Strange noise from new KH-202 - causes?

Updated March 27, 2018 20:08

Hello everyone, I just bought a new KH-202 (Kirk Hammett signature model). I love the guitar, and I'm very happy with it. It just started making a strange noise, and I can't find the source of it. When the 6E is picked aggressively, it sometimes makes a tinney rattle or buzz, like thin, loose metal vibrating. None of the other strings do it, and it doesn't do it all the time. I lossened and re-tightened the clamps at the headstock end of the neck, I thought it might be loose, but it's still doing it. The FR trem seems to be ok, althought I'm not real anxious to start taking that thing apart until I understand it a little better. Any thoughts or ideas about what could be causing this? Any help appreciated. Thanks, Alan

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Stephy wrote March 05, 2008 11:44

maybe you need to tape your hands.

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57Octane wrote March 05, 2008 12:55

Come on guys, not everyone buys a KH because they "w@nt t0 b3 l!k3 t3h kirkz."

hunter3705, it could be the trem springs. Take off the back plate and listen to the spring cavity as you pluck the string a few times. See if the noise is coming from there. If it is, it's just a simple fix of putting some foam padding under the springs to keep them from vibrating as much.

Also, a word of advice. Since you have a 202, if your going to be playing a lot and stuff, you might want to save up some cash and look for an Original Floyd Rose. The licensed lo-pro on the 202 can get pretty "br00tal" in a bad way after awhile, if it doesn't suck already that is.

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Pushead wrote March 05, 2008 12:56

Is it the string buzzing because it's hitting frets? The action might be a tad low.

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LOL wrote March 05, 2008 13:02

Also, make sure your string isn't hitting your pickups. That can happen a lot if they're too high.
And make sure the string is tight at the bridge.

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Justin wrote March 13, 2008 02:27

Also, make sure your string isn't hitting your pickups. That can happen a lot if they're too high.
And make sure the string is tight at the bridge.

+1
sounds like the problem. When your pickups are raised too high the strings hit it and make that annoying noise. If it starts doing that again try lowering them. ;]

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panicchain wrote March 05, 2008 22:03

Maybe its the plastic cap at the head, the thing with the screw in it.. it could be vibrating..

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hunter3705 wrote March 12, 2008 22:30

Thanks for the help guys, it's not doing it any more! It's brand new, maybe some parts just had to wear in a little bit - who knows. It's a great guitar, and I'm really enjoying it.

57Octane: I was thinking about replacing the trem with a real FR, just like you said. I've read in a bunch of places that the licensed ones aren't nearly as good. They're pricey, and I could only find the genuine article at one place.

Stephy: You got me, I don't understand the joke. Why would I want to tape my hands?

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Butch wrote March 13, 2008 22:14

come on dude, dont be scared she just wants to talk to you,

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TaoZen wrote March 14, 2008 21:35

Is it brand new, or new to you but used?

Check the trem saddle to see if there is a groove worn in it from the string. Licensed floyds are made with a softer alloy.

One quick way to check is grab the string right next to the trem saddle and wiggle it from side to side. If you hear a click or a tiny tink or twang, it's because the string is snapping in and out of the groove. The string will vibrate/buzz on the side of a groove in the saddle when it is played.

If that's the problem, take a little piece of fine grit wet/dry sandpaper wrapped around the tip of a needle file and carefully smooth the saddle just until the groove is gone. If the groove is really deep, you can just replace the single saddle.

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