It’s a frustrating experience for any guitar player: you’re enjoying a playing session, and suddenly, a string snaps. Leaving your guitar unattended for a while after this can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. One common problem guitarists face, especially when dealing with the effects of string tension or lack thereof – which can be thought of in terms of a “One String Guitar” scenario where tension is unevenly distributed – is a change in neck relief. Let’s explore a situation where a guitar owner experienced this firsthand and try to understand what might be happening.
Recently, a guitar player with a 5-year-old MusicMan JP6 shared an issue after a string break. After neglecting to replace a snapped C-string for two weeks, they found that upon restringing, the strings were now too close to the neck. Raising the bridge didn’t solve the problem, leading to concerns about a broken nut and whether leaving the guitar with a missing string could be the cause.
Several factors could be at play here. Firstly, it’s important to consider the guitar’s tuning and string changes. Did the player use a non-standard tuning that referred to a “C” string, or was it simply a mislabeling of a standard string? Furthermore, changing tuning or string gauge when restringing can significantly impact neck relief. A change to lighter gauge strings, for instance, would reduce overall tension on the neck, potentially causing it to straighten and lower the string action.
Another key point is neck adjustment. Guitars are designed to function optimally with the balanced tension of a full set of strings. When a string is missing for an extended period, the neck can shift slightly due to the altered tension. In some cases, necks can take time to readjust after restringing. It’s possible the guitar neck is still settling back into its usual position after being in a “one string guitar” state – that is, with imbalanced tension.
Regarding bridge adjustment, it’s crucial to clarify which screws were adjusted. Adjusting the tremolo springs at the back of the guitar affects the overall bridge angle and string height. Adjusting the bridge posts near the front of the guitar also changes the action. It’s important to make the correct adjustments to troubleshoot string height issues.
While a broken nut is a possibility, it’s less likely to be caused solely by a missing string. Nut issues usually manifest as string buzzing, particularly on open strings, or difficulty with tuning stability.
In conclusion, the issue of strings being too close to the neck after a string break and a period of being left with a missing string is likely related to changes in neck relief due to altered string tension. Factors like tuning, string gauge changes, and correct bridge adjustment procedures all play a role. Allowing the neck time to readjust after restringing and ensuring proper bridge adjustments are the first steps to take. If the problem persists, further investigation into neck relief and potentially seeking professional guitar setup advice would be beneficial.
