Odd reverb/wolf tone from my Rainsong

AZLiberty · #1 04-06-2015, 09:20 PM

I'm getting an odd Reverb type noise from the D-course on my Rainsong 12.

It sounds like a wolf tone (vibrato, slightly out of sync beat) but it persists at multiple frets so it can't actually be a wolf tone.

Driving me nuts. Any ideas. First thought was a loose tuner nut, but those are ok. Take the strings off and check to make sure all of the 5 nuts that secure the bridge bolts are tight?

Gemini11 · #2 04-06-2015, 11:59 PM

I think I understand what you're talking about. In my case it was a bad string.

AZLiberty · #3 04-07-2015, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemini11

I think I understand what you're talking about. In my case it was a bad string.

Did it with the last strings, doing it again with a fresh set of EXPs.

Gemini11 · #4 04-07-2015, 06:27 AM

Did you change string gauge by chance? I bigger one might not be going into the nut all the way

Finger Stylish · #5 04-09-2015, 02:38 AM

I'm having an odd sounding underwater sounding drippy howl similar to the first sound you hear in the song from Bread / David Gates "If" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a_4fBH_7dkon my open A string.
I've never had that happen before, and the only thing different is the light gauge Martin Retros. It isn't doing it plugged in, so I'm wondering if it's a sympathetic vibration that the low voltage is canceling.
I hope it's a fixable thing cause I do like everything else about these Retro's but this would be a deal breaker if it doesn't go away soon.

AZLiberty · #6 04-09-2015, 07:45 PM

Current strings are .012 and .030 D'Addarios, factory were .012 and .030 Elixirs. Nut does not appear to be binding.

Going to put the strings again tonight (or maybe tomorrow).

Rainsong bolts the bridge down with 5 bolts. (3 on 6 strings) in addition to epoxying the sucker in place (kind of how Martin uses both bolts and glue on their mortise and tenon necks.

Hopping it's a loose nut on of of the bolts. On the odd chance that there is sympathetic vibration on the center bolt I may try slipping an o-ring or grommet over it if I can figure out the right size.

majiken · #7 04-10-2015, 10:35 AM

Good luck,that's gotta be maddening

AZLiberty · #8 04-10-2015, 02:23 PM

Here is a recording:

https://soundcloud.com/rocket_song/wolf-note

Very unpleasant.

Tried changing the high D string, didn't help. Tried tightening the bridge bolts, no help their either.

AZLiberty · #9 04-10-2015, 06:08 PM

SOLVED!

Gemini11 was close. It was the nut.

Nut slot had gotten rounded off/worn. On a 6 string this might have caused a slight buzz, on the 12 it coupled to the other D string and caused a beat note that rose and fell in volume.

Took it to Buchanan music in Mesa. Rush Harly figured it out, filed the nut while I waited, and we are now good to go.

Next time I have it worked on I'll have a new bone nut made, TUSQ is still too soft a material for long term wear resistance.

Once again I am reminded: twice as many strings = four times as many problems.

steelvibe · #10 04-10-2015, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

SOLVED!

Gemini11 was close. It was the nut.

Nut slot had gotten rounded off/worn. On a 6 string this might have caused a slight buzz, on the 12 it coupled to the other D string and caused a beat note that rose and fell in volume.

Took it to Buchanan music in Mesa. Rush Harly figured it out, filed the nut while I waited, and we are now good to go.

Next time I have it worked on I'll have a new bone nut made, TUSQ is still too soft a material for long term wear resistance.

Once again I am reminded: twice as many strings = four times as many problems.

Right on! Glad you got that figured out- you are one of the lucky ones to own one of these. I'm guessing you already know you have a keeper.

Finger Stylish · #11 04-11-2015, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Originally Posted by AZLiberty View Post
SOLVED!
Gemini11 was close. It was the nut.

Nut slot had gotten rounded off/worn. On a 6 string this might have caused a slight buzz, on the 12 it coupled to the other D string and caused a beat note that rose and fell in volume.

Took it to Buchanan music in Mesa. Rush Harly figured it out, filed the nut while I waited, and we are now good to go.

Next time I have it worked on I'll have a new bone nut made, TUSQ is still too soft a material for long term wear resistance.

Once again I am reminded: twice as many strings = four times as many problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Right on! Glad you got that figured out- you are one of the lucky ones to own one of these. I'm guessing you already know you have a keeper.

Well done. Time to make beautiful music.

majiken · #12 04-11-2015, 05:22 PM

Bravo, glad you got it fixed

!

Gemini11 · #13 04-12-2015, 10:00 AM

Well---Glad to know I was close anyway. Yep, the nut face has to have a clean, sharp break. 12 strings are a different animal for sure. Getting one to intonate right takes a heck of a lot of time. Otherwise, you get that jangly, semi-out of tune sound to them. Wound strings and plain strings go sharp at different rates.
Get it right---and you've got 12 strings-a-singin!!! Overtones like crazy--yeah!