What would cause a note to 'dull' out?

[Toby Walker]

Just seemed to notice something on one of my guitars that I've been playing quite a bit lately. The high G note - 1st string, third fret - seems to have lost it's clear 'ring' and sounds quite duller than before. I've tried replacing the string but to no avail. The notes on the other frets sound fine so I'm suspecting something with that third fret.

May that have something to do with the crown of the fret?

[TBman]

Not sure, a buzz is easy to fix, but that is odd. Is the fret grooved or overly worn down? Might be a good excuse to buy another guitar

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Just seemed to notice something on one of my guitars that I've been playing quite a bit lately. The high G note - 1st string, third fret - seems to have lost it's clear 'ring' and sounds quite duller than before. I've tried replacing the string but to no avail. The notes on the other frets sound fine so I'm suspecting something with that third fret.

May that have something to do with the crown of the fret?

If it is something new and the F# second fret and G# fourth fret ring out normally perhaps wear on the third fret has dropped the string height a bit (or perhaps the fourth fretwire has popped up a bit).

[Fred Watson]

I just learned something and it didn't hurt a bit. Thx.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

If it is something new and the F# second fret and G# fourth fret ring out normally perhaps wear on the third fret has dropped the string height a bit (or perhaps the fourth fretwire has popped up a bit).

Actually, if the third-fret had lifted a bit there would be a loss in volume, resonance, etc.

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Actually, if the third-fret had lifted a bit there would be a loss in volume, resonance, etc.

This is true too but would often also be accompanied by a buzzing 2nd and first fret.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by Ned Milburn

This is true too but would often also be accompanied by a buzzing 2nd and first fret.

Not if it was simply loose, and not lifted...and I realize that I said lifted...I should not have used that word. I really just meant "not properly or securely seated."

[DenverSteve]

Toby, I'm sure you know this but, check your nut slot.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Just seemed to notice something on one of my guitars that I've been playing quite a bit lately. The high G note - 1st string, third fret - seems to have lost it's clear 'ring' and sounds quite duller than before. I've tried replacing the string but to no avail. The notes on the other frets sound fine so I'm suspecting something with that third fret.

May that have something to do with the crown of the fret?

Could it be a wolf note? Try loosening the string and see if the problem moves to the next fret.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Could it be a wolf note? Try loosening the string and see if the problem moves to the next fret.

Gave that a try Ted but no, that wasn't it.

Originally Posted by PastorSteve

Toby, I'm sure you know this but, check your nut slot.

That would've been my first guess if the problem was apparent with only the open string.

Here's what I'm thinking. I've been playing this instrument for several days straight and it was only today when I'm home that I also took out another guitar and started to rotate between the two. As I'm sitting here playing the two of them I'm noticing that the 2nd guitar rings so much clearer than the first... completely across the tonal spectrum!

I'm suspecting that there might not be a problem after all but rather I'm noticing a HUGE difference between these two guitars. Both of them by the way are vintage dreads of the same year.

The first one, if I were to play it by itself - which I've been doing while on the road - actually sounds good. However, it's only when I'm comparing it to this other one that the difference makes it only 'appear' that there was a problem.

Weird, but true!!

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Gave that a try Ted but no, that wasn't it.



That would've been my first guess if the problem was apparent with only the open string.

Here's what I'm thinking. I've been playing this instrument for several days straight and it was only today when I'm home that I also took out another guitar and started to rotate between the two. As I'm sitting here playing the two of them I'm noticing that the 2nd guitar rings so much clearer than the first... completely across the tonal spectrum!

I'm suspecting that there might not be a problem after all but rather I'm noticing a HUGE difference between these two guitars. Both of them by the way are vintage dreads of the same year.

The first one, if I were to play it by itself - which I've been doing while on the road - actually sounds good. However, it's only when I'm comparing it to this other one that the difference makes it only 'appear' that there was a problem.

Weird, but true!!

It's what I hate about online diagnosis attempts. The guitar is not at hand (it would be so much easier) the OP invariably changes or adds to their original comments.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

It's what I hate about online diagnosis attempts. The guitar is not at hand (it would be so much easier) the OP invariably changes or adds to their original comments.

Well, yes... I felt it only necessary to add to the discussion after trying out some of the helpful suggestions. Process of elimination can more often than not get one closer to solving the problem at hand.

Besides... stranger things have happened.

[Guitar1083]

on a nylon string guitar when there is a intonation problem with the string we take the string off and put the bridge side of the string to the tuning machine and problem fixed.

I wonder if its just a bad string, a little puzzled here.

but if its not that, then what could it be a hollow point in the fret maybe?!? no to far fetched, but possible OMG pulling my hair out thinking, never heard of this before... Not making good contact (if there is binding on the neck you wont be able to tell)...

Change the string, - if that doesn't work then your off to a luthier.

[AmericanEagle]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Just seemed to notice something on one of my guitars that I've been playing quite a bit lately. The high G note - 1st string, third fret - seems to have lost it's clear 'ring' and sounds quite duller than before. I've tried replacing the string but to no avail. The notes on the other frets sound fine so I'm suspecting something with that third fret.

May that have something to do with the crown of the fret?

check out the 1st string, fourth fret
it may be just hitting that just slightly, when fretted

[Ned Milburn]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Not if it was simply loose, and not lifted...and I realize that I said lifted...I should not have used that word. I really just meant "not properly or securely seated."

Yes. Gotcha! Agreed.