Dead spots...how do you get rid of them?

[JakeK]

I was playing my Telecaster last night, and noticed that when I played the G string on the 7th fret, nothing came out. Is this called a dead spot? Are Fenders prone to dead spots? Can I get rid of said dead spot?

[whojamfan]

First try replacing the string. Sometimes you get a bad one. If that doesn't work, I'm sure that many others will have more extensive suggestions for you.

[winston]

Jake,

I would check the relief in the neck first and if that is not the problem I would then check the frets to see if they are level.

The information contained on this site saves me writing a book about the subject. http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/trussrods.htm

Over the years, I have put together a number of Fender instruments using Fender bodies, necks, pickups, and parts and as a consequence I do all my own set ups on all of my Strats and Teles. The site mentioned does a great job of explaining what to look for and how to make the necessary adjustments.

[tennis_nick]

I'd recommend changing the string first,

[JakeK]

It was working fine until Sunday...the guitar was wearing the same set of strings. If changing the strings does not work, I'll take it in to my tech who lives close to me. He's pretty good with Fenders, as well as Gibsons and Gretsches.

[admin]

I am with Brian on this one. Necks change this time of the year as well as they adjust to changes in humidty.

[sloop_john_b]

Sometimes just a small crank of the truss rod will do the job. It's probably the weather - I have seen significant changes in the action of many of my students' guitars over the past month.