AV65 Jaguar Mute Bar ???

[Larsongs]

I’m recording a 60’s type Surf tune & want to use the mute bar on Rhythm Guitar Track for that muted Surf Rhythm Effect with some added Reverb & Delay.. The low E has an almost Fuzz sound intermittently through different parts which I don’t want..

Any thoughts or ideas as to how I can remedy this?

Thanks

[Francer]

Sorry, I don’t have any experience of setting up the mute bar.

My only thought is, if this is for a recording project, could you try using something else to mute the strings, or maybe wedge some foam under it to keep a good contact with the strings. I guess the mute bar is set up to be quickly switchable in and out, and maybe that compromises it’s effectiveness?

[JSett]

Yeah, the mute bars don't seem to work all that well in my experience. Grab a small piece of High Desity foam weatherstripping and cut it to size so you can gently wedge it in there and achieve the same, but more consistent, effect.

[GreenKnee]

Sounds like the mute isn't making full contact with the low E. You can try lowering the action of that string for a quick fix, otherwise it will require the bridge pulling out and the mute adjusting to allow it to press in to the strings more.

[andy_tchp]

Sounds like it's not quite engaging properly, allowing the low E to buzz a bit?

The mute needs to be setup so it engages the foam firmly enough against the strings but without pushing the strings too sharp.

There are two adjustment screws on either side of the mute plate itself (hidden away under the bridge. The middle screw is attached to the mute 'slug'). These aren't screwed in all the way as they need to allow the mute to pivot on and off, and adjusting them changes the amount the mute engages upwards towards the strings.

I would back these off 1/4 of a turn and see if it engages more firmly. If not enough, rinse and repeat. It's a real balancing act to get it 'right' (and even then you'll find it pushes the strings a little sharp). They can definitely be made to work though.

[Francer]

Thinking about it, given that Fender increased the neck pocket angle for the AV65s (which I guess you are using?), this will mean your bridge is sitting a bit taller in the thimbles, which could knock on to the mute not making a good firm contact with the strings.

[Larsongs]

Thanks for the diagram & all the feedback.

Is loosening & or removing the & Bridge necessary or can the Screws be adjusted with the Strings & Bridge in place?

[GreenKnee]

Thanks for the diagram & all the feedback.

Is loosening & or removing the & Bridge necessary or can the Screws be adjusted with the Strings & Bridge in place?

If you loosen the strings off as much as possible and then capo them at first fret then they won't come out of the tuning posts. Hopefully there will then be enough room to pull the bridge up and out of the thimbles to access the mute screws.

[Larsongs]

I’ll give that a try..

Thanks

[JSett]

Thanks for the diagram & all the feedback.

Is loosening & or removing the & Bridge necessary or can the Screws be adjusted with the Strings & Bridge in place?

If you loosen the strings off as much as possible and then capo them at first fret then they won't come out of the tuning posts. Hopefully there will then be enough room to pull the bridge up and out of the thimbles to access the mute screws.

If this doesn't give you enough slack then do the above but unscrew the vibrato and move it all to one side (capo still on).

[Larsongs]

Ok, I loosened strings, capo’d, removed bridge, turned the screw 1/4 turn to raise the mute bar (which is below the low E), put it all back together, tuned it up & the low E & A still buzz with mute engaged..

I suppose I need to repeat until I get it to the right adjustment.. Or is there another way? Will repeating these steps have any affect on intonation?

What about loosening the center screw above the Spring? Should that also be loosened when doing this procedure?

Thanks

[andy_tchp]

No, the centre screw fastens the mute plunger, you want that done up fully.

And yes, unfortunately it does take a bit of trial and error to get them adjusted.

[Francer]

Another random thought, when you say ‘fuzz’ sound, is there any chance your foam is misaligned in some way and the string is actually catching the metal edge of the mute.

Also … video here

[Larsongs]

I watched that YouTube.. Thanks.

I’m going to do another Adjustment & see how it goes..

[Larsongs]

Now I’m up to 4 quarter turns.. It’s still buzzing. Probably because now the Mute Bar is not locking into place when it’s engaged? I can wiggle it up & down.. It wasn’t doing this before? Any ideas?

Thanks