Gitane Slimline

tomthebloke

Hi folks, wondering if anyone has any experience with the Gitane Slimline?

I am fairly new to playing gypsy jazz and have recently bough a Slimline, although I have been getting a buzz or distortion (particularly when playing hard and on the D/G strings) that i cant trace where it is coming from, its definitely not frett buzz, its possibly internal but I am not sure. There was a problem with the tailpiece but thats now been fixed. Has anyone got/played one and might be able to give some advice, I have taken it back to the shop and they will have another listen but would love some advice from an experienced player. The buzz it is only faint but should this buzzing be happening? I could maybe upload a recording tonight if anyone is happy to have a listen?

Thanks for your time

Tom
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Craig Bumgarner

Tracking down odd noises in a guitar can be a bit of challenge. Try dampening strings and parts as you play. Maybe have someone do it while you play. Check the tail piece, bridge, tuners, nut, pickups etc. one at a time. Be sure to check the string behind the fretted note, that is, between the fretted note and the nut (zero fret). Sometimes notes on one string will start a buzz in another string. Truss rods have been known to rattle and vibrate in the slot in sympathy with certain notes. Test for that is to give the back of the neck a sharp shot with the heel of you hand. If the truss rod is loose in the slot, you will hear it rattle. Be sure the bridge is sitting down well on the top, you should see not gaps or daylight under the bridge feet. If not seated well, you will get some very strange overtones. I once had a loud buzz appear suddenly right before a show (serious stress out). Turned out the be a loose cap on the internal pickup jack.

If all else fails, take it to a good tech who will likely identify the problem quickly. Most problems are fairly easy to remedy, even loose truss rods.

Let us know what you find.

CB

pinkgary

Don't you mean "Hi Guys"?

Hope you get it sorted, Tom. And welcome to the forum.

Delve deep 8)

tomthebloke

Hi guys
(thats for gary )

Quick update, I believe the buzz is coming from the neck, I took it back to the shop and it turns out that Gitanne have changed the neck, and the current design is... well lets just say its not very good. Apparently other shops have been getting the same complaint, so I advise anyone who is interested in a slimline to stay clear of them until the issue has been resolved.

Thanks again,

Tom

Tele295

Before you throw the guitar away, try a fresh set of Argentine 11s on there and see if the buzz goes away in a day or so. The strings used on manouche guitars have a much softer wrap than other kinds, and they wear out quicker. Buzzing is a sign of worn strings, especially on the G and D strings. I only get a few weeks out of a set of strings before buzzing sets in.