Low E Boom - Could NUT be the problem ?

[wguitar]

I'm gonna have my tech look at this soon, but my low E (on a dread) has been very "boomy" and I was wondering if the nut could be the cause. I ask this because when I push down on the string between the nut and tuning machine it seems to make it less boomy. Not being a luthier, I thought I'd ask the experts here on AGF. FYI - still boomy (albeit less so) with smaller gauge E string (down to 46 now).

THANKS!

[dnf777]

Just remember that nut slots are cut for a specific gauge string. You can usually go up or down a gauge or two, but big jumps can cause issues. Let us know what happens.

[stephenT]

Try the bass players trick and use something to mute the string beyond the nut.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by wguitar

I'm gonna have my tech look at this soon, but my low E (on a dread) has been very "boomy" and I was wondering if the nut could be the cause. I ask this because when I push down on the string between the nut and tuning machine it seems to make it less boomy. Not being a luthier, I thought I'd ask the experts here on AGF. FYI - still boomy (albeit less so) with smaller gauge E string (down to 46 now).

THANKS!

Is it a rosewood guitar?

[wguitar]

TB, yes, it's rosewood B&S with spruce top. 1989 Taylor 810.

[Brucebubs]

Maybe time for a little bridge pin experimentation and try a slightly softer or thinner pick?

[TBman]

Originally Posted by wguitar

TB, yes, it's rosewood B&S with spruce top. 1989 Taylor 810.

My Avalon is boomy and its rosewood also. Might be the nature of the beast. The lighter sixth string you used is a good fix.

[dan!]

That’s a good thing!

Just don’t hit the string hard unless you want the boom.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by dnf777

Just remember that nut slots are cut for a specific gauge string.

Mine don’t look like they were.

[J Patrick]

I can’t imagine the nut being the cause of excess bass response...if you were to select a slightly narrower gauge for the low E string it might give you the balance you seek...

[guitar george]

It may have something to do with your strumming technique. Try strumming lighter, or not at all, on the bass strings if not required for the chord. Personally, I like lots of bass and have never found a guitar that had too much bass for my liking.

[L20A]

Not sure what you mean by boom.
With a Dred Rosewood guitar, that is what you are looking for.

If you want less bottom end, try 80/20 bronze strings.
You could also try a set of strings that are medium gauge for the high strings and light gauge for the bass strings in 80/20.

[stephenT]

Originally Posted by wguitar

when I push down on the string between the nut and tuning machine it seems to make it less boomy.

OK, here's the clue. When he touches the string behind the nut, it dampens the "boominess".

So,.. it couldn't be the nut . A lighter gauge E string helps a bit, a logical conclusion might be,.. it's the sound of the guitar,.. it has more bass response than the OP wishes to hear.

Back to the clue,.. "when I push down on the string between the nut and tuning machine it seems to make it less boomy."

So, the OP is dampening the string. If you google "guitar string dampener" you'll be surprised at what's available.

My suggestion, tho inelegant, is to try a piece of foam rubber, old tshirt, whatever,.. and stuff it under the strings between the nut and tuning gears... and see what happens. If that helps, you're on the right track.

[wguitar]

THANKS for your input everyone! Give me some things to experiment with and work on. Cheers!

[Mandobart]

Originally Posted by wguitar

I ask this because when I push down on the string between the nut and tuning machine it seems to make it less boomy.

Almost every mandolin player I know dampens the afterlength (string between the bridge and tailpiece) with a leather lace, rubber grommets, felt, etc. as there can often be sympathetic vibrations/tones originating from the afterlength vibrating. A flattop guitar with a pin bridge doesn't have this.

I don't know if this is the correct term, but I refer to the string between the tuner and nut as the forelength. This section can also vibrate sympathetically.

During a workshop with Mike Marshall (one of earth's premier stringed instrument players) he showed me how he also dampens the forelength with rubber grommets (found at hardware stores). He strongly feels the forelength is just as susceptible to unwanted vibration as the afterlength is.

At about a quarter a piece you could get a few grommets and place them between the strings in the forelength and see if it helps. Cheap, easy, totally reversible.