i think i just messed up my entire guitar!

[PeterKang]

All i did was put on a nwe set of D'addario strings( ive never really anhd too much experience with changing strings)


now when i put my guitar on distortion under a soudn that normally has no buzzing, it now has buzzing.

also when i strike my low e string harder than usual, there is a distinct ringing


additionally, when im playing a solo or something on the bottom three strings. the low e seems to emmanate a sound, and wehen i let go of the neck, it still eminates until i mute it wiht my hand!!


please someone help me!!!!

 

[TexRoadkill]

If you switched to a different gauge the tension on the neck is different. You may need to adjust the bridge or neck for the new tension.

If you have a floating bridge and removed all the strings then you need to get the tension set on it before you put the new strings on.

 

[PeterKang]

If you switched to a different gauge the tension on the neck is different. You may need to adjust the bridge or neck for the new tension.

If you have a floating bridge and removed all the strings then you need to get the tension set on it before you put the new strings on.

whats a floating bridge and how do i get the tension set

 

[Angermeyer]

A floating brige is esentially one that balances the tension between the string and a few springs in the back. This is the kind you often use with whammy bars and really bend the shit out of those notes. Before you fuck with that though make sure the problems aren't simply related to the fact that the strings are new. New srtings always sound twangy, but it varys with different guitars.

 

[PeterKang]

well igues the th9ing on mine is free floating.. cuz its a strat

but its not that the strings are new, i think that the string is hitting the fret


how can i alleviatre this...

additonally does it fuc up the pickup if u lay ur string on a it a few times.. for some reason mine were stickign onto the pickups

 

[PeterKang]

also i was just wondering, what is the "proper" way to change strings.. i dont want to mess this up again

 

[gibs]

I always change the strings one at a time, starting high or low, because when you remove all the strings at once, regardless of the bridge, you're screwing with the neck tension big time.....an added advantage is you can also tune the strings by the one next to it each time you put one on......just my experience....gibs

 

[Tom Hicks]

Sounds like you put on a set of lighter guage strings,and the truss rod (having less resistance to its force) pulled the neck "backbowed" slightly so that the strings are now scraping the frets.
Loosen the rod (left or anticlockwise) in 1/4 turn increments,sighting down the length of the neck along the bass side using the big E as a straightedge (in between adjustments) untill the neck is again straight.
Another possibility is that you lowered the action on the saddles.Fender has string height specs on their website(distance from the top of the p'up to the string.All guitarists should have a 6" steel rule to check stuff like this.Also ,set your saddles so that they follow the curvature of the neck,not in a straight line.

 

[PeterKang]

egad i think you are right about the truss rod thing, the strings that i put on are extra light strings or somthing like that.. so if i loosen the truss rod it should fix?

 

[Angermeyer]

be gentel...


And no, you can't fuk up your pickups by touching them with the strings.


-Angermeyer

 

[deathofamind]

Sounds like you put on a set of lighter guage strings,and the truss rod (having less resistance to its force) pulled the neck "backbowed" slightly so that the strings are now scraping the frets.
Loosen the rod (left or anticlockwise) in 1/4 turn increments,sighting down the length of the neck along the bass side using the big E as a straightedge (in between adjustments) untill the neck is again straight.
Another possibility is that you lowered the action on the saddles.Fender has string height specs on their website(distance from the top of the p'up to the string.All guitarists should have a 6" steel rule to check stuff like this.Also ,set your saddles so that they follow the curvature of the neck,not in a straight line.

wow, this helped me out a lot... thanks

 

[vox]

I mean no disrespect to you Peter, but if you aren't sure of the correct way to change strings, or what a floating bridge is, you probably should not get into the habit of messing with the truss rod. I think you should take your guitar to someone who knows his stuff and let him set it up for you.

P.S If you changed string gauges/brands you will need to check the intonation too.

Good Luck.

 

[Tom Hicks]

You'll be ok is you just take it SLOW.
As I suggested,1/4 turns only with a resight of the neck in between will make sure it is safely done.
The memory trick for the truss rod adjustment is "righty tighty - lefty loosey" where right = clockwise.
Many rock-style players with low action like a touch of upbow (called relief) to stop the buzzes on bends.

 

[Tom Hicks]

Strats have the truss rod adjuster at the end of the neck behind the butt plate.Starts are modular so it is ok to take them apart.Newer strats have 4 screws to remove.Vintage strats had 3 screws on the plate (which allowed twist and that's why they changed).
Loosen all strings completely and tie a string around all 6 to keep them together.Remove the screws on the buttplate as well as the plate itself.The neck/ fingerboard will now come off and the truss rod will be exposed.Adjust the rod,reinstall the neck,plate and screws.Retune the strings to concert pitch and sight the neck for straightness.
Repeat as necessary.If this is not clear,then do consult a tech to do it for you.But ask to watch him if you do so you will understand the process.
I was a tech for a couple of years and I think most guitarists can do most simple adjustments like this on their own.Get Dan Earlywine's repair book from Stewart MacDonald if you want to learn this stuff.

 

[PeterKang]

i jsut put the wrench into the hole and adjusted the truss rod from the head stock.. waht do u mean do it slow??
i wasnt getting any results so i did it kinda fast.. is that in any way wrong?


also will new strings cause a slight buz, or maybe chepare strings?

thanks

 

[PeterKang]

additionally, when im playing a solo or something on the bottom three strings. the low e seems to emmanate a sound, and wehen i let go of the neck, it still eminates until i mute it wiht my hand!!


please someone help me!!!!

can someone help me wiht htis problem

 

[Tom Hicks]

You have a Fender Strat that adjusts from the headstock?That's the newer way and is much easier than having to remove the neck between adjustments.
By slow I mean doing the adjustment incrementally,by quarter-turns.The metal rod is stronger then the wood neck.Doing it "bit by bit" assures doing it safely with no damage to the instrument.
Turn a bit,take a look,turn a bit, take another look,etc untill its done.

here's a pic of the old-style headstock
pic

 

[PeterKang]

yea mine has a hole in it near the headstock

but no damage seems to ahve been done, maybe the newer ones azre less sensitive???
i did it pretty fast , and the only time i get the ringing form fret hitting is if i strike the really really really hard wiht my thumb plucking it , but i would never do that while playing

there seems to be no damage done , at least i hope

 

[Tom Hicks]

Ah...the impatience of youth...
Good on you Peter for doing it yourself.Now,about that fretjob...

 

[PeterKang]

huh waht fret job lol sorry im lost