Question "Extra" strings playing with my JP Majesty

[globulen]

I am having a really hard time with this guitar, unlike any other one I own. I find myself working extra hard to mute strings that shouldn't sound, and getting many times other strings to sound when they normally don't on other guitars (e.g. with bends, bends on B always "want" to pick up G string, etc). I have to work extra hard when I play this one. I don't have the problem with any other guitar I own, and they all seem easier to play because of that (although I LOVE the way the neck feels on my JPM). My strings are .09s, not sure if that is an issue, that is what I always play. Not sure if my action is high, maybe it's that?, but I get Lots of unwanted noise from "neighboring" strings in a way I've never experienced with other guitars. If I lower the action more (if that is the problem causing this issue), I get tons of fret buzz. Anyone else having this issue? Or any suggestions as to what I should try? Maybe this is not a good match for me....
Thanks

 

[BrickGlass]

Guess I need more detail, maybe a video to show us what you are talking about. Neighboring strings will always make noise if you have enough gain and/or volume, unless you are muting those strings. Some pickups are more sensitive than others and pickup height can have an impact too. Some guitars can be more responsive because of the wood.

 

[globulen]

Thanks. What I mean though, is with my left hand, which I assume is due to technique and/or guitar setup. I don't mean the pickups being overly sensitive. The weird thing is that I don't have that issue with any other guitar I own or have played. I gave the Majesty to two pros, both felt the same but couldn't pinpoint what it was. That's why I suspect if the action is too high, maybe my left hand picks up additional strings? It does not seem too high though, IMO. any images that would help diagnose this?

 

[Guitarshreda]

It might be the radius of the neck? Just throwing it out there, perhaps you need to adjust to the guitar's radius and where the strings sit (for example when you bend the other strings might be in a different spot then you are use to).

 

[BrickGlass]

I knew that you were referring to your left hand. There is absolutely a technique to muting the strings you are not playing with your left hand. You must mute with your left hand if you want things to sound clean and not have unwanted string noise coming through. Everything I said in my first post still applies.

 

[Lou]

Are you hearing the vibrations of the strings behind the nut or the trem springs?

 

[AgustinJP50]

Either what Lou or Guitarshreda said above, or maybe the strings at the bridge aren't properly adjusted to match the radius of the neck? As in, the saddles aren't set to match the radius of the neck (17')...

 

[BrickGlass]

If there is any possible way that you can post a video of the problem we would have a better chance at helping you. Sorry you are having this mystery. These type of things can be really annoying and really frustrating.

 

[bhull]

Check that your preamp boost hasn't been accidentally engaged.

Press down on the volume knob to engage/disengage.

 

[Bobby Allen]

The guitar come with #2240 EB strings 10,13,17,26,36,46. Not sure why you are having problems. I have an Artisan and no problems.

 

[globulen]

Thanks for the replies. I am having this issue unplugged, or plugged. It's a playability issue, and I'm sure technique plays a role. But I don't find this to be a problem when I play any other guitar, and so, yes, I'm very frustrated. These are not vibrations, these are strings picked up by my left hand when I play. For eg, G string when I bend a note on B, etc. And again, I don't experience this with other guitars. Could this be due to the strings being to high from the fingerboard? It does not seem to be. So in short, I go through weird movements and Positions with my left hand to mute strings, in a way I've not done with other guitars, and it affects my play. Plus, I sound sloppy.
I don't understand the radius of the neck and saddles suggestion.

 

[BrickGlass]

Yes, it could be that your action is too high, but I want to emphasize the could be part. With a high action it can be trickier to do string bending cleanly because your finger that is bending gets a little bit under the string directly above it, which as you release the bend can cause it to vibrate. You in essence can be slightly plucking the string above the one you are bending, by unintentionally snagging it when bending and releasing. This can happen with a well set up action too, but it can be more obvious a problem with a higher action.

The radius is the curve of the neck/fretboard. Think of the fretboard of your guitar like a road. The road has a crown so that rainwater runs into the gutter. Guitar fretboards can have the same type of crown. Because of this, the saddles need to follow the curve, so the saddles for the middle strings are higher than the saddles for the stings on the outer edges of the guitar. You can best see this by looking up from the bottom of the guitar. Look up towards the saddles from the bottom of the guitar and you'll notice the middle saddles are likely a little higher than the outside ones. The saddle height is adjustable on many electrics, so this can be tweaked.

 

[AgustinJP50]

Thanks BrickGlass, I was trying to come up with an easy explanation for this last night, but my english skills decided to take a dump on me (probably because I needed to get some sleep).
To the OP: in some cases, the curve that the saddles form doesn't match that of the fretboard radius (for example, the middle strings aren't as high as they should be, or are higher than they should). While this is rare on Music Man guitars (as they leave the factory with a really good setup), it can happen, and is also more likely to happen if you bought the guitar used (you don't know wheteher the previous owner messed with the setup, etc).
At any rate, it is really important that you learn (if you haven't already) how to set up your guitar(s), because you are the only one that can determine how comfortable you feel with a certain setup.
Hope this helps!

 

[8nthatk]

It very well could be your technique, and it's not such a bad thing to have to really concentrate on technique and thus become a better player by having a guitar point out your 'faults'.

As far as a mechanical issue, I would recommend having your guitar set-up, specifically the relief in the neck. This sounds like a possible reason you are finding the issue to be guitar specific. Too much relief and you're going to struggle a little more and it will have a big impact on your string height.
I personally play with a near straight (no relief) neck set-up, but I have a very light touch. If you attack your strings aggressively you'll need more relief.

It doesn't sound like you're doing your own guitar adjustments so bring it to a good set-up guy and you won't have to wonder.

Good luck.

 

[varjao]

Looks like your guitar needs a decent setup made by a professional, all the symptoms point to that direction. Strings height, truss rod adjustment, octaves, etc...The JP's leave the factory setup for 0.10 and if you're using 0.09 without doing adjustments it can be weird. Every time I buy a guitar I take it to my favorite luthier for a setup, I don't like factory setups, I know EBMM delivers the guitar with a good setup, but then you have a lot of factors like the guys at guitar center messing up the setup of the guitar, climate changes, etc...

 

[Hollowe]

Sounds like you're not used to it yet. When I switched to les Paul's years back they felt really odd to me compared to the Jacksons I used to use. But then I used exclusively les Paul's for a good 10 years. Be patient with yourself. Worse case, maybe it's not the right guitar for you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[globulen]

Thanks so much to all for this info. I will try to fine a "good setup guy". By chance, does anyone know a good one in the MD/DC/Northern VA area to recommend?
Thanks again, this is very valuable advice!

 

[Stratty316]

A good setup makes all the difference