HM Strat Sustain

[gdivella]

Dear mates,



happy for having found this forum. I'm just one of the lucky owners of this beatiful instrument, and I would like to share with you some doubt that, recently, is making me feel unsatisfied with this axe.

Let me, at first, introduce the guitar: it's a HM Strat made in Japan '89, cherry red coloured, rosewood fretboard, Kahler Spyder with original stuff, HSS configuration with a bridge pickup custom handmade by Marco Pontillo. the serial number starts with H9 (should someone be curious to see it i can provide pictures!)



Now, the question: this guitar is great for sound and comfort, but has a very terrific sustain! I'm using 0,10-52 strings but notes really play for short time if compared with any standard stratocaster/telecaster.

Since my personal taste in guitar playing is changing, thus feeling less interested in shredding and more in love with sound and groove, i'm starting to feel really unhappy. Do someone knows how to improve the instrument to get a wonderful sustain?



Thanks a lot! You can also contact me on my private email gdivella*AT*gmail*DOT*com

[rickoshay]

What amp, what settings? Has the guitar been set up by a professional? WHat is the clearance between the strings adn the first fret when the strings are touching the 3rd fret? How much relief in the neck? Action heighth on the low and high E at the 12th, 17th, adn 24th fret?

[heem6]

I would agree that a good setup is the first thing to try. If the strings are even slightly buzzing it can wreck your sustain. Also check the screws that attach the neck to the body and make sure they are snug. Would also check that the locking nut is attached snug. Good luck and let us know if you get it sorted out.

[rickoshay]

Be advised you can get shims for the nut, but I am having so much ttrouble finding shims for the saddle that I am making my own out of automotive feeler gauges. 0.3mm under the A and B, twice that under the Es.