"Creaking" on new saddle when tuning up G string

PeteyPower16 · #1 10-10-2021, 06:14 PM

I just had a new saddle installed. When I try to tune the G string, there is a "creaking" sound coming from the saddle when tuning up G string. Annoyingly, it jumps tune from -5 cents to +5 cents right around the G.

I am pretty sure the issue is a rough spot on the saddle, but I don't have tools. The saddle was set up out of state, so I need to figure out how to fix this myself. Any suggestions?

I have heard that pencil lead can help with creaks on the nut/saddle, but not sure if that's a good idea or not.

If I don't fix this, is there a greater chance that my string will break prematurely?

Thank you for your advice.

Brucebubs · #2 10-10-2021, 06:21 PM

Sounds more like the string binding in the nut slot - as you mention above, try a little graphite in the nut slot -best applied with a sharp soft lead pencil.

turbotom1052 · #3 10-10-2021, 06:22 PM

Ive found that the creaking sound your getting more often happens when your nut slots are not cut correctly. If it is in fact the saddle you can try to sand it down a bit in the offending area. Just be sure that you do not alter the "break point". To do so might throw off your intonation. You might also try lubricating that area of you saddle or nut with some nut sauce. Not a joke... there's is such a product!!!

PeteyPower16 · #4 10-10-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Sounds more like the string binding in the nut slot - as you mention above, try a little graphite in the nut slot -best applied with a sharp soft lead pencil.

Thanks, I did add some graphite at the nut. Hopefully it will help!

After adding this, creaking persists and is audibly coming from the saddle side. There is a new saddle but the same old nut. It didn’t creak before the saddle was replaced.

Could it be a nut roughness issue that is heard at the saddle because that is where the break angle/sudden movement is as a result of the string slipping at the nut? Or more likely the new saddle?

I get several creeks as I tune up about a whole step or so. Do I need to attempt to file something?

PeteyPower16 · #5 10-11-2021, 09:39 AM

From this article here, I was able to note a similar problem where the sound came from the saddle but originated at the nut.

According to the author, “The noise only sounds like it's coming from the bridge/saddle end because that's where sound is usually transferred to/from the top.”

As far as I know, I have a new saddle but the same nut; however, perhaps the nut was filed during part of the setup process. I will inspect with a magnifying glass and lubricate/gently smooth out as appropriate.

Source: https://umgf.com/new-guitar-creaks-w...n-t81788.html?

rick-slo · #6 10-11-2021, 01:45 PM

Possibly string ball end not fully seated against bridge plate.