Really bad overtones

[Robert Ripperden]

I have a Mullen S10 G2. starting about the 10th fret overtones start, and get worse as I go up the neck, can anyone help? I have tried many different amps, still the same.

[Raybob Bowman]

Be sure your fingers are muting the strings behind the bar on left hand.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Could be strings.
How long have the strings been on guitar?
There seems to be some bad wire stock in .011 and .014 diameter out there.
The 4th string being lower and raised, Will work harden and pick up off the changer finger. Then the weird sounds start and just keep getting uglier.

[Fred Treece]

On which strings are the overtones heard? Do you hear them when playing unplugged?

[Robert Ripperden]

Thanks for the feed back Fred, Just about all strings, and I can hear them when the amp is off.

[Fred Treece]

Are you a relatively new player? I only ask because, as Raybob Bowman mentioned in his response, muting behind the bar is an oft-overlooked misstep in technique, and is the easiest way to stop the kind of sound you’re dealing with.

If that is not the issue, then something is amiss with the guitar, and it could be one of a number of things. An audio clip would be most helpful.

Changing strings would be first on the list of easy things you could do. While the strings are off, inspect the roller nuts to see that they roll easily with a gentle push of your fingertip, and check for burrs in the grooves or crud built up between the nuts. Then focus on the changer fingers to see if the strings have etched grooves into the tops of the fingers. This can cause an annoying “zing” sound as well as high pitched overtones.

If your guitar has been set up for a long time, break it down and then set it back up. Give it some TLC. Maybe a problem will reveal itself.

Check the undercarriage for loose parts, maybe there’s a broken ball end of a string stuck in the changer somewhere, or a broken return spring, a loose bell crank, who knows. Make sure the legs are screwed in tight, pedal bar as well.

If all the easy stuff checks out okay and you’re still getting nowhere with the problem, then contact Mullen Guitars and try to set up a phone consultation with Del. He’s a busy man, so he might rather refer you to someone instead.

[Kevin Hatton]

As stated above, muting the strings behind the bar with your left hand. There is nothing wrong with your guitar.

[Robert Ripperden]

Thanks to everyone for your advice.