[jvanoort]

I recently bought a Gretsch 5120. Great guitar, great sound, but the G string had a banjo like sound when fretted around the 10th/12th fret.

I installed a Compton aluminum bridge. It made the entire guitar sound better, but the G string is still marginally off (allthough it vastly improved).

I use standard 0.11 nickel plated D'addario strings (the Compton is slotted for 0.11). I suspect the 'problem' might be the thickness of the G string; it's a thick sucker that doesn't 'ring' like the b and e strings, I understand that.
Chances are also that it is just a faulty string...it happens sometimes

Since my bridge is slotted for 0.11 strings, would it be a problem to try a thinner set?

Any advice as to what brands/sets? Keep in mind that the bridge is not pinned; it should be kept in place by string tension.

I'd like to try things out before I take it to the workshop.

[Jukebox]

You will have no problem with 10's, but if you like the feel the 11"s, I would just have or do a complete set up. Are you using a wound G or unwound G?

[jvanoort]

Originally Posted by Jukebox

You will have no problem with 10's, but if you like the feel the 11"s, I would just have or do a complete set up. Are you using a wound G or unwound G?

I'm using an unwound G.

The guitars plays well and as long as I don't go crazy on the bigsby also stays in tune fairly well (lubed the nut with graphite).

Neck relief and action are good.

I just bought a light top / heavy botton set of D'addario's. If that makes no difference it probably is a fret problem and I will take it to the tech.

Thanks!

[OpenMike1963]

Howdy, JvanOort!

A buzz or dull string sound in the vicinity of the 12th fret would flash red lights in my mind that there may be a fret problem. I'd say you're no the right track taking the guitar to a good tech or luthier.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Have you posted pictures of your GreTscH, yet? (please forgive if I've missed them in another thread.

Cheers
-OpenMike

[jvanoort]

Originally Posted by OpenMike1963

Howdy, JvanOort!

A buzz or dull string sound in the vicinity of the 12th fret would flash red lights in my mind that there may be a fret problem. I'd say you're no the right track taking the guitar to a good tech or luthier.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Have you posted pictures of your GreTscH, yet? (please forgive if I've missed them in another thread.

Cheers
-OpenMike

Ok, I'll try and take it to the tech this week...see what he says.... Thanks! As for pictures: you just reminded me : http://www.gretsch-talk.com/forum/gr...tml#post215683

EDIT: follow up on this problem at the above mentioned address. I used to work at the department of redundancy department, but I don't work there anymore...

[araT]

Sounds like there's some great advice in here already, so I'll just be reduntant & reiterate; if the new strings don't do the trick then march it off to a tech, it could be anything from a bad fret, to the relief of the neck, to the break angle at the bridge.. a tech will be able to sort you out in no time

Oh and since I missed your other thread, congrats on your sexy black Gretsch!