above 17th fret (sustain)?

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Gear_Junky

Gear_Junky

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Ok, I know, my guitar is a cheap Asian LP copy (Brownsville GG1). I know: don't expect Gibson quality. Sure. I'm down with that. I like the tone and got what I paid for (actually a bit more).

But can I still ask:

some of the really high-teen frets, I think maybe 3 or 4 frets look like they're not fully seated - I can see a slight gap between the bottom of the fret and the fretboard. There are no buzzes and they don't rattle - they're even with the rest of the frets. I think maybe the fret grooves just weren't cut deep enough. I could be wrong.

I am no shredder, of course, but it seems to me that above 17th frets the notes don't really sustain as long as others. Not a deal breaker at this price (175) but I noticed it. Just thought I'd ask everyone if they've encountered it and what you'd recommend.

BTW, all the frets on this guitar are somewhat higher than typcal LP's. Not quite "jumbo" but close.

Thanks!
 
Gear_Junky said:
some of the really high-teen frets, I think maybe 3 or 4 frets look like they're not fully seated - I can see a slight gap between the bottom of the fret and the fretboard. There are no buzzes and they don't rattle - they're even with the rest of the frets. I think maybe the fret grooves just weren't cut deep enough. I could be wrong.
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Leave them as they are. It's more likely that the radius on the fingerboard has a flat spot if everything plays right. That high up on the neck it won't make any difference on a guitar like yours if your happy with the action and sound go with it.

I am no shredder, of course, but it seems to me that above 17th frets the notes don't really sustain as long as others. Not a deal breaker at this price (175) but I noticed it. Just thought I'd ask everyone if they've encountered it and what you'd recommend.

BTW, all the frets on this guitar are somewhat higher than typcal LP's. Not quite "jumbo" but close.

Thanks!
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If it's just a case of sustain then it's not likely to be the frets. Are the notes choking or buzzing? If not I'd look at technique. Not getting at you, I still struggle to play cleanly up at the dusty end. ;)

The fret wire on some of the cheaper instruments is often a compromise in terms of both quality and dimension. A lot use a 2.5mm wide wire and 1.1mm high. The correct fat wire is closer to 2.7mm wide and 0.8mm high. That can make a difference to the intonation and feel above the octave. They use a higher narrower wire because it does allow them to dress out more errors in the neck such as you have noticed. Live with it and when your ready for a better instrument you'll know at least one more thing to watch for.
 
Thanks!

I wouldn't say the notes "choke" - they sustain and then mellow out, but faster than lower down the neck.

I compared with a couple other guitars (not gibsons) and frankly heard similar.

someone at another forum actually said that maybe it's normal - shorter string doesn't vibrate as long.

I appreciate the feedback and still decided to keep the guitar - it's a good enough value and I can't really afford another.
 
Have you checked pickup height? Just a thought. I mean if, it's way off, it might do what you're describing.
 
Gear_Junky said:
someone at another forum actually said that maybe it's normal - shorter string doesn't vibrate as long.
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Thats true to a point and you will notice it on any guitar. The stiffness of the neck and body material will also effect it. It has to do with the physical nature of decay in a vibrating string. You have to look at all the factors that suck energy out of the string and and which of those have the most effect. The type of fret wire and material is of little consequence from that perspective. With an electric instrument you also have to consider the ability of the pickup to detect and process that energy effectively. Set up is also a factor. So as you see you have a lot going on there.
 
A wider vibrato could help. I can't really imagine a time you'd be up there and not not need to use it. I know it's not a permanent fix, but like everyone's said, there are a lot of factors that go into this.
 
You might try lowering the neck pickup a little, this has more affect on sustain than many people realize, and it is so simple to do.
 
another element is string gauge, if you are using 8's the upper frets won't sustain as long as a set of 10's or 11's....things goin' on!
 
Good calls, everyone! I do know about setup, but for some reason didn't think of those factors in context of sustain.

The neck pickup isn't too close (it seems) but it's pretty loud, so I might play with it, see what happens. I will soon be replacing pups anyway, so I can live with that.

Technique and vibrato all apply, I'm sure.

I use a mixed gauge set - basses are from a "10s" set and trebles are "9's". I'm sorry, I know 10s would sound better (maybe) but I don't have the finger strength right now. maybe later.

All in all I am comforted. I was more worried about an unfixable defect than the actual ability to sustain a note. I don't play up there a lot, but it's nice to know that I could when I want to.

I will take into consideration all your points. Thanks!
 
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