[Markie S]

Hi All,

I recently bought a used RGA42FM, very good condition. No tremolo bar, supposed to be fixed bridge. It plays very well but I just discovered this quirk. If I play the low E string, open, and let it ring, and then bend any of the other (especially high) strings, that low E string goes flat. This is just like what happens with a floating bridge (I've experienced it on Strats) but it shouldn't happen with a fixed bridge (I have a Telecaster and no such problem). Suggestions?

 

[Algiman]

To state the obvious, something else must be moving/bending. It is a thin neck, so assuming the bridge is properly attached, and the nut hasn't got some play in it, then it may well just be the neck bending very slightly under the additional tension caused by bending a string. Play the open string and gently bend the neck forward and you will hear the same effect.

 

[Markie S]

To state the obvious, something else must be moving/bending. It is a thin neck, so assuming the bridge is properly attached, and the nut hasn't got some play in it, then it may well just be the neck bending very slightly under the additional tension caused by bending a string. Play the open string and gently bend the neck forward and you will hear the same effect.

You are right! If I just pull the neck forward it flattens all the open strings and if I push it back it sharpens them, quite noticeably. And looking at the neck along the edge as I do that, I can even see the strings move away from and closer to the neck (or it may be more accurate to say the neck is moving relative to the strings), like the whole neck or even the body too is bending. But ... is that normal? Yes it's a thin neck (a lot thinner than my old Tele) and even a thin body, but I didn't think it would do this. Could it be that the joint to the body has more give than it should? I can't say I detect any looseness at the joint itself, no rattling or anything, seems tight.

 

[Algiman]

Completely normal on a thin neck, which is why some thin necks have other elements built in to make them more rigid. Nothing to worry about though.

 

[Markie S]

Completely normal on a thin neck, which is why some thin necks have other elements built in to make them more rigid. Nothing to worry about though.

Very interesting, thanks. The reason I don't like it is I have a way of playing blues where I use the open E and A as kind of drones while bending with the other strings. Not the only thing I do (and not really what the RG is designed for - I know) so not the end of the world but it's nice to be able to do it without going out of tune. Do you know whether other RG models, like the higher end (Prestige etc.) would behave the same or are their necks more rigid? I never tried them, this is my first Ibanez and it's a low-end Indonesian (although I like it in every other way).

 

[Algiman]

Broadly speaking, multi piece necks will be more stable, and the upper end of the range for Ibanez is usually built that way.

 

[ruscio]

In addition to the multi-piece necks, which are intended to be more stable, some have titanium reinforcement rods that should also help. Either of these is a good choice for a really thin neck.

 

[gclef]

I have an rg921 that used to do that when it was new.

The neck is a 5 piece job, but I swear there was some rubber in there somewhere.

6 years later, and it is solid as can be.

 

[3bolt79]

You might check the neck mounting screws to see it they are tightened all the way, as well as the bridge screws going into the body. Also tighten your truss rod just a little. Something is moving around on that thing. Also make sure your tuners are tightened snug both front and back.

 

[Markie S]

You might check the neck mounting screws to see it they are tightened all the way, as well as the bridge screws going into the body. Also tighten your truss rod just a little. Something is moving around on that thing. Also make sure your tuners are tightened snug both front and back.

Thanks I’ll have a look.