If you’re wondering, “Why does my guitar have no sustain?”, you’re not alone. Many musicians experience this issue, but fortunately, it’s often solvable. In this article, we will break down the common causes and provide step-by-step solutions to improve the sustain on your guitar.
Understanding the Problem: What is Sustain?
Sustain refers to the length of time a note will ring out when played on your guitar. A lack of sustain can make your music sound choppy and incomplete. Understanding the factors that contribute to poor sustain can help you identify the root cause of the problem.
Why Does My Guitar Have No Sustain? – Causes and Solutions
Follow the steps below if your guitar has no sustain…
Cause 1: Poorly Adjusted Action
When we talk about a guitar’s “action,” we’re referring to the distance between the guitar’s fretboard and the strings. If this distance is not ideal, it can have a direct impact on the guitar’s sustain. Either the strings are too high, making it hard to get good contact with the frets, or they are too low, causing buzzing and killing the sustain.
How to Fix Poorly Adjusted Action
To diagnose this issue, first take a good look at your guitar strings from the side. You want to notice whether they seem to be particularly high or low over the fretboard. You can use a ruler or a specialized tool to measure this distance if you want to be exact.
Adjusting the Truss Rod: If the neck of the guitar is bowed, the truss rod might need adjustment. To adjust the truss rod, you’ll need to locate its nut, usually found either at the headstock or near the body of the guitar. Using the appropriate wrench, gently turn the nut.
Clockwise turns will tighten the truss rod, straightening the neck and lowering the action, while counter-clockwise turns will loosen it, raising the action. Make sure to only turn a quarter turn at a time, then re-tune and test the guitar’s sustain.
Adjusting the Bridge Saddles: On the bridge of your guitar, you’ll find saddles that hold the strings. These saddles can be raised or lowered to adjust action. Turn the height adjustment screws on the saddles to raise or lower the strings until the desired action and sustain are achieved.
Cause 2: Dead or Old Strings
Strings lose their vibrancy over time. Dead, old, or dirty strings will lack both tone and sustain.
How to Fix Dead or Old Strings
Loosen the Tuning Pegs: Using a string winder or your hands, loosen the tuning pegs for each string until slack.
Remove Old Strings: Cut or unwind the old strings and remove them from both the bridge and tuning pegs.
Install New Strings: Thread the new strings through the bridge and attach them to the tuning pegs.
Stretch and Tune: Pull each string upwards gently to stretch it. This will help it to stay in tune. Use a tuner to make sure each string reaches its correct pitch.
Read more guitar topics here – Guitar Questions: Get the Right Answers to Your Burning Questions
Cause 3: Inadequate String Contact
Poor contact of the strings with either the bridge or the nut can dampen vibration, reducing sustain.
Inspecting the Nut and Bridge
Visual Inspection: First, conduct a visual inspection of the grooves on the nut (which is the piece located at the top of the fretboard near the headstock) and the saddles on the bridge (located at the opposite end of the strings near the body).
Feeling for Irregularities: You can also gently run your finger over these areas to feel for any bumps, grooves, or irregularities that might indicate wear or damage.
Replace the Nut or Bridge: A Critical Task for Sustain
If upon inspection you find that these key points of contact are worn out, overly deep, or damaged, you’ll likely need to replace them. Here’s how:
Obtaining Replacement Parts: Make sure to buy a high-quality nut or bridge that’s compatible with your guitar. These can usually be found at music stores or purchased online.
Removing the Old Nut or Bridge: For the nut, you might need to gently tap it out using a rubber mallet. The bridge usually involves unscrewing several components to release it from the body.
Installing the New Parts: Place the new nut or bridge in the correct position and secure it in place. For the nut, some guitars require adhesive, while others may simply slot the nut in place. Bridges usually need to be screwed back into the body of the guitar.
Re-string and Test: After replacing these components, you’ll need to re-string your guitar and test the sustain to see if the issue has been resolved.
Consult a Professional for Expert Advice
While many players successfully replace their nuts and bridges themselves, the process can be a bit technical and involves some risk, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the inner workings of your guitar. If you’re not comfortable performing these changes on your own, it’s highly recommended to consult a professional luthier.
Most reputable music stores offer repair services or can recommend a qualified technician. This ensures that the job will be done accurately and safely, safeguarding both your guitar’s performance and its long-term health.
Cause 4: Electronic Issues
For electric guitars, the electronics play a significant role in sustain.
How to Fix Electronic Issues
Inspect the Wiring: Open up the backplate where the electronics are housed and look for any loose or disconnected wires.
Check Input Jack and Pickups: Make sure the input jack and pickups are securely connected.
Re-solder if Necessary: If you find disconnected wires or components, re-solder them back into place. If you’re not comfortable with soldering, it’s advisable to take the guitar to a professional.
Conclusion: Why Does My Guitar Have No Sustain?
Understanding why your guitar has no sustain is the first step towards remedying the issue. By systematically addressing these common problems, you can improve your guitar’s performance and enjoy long-lasting notes.