Secondary tone at bridge

Don W · #1 04-10-2019, 04:03 AM

I have a Yamaha CG142. I like it a lot but recently have started getting a secondary tone (not a string height buzz) at the saddle area especially when playing on the A and D strings. String height is good and I have tried normal and hard tension strings but that extra tone persists. The secondary tone makes the note sound slightly out of tune. Has anyone experienced this on their classical guitar?

fitness1 · #2 04-10-2019, 04:12 AM

Sounds to me like a string tie issue (not tied tight enough).

Sometimes if the loops in front (on their way to the saddle) aren't tightly wound, you can get a strange droning sound.

Try to hit a loud chord and dampen each string in that area with your fingers.

dkstott · #3 04-10-2019, 07:10 AM

I agree, it certainly "sounds" like an issue associated with string tie to me.

Don W · #4 04-15-2019, 10:22 AM

Happy outcome...I was able to fix that secondary "chorus tone" at the bridge area by applying a tiny amount of fine "luthiers" oil to the saddle where the A and D strings made contact. Problem solved.

Don W · #5 05-15-2019, 05:58 AM

I take that back ...the oil was only a temporary fix...its doing it again...problem not solved...annoying.

Bax Burgess · #6 05-16-2019, 07:52 AM

Do those two strings slide easily through the nut slots?

Don W · #7 05-19-2019, 08:07 AM

Sorry for the late response...Yes they slide easily...the sound is definitely coming from the bridge area. Bass strings fretted only frets 1-5 only and definitely not buzzing on any frets. Must be a case for Sherlock Holmes!!!

gmr · #8 05-19-2019, 09:40 AM

I came across this article a few years ago. Not sure if this fits in the specifics of your issue but it is an easy process to try. https://allstringsnylon.com/asn/d-string-buzz/