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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Possible Issues With My Mim Strat

Posted by: Dexter Oct 14 2009, 03:54 PM

Hey Guys,

I've got a few concerns with my MIM Stratocaster.

But before I jump into them, here is some information about my setup just in case:

- Standard MIM stratocaster (all single coil pickups)
- Guitar plugs into my M-Audio Fast Track Pro
- Running Guitar Rig 3

Now onto the issues!

1) When tuning my high E string, the chromatic tuner bar on guitar rig 3 shows the little tuner bar (which indicates the note that your playing) for about half a second to a second before disappearing. Is this a sustain problem on my guitar? I have to hit the string and tune the peg quickly before it disappears on screen, and repeat a few times until it's in tune.

2) The b string follows the same problem, except I have a little bit more time - about 1-2 seconds before it disappears. All other strings are fine and give me about 5-6 seconds while the string is ringing out and can usually tune it with 1 pluck of the string.

3) When just plugging into a digital tuner, I don't really notice any problems with the light turning off. Maybe I just need to get a http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/DMP3.html before plugging into my Fast Track Pro to boost my signal.

Any comments or necessary upgrades you think should be made (ie a real bone nut, graphite saddles, or new bridge) would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by: Sensible Jones Oct 14 2009, 04:38 PM

OK, first off....The thinner the string the less sustain/resonance it will have naturally, hence why you notice it more on the E and B strings.
A Digital Tuner is much more responsive than running through an Interface and then into GR! A preamp will help this!
Try lowering the Pickups away from the string, this will help increase sustain although decrease volume!
As for the upgrades you mention..
Save the money and put it towards your next Guitar!

Posted by: jafomatic Oct 14 2009, 05:02 PM

1. really old strings don't sustain as well, though yours sounds worse.
2. make sure neither you nor GR3 have enabled some noise gate?
3. volume pot all the way up?

If you look at the string, regardless of being plugged in, does it truly vibrate only for 2 seconds?

Posted by: Dexter Oct 14 2009, 05:19 PM

@ Jafo:

- Strings seems okay, there about 2 months old now but kept fairly clean
- The notes ring out much longer then what the tuner is showing
- Volume switch is usually full for the tuning process
- I'm not using PAD button on my sound card, and the gain knob is probably at about 70%, output volume @ 70% as well

@ Sensible Jones:

You're probably right about saving towards a new guitar, thanks for the info!

I think having a preamp would benefit with my current guitar and any new guitar that I pickup none the less.

I appreciate the feedback guys.

Posted by: Muris Varajic Oct 14 2009, 05:32 PM

You should also check input meter on GR,
let it goes almost till the red when you're tuning your guitar,
after you tune it you can readjust GR input for fine tone.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Oct 14 2009, 07:03 PM

- Two month strings are old strings if you ask me. After that much time they loose sustain and tuning abilities. Put new strings and you will see a clear difference
- GR3 tuner is unprecise, and if you don't have any problems with a digital external one, it means that you are having troubles with GR3 basically
- Fasttrack Pro has preamp built in for both inputs/channels.