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Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:35 am
by chucksimms
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?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:29 am
by doctorwho
Maybe a sustain pedal, if it's just that one song?
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:23 am
by SixtyFour
FWIW
audition a Keeley compressor, E.H. - "Black finger" tube compressor next best.
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:00 pm
by deaconblues
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?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 1:44 pm
by jdogric12
It may not be desirable, but raising the action a bit should help.
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:03 pm
by jps
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?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:56 pm
by SixtyFour
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
Re: Lack of sustain in higher frets?
Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:14 pm
by whojamfan
Janglebox compressor is outstanding for sustaining notes, as well as nailing 60s tones.