some Pyramid's or T-I's
interesting take. I've been using DAddario for 40+ years and have never had a problem. They the brightest, last longest and have been the most consistant in quality. None of the small boutique makers can even come close.
 

garywright

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Joined
Aug 17, 2002
Messages
15,583
interesting take. I've been using DAddario for 40+ years and have never had a problem. They the brightest, last longest and have been the most consistant in quality. None of the small boutique makers can even come close.
šŸ‘
 

renderit

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Jan 19, 2009
Messages
10,951
Thank God somebody went sideways because I been Thinkin' dat over the last week...
 

Bryansamui

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Jul 1, 2022
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198
interesting take. I've been using DAddario for 40+ years and have never had a problem. They the brightest, last longest and have been the most consistant in quality. None of the small boutique makers can even come close.
I've never had a problem with Daddarios. That said, I doubt anyones got an ear so refined , they go into a store , pick up a guitar and go " Ahh They're Daddarios! "
 

Wilko

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Mar 11, 2002
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..but it's pretty obvious when you've got a dead string from the windings letting go. all it takes is a little loose section ruin a whole string. Round core pure nickle are more prone to that than stainless around a hex.
 
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