Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just had my first experience changing out strings on my 620. I should have listened to everyones advice and changed them one string at a time , but I just had to look at all the cool components one by one and I wanted to clean all the dust out. I got the tailpiece back on and started to go ahead and put the strings on. I got all six on no problem. I had to adjust my bridge slightly since it wanted the angle towards the pickups the more I played. I was worried with that problem at first The bridge is good now, the strings all stay in tune, yet I get a buzz around the headstock. Did I maybe leave to much slack on the strings or something? I can't hear the buzzing through the amp, so it isn't a huge deal, but I want to string the correct way and make it look just as nice as it came from the factory. I couldn't get any RIC brand strings because I live quite far from any dealers. I put Elixers on it that are the same gauge that are recommended for the 620.

Any advice?

The string may be buzzing against the truss rod cover. That's happened to me a couple of times. The best way to avoide this is to make sure the string is well seated, with as few wraps as possible. A piece of double sided tape on the under side of the TRC does a good job dampening the vibration as well. Also, check for loose screws on both the keywinds and TRC.

I don't think the brand of string you're using is the issue. All I can suggest is that you systematically try to isolate what is rattling by touching different points on the headstock and string ends and trying to make the noise stop. A loose screw somewhere seems to me like a likely culprit.

jdawe wrote:I don't think the brand of string you're using is the issue. All I can suggest is that you systematically try to isolate what is rattling by touching different points on the headstock and string ends and trying to make the noise stop. A loose screw somewhere seems to me like a likely culprit.

You were right! The nut on the keywind for the D string was loose causing a rattle. Tightened that up and no more buzz! Thanks so much!