Why do G strings tend to "pop" more when tuning?

[cc132]

By "pop," I'm referring to that thing that happens when you're fine-tuning, and the string doesn't seem to want to change in pitch, then it suddenly "pops" and jumps to wherever it's been re-pitched to.

I've noticed pretty consistently across many guitars that the G string is the most prone to this. I'll experience this on rare occasions with other strings, but the G does it more than the rest combined.

I keep my guitars in pretty good shape, and I've experienced this phenomenon across many instruments, so I'm not sure that any particular nut-slot on any particular guitar is the cause. It seems like some kind of physics thing.

Anybody know why that is?

[SpruceTop]

G-strings have a thin core and winding wire and especially with compensated saddles, the G-string, and the D-string, are sitting close to the thinner forward edge of the bridegsaddle. Thus, the windings on these strings tend to catch more on the top edge of the bridgesaddle and then let go when the tension is enough to "pop" a winding over the top edge. Also, my belief is that these strings' inner core and outer winding diameters, along with sitting on the forward edge of a compensated saddle contribute to the G and D strings more often than naught, having tinny overtones even when the nut is properly cut.

[jay42]

Just to clarify -- you're talking about guitars with wound G strings?

[catndahats]

Good question--same G.
I asked a while back, and most said the nut slot was tight, and to add graphite.
However, in my case the pop sound seems to come from the saddle area. Resetting the ball end seems to help.
Still, I jump when it does it.
Curious if others can explain.

[Mandobart]

I never have this issue on any strings on any of my couple dozen stringed instruments.

I think the issue is the fit of your particular strings in your particular nut(s) What you're describing is classic "string-binding-in-the-nut-slot."

If I wanted to stop this from happening I would take the appropriate sized nut file to the G string slot(s).

[srick]

Originally Posted by Mandobart

I
I think the issue is the fit of your particular strings in your particular nut(s) What you're describing is classic "string-binding-in-the-nut-slot."

If I wanted to stop this from happening I would take the appropriate sized nut file to the G string slot(s).

I agree - and almost always, the G and D nut slots don’t have an exit angle that is slanted towards the tuner. IOW, they are straight. As Mandobart said, a little filing can go a long way.

Rick

[rick-slo]

As has already been said the strings can get stuck in the nut (most common with the wound G string) and when
friction lets go the ping sound. Cause of the sound may seem to come from the bridge area but that's because
it's the area where the cause of the sound at the nut gets amplified.

[John Arnold]

G strings have the smallest windings which are more apt to catch in the nut slot. I pay particular attention to rounding that slot, especially on the peghead side. Of course, the slot should be just wide enough to prevent pinching. Test for pinching by loosening the string and lifting it out of the slot. If it catches at all, widen the slot ever so slightly.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

G strings have the smallest windings which are more apt to catch in the nut slot. I pay particular attention to rounding that slot, especially on the peghead side. Of course, the slot should be just wide enough to prevent pinching. Test for pinching by loosening the string and lifting it out of the slot. If it catches at all, widen the slot ever so slightly.

This is really helpful information, John -- thank you!

- Glenn

[FrankHudson]

I saw this thread title, and fellow 12-string players might guess what I thought the thread would be about. Not "pop" as in stuck at a note when tuning up, but "pop" as is "Oww! Octave G string breaks again."

[KenL]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

G strings have the smallest windings which are more apt to catch in the nut slot. I pay particular attention to rounding that slot, especially on the peghead side. Of course, the slot should be just wide enough to prevent pinching. Test for pinching by loosening the string and lifting it out of the slot. If it catches at all, widen the slot ever so slightly.

**Like**

Good to know.