My high E string sounds a little louder and more piercing than the others. Just noticed it recently--not sure if it's since a string change or my ear is just getting better. What could be causing this? String type? Setup? Has anyone heard of something like this? Thanks!

If you changed string brands there may have been a slight change in tension. The relief could have been reduced and you're getting buzzing on the e string. Try loosening the truss rod 1/8 turn and see what happens.

Rob, thanks, but it's not a buzzing, just an out of balance volume thing. Do you think the truss rod suggestion would address that? Thanks!

D-red, sorry you're having problems.

First, what model guitar do you have? What strings, and have you made any recent changes in gauge? Is it the original bone saddle? The original factory nut job?

Apologies for all the questions, but it's a weird one and I'm sure various members might have helpful ideas with a little more to go on. For instance, though this might sound a stupid question, are you sure you're not developing a slightly dull or muted B string (possible slight saddle/nut issues) and that the top E is now sounding brighter or louder in contrast? That's just an example. Do give us a little more info if you can.

peghead, no problem, thanks for the response. I have a D2H with (as far as I know, I bought it new) all oringinal parts. Always use mediums. Started with D'addario PB's, tried Pearse PB's, DR Rare's, and now back with the D'Addario's I'm noticing the hot E. I think I'll swap strings back to the JP's (most balanced) and see if I notice it, then take it into my local tech and see if he's hearing anything and can adjust to fix. The muted B is possible, but is not my first guess.

But interested to hear any and all thoughts before I get to that part. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by zekeydekey:
The muted B is possible, but is not my first guess.

That was actually my first guess. Doesn't make it correct, but it would explain the perception of a louder E.

After that, I'd go with the string change and see what happens.

Let us know what you find out.

Ooops! Sorry Zekey for my funny wording, I thought the question was from a first-time poster. The problem does sound odd. The reason I asked about your nut was that on my OM, when I changed from lights up to mediums, the top E binded a little in the slot, as if OM nuts were specifically cut for lights (they probably are, knowing Bill C's penchant for precision, and if so then presumably dread nuts are cut for mediums). If you had moved up a gauge that might be a reason for the B sounding a little muffled and hence the E sounding clearer... but that's not it...

It's probably not the saddle but I wonder if it's worth checking that the top E hasn’t begun to wear a tiny groove in the bone? A slight added high harmonic can sometimes give the impression of an out-of-balance string.

Aside from that I'm stumped. I've played far more Collings OM's than dreads, and OM's tend to be forward in the midrange, so a hot top E must be off-putting. Hope the string-swap works, keep us posted.

You or your tech should check to make sure the bottom of the saddle is flat, so that it achieves uniform contact with the bridge. Also, make sure your bridge pins and string ends are properly seated, and that there's nothing unusual about the way the strings are wound around the tuning posts.

My hunch, though, is that it has something to do with the strings you're running right now. Swap them out and see what results.

Thanks everyone! Kind of weird, but I didn't notice it at all last night. Maybe the new strings are settling down? I'll give it a few days more, and if I notice it again, will swap strings and monitor for change. If it reappears then, I'll take it to the tech. Thanks so much for your help, and sorry for the false alarm!

d-red,
Just curious who your tech is. I live in the same area you do. Anyway, thanks and good luck with what you're working on.

The reason I mentioned buzzing is that a very slight buzz often doesn't really sound like it's buzzing. It just sounds twangy.

Rob, gotcha on the twang, thanks!

Eiko, I take it to Gryphon in Palo Alto.