Axis issue

[movingpictures]

Hey guys, got a problem with my Axis thats tough to crack. On the e&b strings, i have what sounds like a sitar overtone. It goes away when the notes are fretted and there is enough clearance over the first fret when open, so that rules out a fret issue. Im wondering if anyone else here has ever had the same problem. Its a standard Axis with floyd & D-tuna. any help/insight would be appreciated.

 

[Spudmurphy]

I had a similar problem with my Tele and it was cured when I had a new (compensated) nut installed.
Jongitarz will be able to help you no doubt - if you hear nothing from him in a day or two, try PM'ing him.
Cheers
Spud

 

[movingpictures]

Thanks for the advice. Its a locking nut however, and im not sure they even make those??

 

[Norrin Radd]

Try this: Take the locking nut off the part that goes over those two strings. Problem still there? Yes? Try placing your finger on the two strings behind the nut now, problem still there? If you do that and let us know, we might be able to help isolate the problem. I had a very similar problem with an Ibanez Universe with a Floyd on the same two strings, so let me know what you find out.

 

[nobozos]

How tight are your nuts?

Sometimes, if you tighten your nut screws down too tightly, you can put grooves in the nut, which will cause your problem. Next time you change your strings, check for grooves in the metal on the nut. If you see them, replace your nut, but don't lose the shims under the nut.

You may also want to try a new set of strings before you get too worried.

 

[NorM]

Maybe a little graphite on the trem springs?

 

[jongitarz]

The sitar problem can be caused by the nut itself. It is cast metal, and sometimes the V that the string sits in is a bit uneven and the break angle is a bit off. What I do in a situation like that is take a small fret file and LIGHTLY file the area where the string rests in the nut. It usually fixes the problem. Either that or just play Ravi Shankar music

 

[movingpictures]

Thanks guys for the tips! I think Jon may be correct in the nut being at fault. I will try what you mentioned Jon-and no, i dont want to play Ravi covers at the moment!! LOL

 

[mlacommare]

This exact same thing happened on the high E string on my axis. When I took the lock off the nut the sitar sound went away. I found that the locking part rotates a little bit when it's tightened down and that was what was causing the buzzing. Now I just lay a cut piece of a G string down in front of all the locks before I tighten them all the way down. It keeps them from shifting around when I tighten them. I just take it out when I'm through and no more sitar.

Mark