I have the same problem, even after my "Tech" did a set up and checked it out, he knows the drill. I bend the crap out of the strings, use tens and same problem. That is what prompted me to get the Classic, and put the Sperzels on it, didn't want to modify the 61 RI. I will check the nut and see if any binding is occuring, but I don't here that "ping" when you put pressure on the string usually associated with that. It is a great beautiful guitar and Gibson did a nice job on that one!