Sitaring Issue with my D-1

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6l6
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:29 am
Real Name: Bill
Location: San Francisco, CA

Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2415Post 6l6
Wed Apr 29, 2020 12:35 am

In 1999 I bought a new Collings D-1 and I've loved every minute of playing it.

However...

For some reason it's developed a "sitar" sound on the Second ("B") string. I have used D'Addario PB strings in Light gauge since the day it was new and I love the sound they produce.

I've tried reseating the second string and replacing it several times, but the sitar effect keeps rearing its ugly head.

Any ideas I should try?

Thanks,

Bill

dadgad6strings
Posts: 77
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:48 pm

Re: Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2416Post dadgad6strings
Wed Apr 29, 2020 3:05 am

It's the action.
Have you been keeping it humidified? This time of year, the relief can change a bit and/or the top sinks and those changes can be enough to lower the strings as to where they are touching the frets just a smidge, hence the sitar sound!

First I would say make sure that it's properly humidified, then, check the relief and the action at the 12th fret. If it just needs to be re-hydrated, that could take care of the problem.

If it has been humidified, then making a minor relief adjustment would probably be all you need. If in the event you're not sure and or are not comfortable making adjustments yourself, take it to a qualified tech.

It does sound to me to be the humidity levels and your guitar is just experiencing the normal changes that come with the seasonal changes.

dadgad6strings
Posts: 77
Joined: Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:48 pm

Re: Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2417Post dadgad6strings
Wed Apr 29, 2020 3:08 am

Having said all that in the previous post, let me add that if it's not related to the humidy there is always the possibility that a fret is loose or something and fret level is needed. I don't think that's the case though because it sounds like it's been playing fine up to the point that you started experiencing the Ravi Shankar Sitar sound.

6l6
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:29 am
Real Name: Bill
Location: San Francisco, CA

Re: Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2418Post 6l6
Wed Apr 29, 2020 4:43 am

Thanks for your help!

Bill

Derek
Posts: 24
Joined: Sat Nov 10, 2018 6:50 pm

Re: Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2419Post Derek
Wed Apr 29, 2020 6:31 am

Sitar on open string and most frets then take a look at the saddle top where the string sits for a bit of a groove developing.

ahumphrey79
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed May 06, 2020 1:59 pm
Real Name: Andrew Humphrey

Re: Sitaring Issue with my D-1

Post: # 2445Post ahumphrey79
Wed May 06, 2020 2:14 pm

I agree with checking the saddle for a groove or maybe the string is slightly binding at the nut. My dad has a Taylor 914 and he had a similar problem. Turned out he needed to have the neck re-shimmed. I would say it is time for a luthier to give it a look over. I've also seen this problem on a 2016 J 45 vintage and it was not seated in the nut properly.

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