Question 'silent circuit' and sustain for HSS

[canuck6string]

Hi Forumites,

Is there a correlation between the silent circuit and decreased sustain? Compensated nut vs. bone?

I presume this topic has been discussed at length, but I couldn't find anything definitive other than suggestions for proper set up. If there is a current thread that I'm not aware of, could you please direct me to that? Otherwise I'll continue with my explanation.

Guitar was recently inspected and set up with new strings. The electronics are working properly, battery changed.

The drop off in the ringing notes is more profound on the unwound strings, single notes, but also present with barre chords. My only comparison is an Esquire partcaster that had ridiculous acoustic resonance and sustain.

I play at reasonable house volumes. "Issue" is present with both my Roland Cube and the Blackstar HT1.

Thank you for suggestions.

 

[canuck6string]

Update.

Harmonic notes 12th fret on the high E, B and G strings faded rapidly on both my hardtail and tremolo bridge guitars. I might just forward my question to CS and see what recommendations they have.

If anyone here has experienced the same issue and found a solution, please PM or post here. Thanks.

 

[beej]

The Silent Circuit has no effect on sustain- it's basically a buffered dummy coil that eliminates some of the hum. As for the nut, if you're having issues with fretted notes then that eliminates it as a culprit.

The usual factor is setup- the strings being too low or the pickups being too high (and the magnetic field being an issue).

Of course, some guitars naturally have less sustain than others. See what CS says and go from there.

 

[Stratty316]

My Silo Spec may not have the same sustain as the HHAL or the Axis line, but I haven't noticed a lack of sustain. I would look at set up then call CS like suggested. Also what year did they start with the brass block in the Silo Spec? That is a tremendous upgrade? My Axis Sport has a steel block and I am considering upgrading that as well.

 

[DrKev]

Beej nails it. Silent circuit has no effect on sustain and fretted notes or barre chords means nut is not the problem. I'd clean and polish the saddles and drop the pickup height. I assume your strings are fresh and new? Old strings can't sing!

Matt, my 2005 Silo Special has a brass block. How much difference it really makes I can't tell without an identical Silo special that doesn't have a brass block.

 

[canuck6string]

Thanks for the insight. From what I've discussed with beej it does sound like a set up gone wrong. Ticking that guitar tech off my Christmas list.

The strings faded in volume then sounded like they were palm muted or choked off after mere seconds = poor set up. I'll still see what CS has to say as well as take it into our local L&M for consensus and suggestions.

We can call this thread done, I guess.

 

[Stratty316]

Dr Kev, I suppose I could do a transplant between the Axis Sport and the Silo Spec to test... or I can just upgrade the sport and go from there.

 

[DrKev]

Test sounds like fun! Gotta love science! Could try some before and after clips?