two SG construction issues -- help needed

[fingers1281734244]

Hi all,

So after sorting out what model SG I bought (thanks to all who contributed!) and playing it for a week, I have two more questions about my new Epi SG "standard" (ie. G-400).

 

1) the strap pin at the bottom of the guitar came loose, and after (carefully) applying a screwdriver to tighten, I found that the hole was too big for the screw and it just kept turning. I'm guessing that it shouldn't be a big deal to get the dealer to replace it with a slighter bigger (diameter) screw that will bite properly into the guitar's body. Is there any reason that this would be a bad idea? One of the screws on the back plate has also been put into a similarly over-drilled hole and won't tighten properly.

 

2) I've been working on a couple of pieces that use a fair bit of string-bending, and occasionally, on some frets, I'm getting a rough, scraping action rather than the kind of smooth slide along the fret that one would expect. Has anyone else experienced this problem on any guitar? Could it be that (a) the stock strings are the problem; ( there is some sort of metallic residue that the strings are scraping off; or © the bending action of the string is "shaping" the top or side of the fret?

 

3) I'm getting some fret buzz on the A and low-E strings. The dealer told me I would get a free set-up with the purchase, and that would correct the problem. I don't really want the action raised as the guitar plays nicely everywhere else. I'm thinking a very slight raise on the nut would be a better option, or perhaps a slight filing of the first couple of frets? What would be the preferable option? Is the dealer likely to raise the nut, or this too laborious a job? Again, what would be the best way to fix this?

[alanssaab]

1 , put a match or cocktail stick in the hole , you can put some wood glue in with it if you have some handy and screw the button back on

 

2 change the crap strings that came with the guitar and while they are off check the frets , with a magnifying glass if need be to see that they are smooth , if not you can smooth them of with some very fine sandpaper 2000 grit or more

 

3you can put the guitar in for a set up and see how it comes back (it's free) it could just be the truss rod is needing adjusted

 

hth

[ReneBoedker]

3you can put the guitar in for a set up and see how it comes back (it's free) it could just be the truss rod is needing adjusted

+1

 

If you have a free set up, use it.

[Bender 4 Life]

PLEASE toss both strap "buttons" and get a set of "straplocks".........it'll save your guitar the inevitable fall to the floor and broken headstock...............most straplocks come with oversized screws, if they're not large enough insert a toothpick into the hole 1st.

Yep, stock strings are crap.

Every new guitar needs a "setup"........when it's done correctly, your action can be "rock bottom" and you'll have no string buzz.

[peeper]

Take it to the best luthier you can find, NOT the shop you got it from. Have them give her a setup to suit your playing style.

 

answers to your ????

 

1. +1 straplocks, or just use the toothpick trick.

2. (a)yes

( yes

© yes

3.No to raising the nut unless it won't play an open note. Just get it setup but by a profeessional. The jokers at the store are NOT the place to get it done.

[colchar]

Hi all' date='

 

 

3) I'm getting some fret buzz on the A and low-E strings. The dealer told me I would get a free set-up with the purchase, and that would correct the problem. I don't really want the action raised as the guitar plays nicely everywhere else. I'm thinking a very slight raise on the nut would be a better option, or perhaps a slight filing of the first couple of frets? What would be the preferable option? Is the dealer likely to raise the nut, or this too laborious a job? Again, what would be the best way to fix this?

[/quote']

 

 

What strings are you using? If they are the stock strings get rid of them as they suck. If you have 9s on there try going up a gauge. I also had that problem when I had Super Slinkys on my G-400 but after replacing those with Regular Slinkys everything was fine.

[fingers1281734244]

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful advice. Yes, I've still got the stock strings on as I figured I'd play it a bit before getting the set-up done. Still considering whether to swap it for an Epi Les Paul.

[alanssaab]

i have an sg400 and a epi lp love them both , if you are thinking of getting a lp cos of these small niggles i would have a good think about it , one you'll lose some money on the sg and two you might have the same niggles with the lp

[fingers1281734244]

It's really the neck-heaviness of the SG that has me unsettled more than anything else, but it's not something I couldn't just deal with since I like the way it sounds and plays otherwise, and I love the look. The store has a good return policy so I can try out some options before settling permanently on one or the other.

[colchar]

It's really the neck-heaviness of the SG that has me unsettled more than anything else' date=' [/quote']

 

 

You'll get used to that - all SG players do.

 

Stick with the G-400. Once you've played it for a couple of weeks you'll probably start to really like/love the guitar. I honestly like mine better than my roommate's Gibson SG (he has the SG Special, not the Standard, and I really don't like some features on his guitar). I love mine and think trading my Ibanez for it was a great decision.

 

 

Give it some time and I'm sure you'll be glad you kept it.

[fingers1281734244]

Well, I decided to stick with the SG and learn to live with the neck weight issue. I liked almost everything else about it too much to swap it! I'm having the set-up done now and can't wait to get it back. Thanks to all once again for your advice.