Fret Noise!

  • Thread starter Thread starter geekformayor
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geekformayor

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Ok, I have a Sigma acoustic guitar. I've never really had problems with excessive fret noise until recently. I used the same type of Martin strings I always use, but ever since I put some new strings on like 3 weeks ago I get a ton of fret noise.

I'm not talking about fret buzz, but fret noise rather. whenever my fingers slide on the strings (even if just barely touching) i get alot of metallic fret noise. i've tried picking my fingers up more when i switch chords and whatnot, but it doesn't cut down on it too much.

What are some remedies for getting rid of it?
 
If your talking about noise created by sliding your fingers across the strings...A very light coat of vegitible oil or better yet lemon oil does the trick. Usually a few drops on a rag and wiped up and down each string works wonders.
 
What does this oil do to the sound/life of the strings.I have always heard that finger oil is a strings worst nightmare,wouldnt this be the smam?
John
 
I would think the vegetable oil would be bad for the "life" of a new sounding string.

I believe they still make a product called Fast Fret that came with string cleaner/lubricant on an application pad you wiped across the strings right before recording and/or playing live. It really helped with the finger across the string noise for me and prolong the life of your strings.

It does seem strange that you used the same guage and brand of strings before this happened. I have noticed that on acoustics with that if I took all the tension off the neck by loosening and removing all the strings at once to clean the fretboard that the neck tension will not return to where it was (and therefore the action) unless you really stretch the strings out good. By this I mean tune up with the new strings and pull the strings away from the fretboard one at a time you might be amazed by how many steps or notes the string tuning will drop. Then when you think the strings are stretched as far as possible tune the guitar up a half or whole step for a couple of hours or even overnight and return it to normal tuning. You might try this before resorting to taking it in to a shop as it won't cost you anything.
 
No matter what product you use it will shorten the life of your strings. The problem is that theoil fills in the groves between the round wound strings and can collect dirt faster. A flat wound or semi flat wound string just about completly eliminate this noise but don't have the same sparkle as round wounds.

Moderation is the key. Als we use this techniuqe most for studio work where you are willing to sacrifise a little life span for less noise.

There is also a product called finger ease, which is a spray. Same Idea.

Joe
 
pchorman said:
finger whistle can be very cool sounding.
Click to expand...

I agree. And since it even exist as MIDI sounds it seems too be sought after by those who cant get it naturally either!
 
i don't see how light oils could possibly shorten string life. It seems like rust is a worse enemy of strings than oil. Strings ARE made of steel.

I change them regularly anyway though
 
Jimistone,

The oil will not cause the string to deteriorate as mentioned in Joe E's post the oil helps collect dirt and debris. This is why many bassist (including yours truly) will boil old bass strings and/or clean them with rubbing alchohol.

The oil and debris will indeed change the brightness and "newness" of the string but then again some guitarist and bassist prefer older or "deader" strings and only change them when they have to. I remeber one professsional studio bassist that had a 60's Fender bass with the original strings still on it! He bought it new in the store and had never changed the strings.
 
i like the sound of brand new strings. when they quit sounding new i re-string the guitar.
 
Have you considered adding a nylon string to your collection? String noise is greatly reduced and sounds sweet!!
 
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