Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Moderator: jingle_jangle
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chucksimms
- Veteran RRF member
- Posts: 604
- Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2001 1:16 pm
Lack of sustain in higher frets?
I learned the solos over the end of 'Come Together' and the highest bend (18th fret, 1st string) just disappears on all my Ricks- notes barely even sound when struck and zero sustain. All of my Rick guitars are '60s 21 fret models with accent vibrato, so I'm thinking it just might be something that's not going to happen for me, but I'd hate to play a Les Paul for one song. Any suggestions?
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Maybe a sustain pedal, if it's just that one song?
It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing. - Seneca
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
FWIW 
audition a Keeley compressor, E.H. - "Black finger" tube compressor next best.1991 4001CS - D4 8646 / D4 8099 MIA
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deaconblues
- RRF Consultant
- Posts: 2390
- Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 5:14 pm
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
My '93 330 with hi-gains does the same thing...I think Rickenbackers just don't have that much sustain to begin with. I agree with these guys, try a compressor for lead playing.
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
It may not be desirable, but raising the action a bit should help.
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
IMO most hollowbody instruments do not have the sustain of solidbody ones, especially as one climbs up the fingerboard.
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
jps wrote:IMO most hollowbody instruments do not have the sustain of solidbody ones, especially as one climbs up the fingerboard.
you could buy a telecaster then, ...inline with the keeley compressor, sustain for hours 
1991 4001CS - D4 8646 / D4 8099 MIA
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Janglebox compressor is outstanding for sustaining notes, as well as nailing 60s tones.