Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

From the RickResource mailbag. Steve writes:
Quote:Hello All. I recently acquired a new 1997SPCFG, and I'm loving it! This site is fantastic and I've managed to get alot of needed info. However, I have a problem which is not addressed on your site or any other that I can find. The strings buzz in the length of string between the bridge and tailpiece, causing a kind of sympathetic harmonic, or buzz. It is most prominent on the G string, and I can't even get a clean harmonic tone for tuning. I experimented with wrapping a ribbon cut from the polishing cloth around the stings at the tailpiece. It succeeds in eliminating the problem, but I'm wondering if there is a better way to accomplish the same results. I was thinking of glueing a piece of high density foam or rosewood onto the tailpiece between it and the strings. Or is that how a RIC is supposed to sound? Also, when I got the guitar, the strings were threaded into the tailpiece with the ball ends facing away from the guitar. Should it be the other way, with the balls facing the soundboard? I would appreciate any help you could give me on the subject. Thanks, Steve

I have NOT seen this on the Vintage tailpiece ,but I will give you my two cents on what to do .

When I had a Rick with this tailpiece ,I strung it ball end on the face with the string going through the plate and under the tailpiece.
If the string is causing a rattle ,gluing a thin piece os leather to the underside will 'mute' the sound.
I have seen this done on 'R' tailpieces before.It works great .
You could also use a section of felt or sheet urethane .This is used to dampen noise on heavy machinery.

Make sure the notches in the saddle have plenty of angle .No more than 30 degrees.But if it is a flat cut that could also contribute to the rattle .