Acoustic Guitar Problem?

Question

I have left my acoustic guitar sitting around for a month or so and when I went to pick it up and play some notes on the 12th fret on the bottom string I get a sharp pitch that sounds like the guitar is broken or something, yet the fret above and below sound as they shoud, this is the same for other strings on different frets of on the neck, mostly starting at the 12th fret and beyond...

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Humidity and temperature changes that occur constantly in a room is the main reason to keep your guitar stored in its case when not being played. Another important reason is to keep dust, dirt, grime, and grease from accumulating on it. If the guitar is resting in a corner near a kitchen you can imagine what else it might collect.

Further, it is an attractive nuisance for visiting children and some adults that should not touch it under any circumstances.

As advised previously, take it to a qualified guitar technician at a reputable music store. I imagine $20 ought to cover the expense.

Answer 2

I actually disagree when you say "I have heard that acoustic guitars cost less, but electric ones are usually better for beginners." Not the part about acoustic guitars costing less, because they very much do. But I think that acoustic guitars are much more appropriate for beginners. The path that I took and I think is the best is acoustic to electric, not the other way around. Acoustic guitars allow you to learn the basics and how to play well. Electrics can be easier, but in the long term it's not good for you. Acoustics could probably cost anywhere between $50-$300 depending on what kind you get. Even up to several hundred is possible if you want one of those top-of-the-line, professional ones. However, most common range is between $70-$150. Electric Guitars are a bit more tricky, though, since you need more things for them. The most basic electrics should cost around $150-$400. The fancier ones, however, can get REALLY expensive. The amplifiers could cost anywhere between $50-$500 depending on the quality, and then you need cables which should cost around $10. Cheapest option=$200-$300

Answer 3

Sounds to me like a combination of excessively old strings that have lost their flexibility, a top that has dried out and "sunken" in around the soundhole area, and a neck with an excessive amount of "relief", or forward "bow". With the guitar in playing position on your knee, is the bridge tilted from front to back? Does the top look sunken around the soundhole area? Are the strings unusually close to the fingerboard? I see this all too often in my shop. Bottom line is user error. Acoustics need to be humidified properly, which means using an in-the-body humidifier and keeping the guitar in the case when not in use. Take the guitar to a GOOD guiatr tech and let them do a good setup on it. It may run you $30.00 or so. Hopefully you won't end up needing a fret levelling. Unfortunately when the fingerboard dries out, it can loosen the glue the frets are glued in with and they start popping out of the fingerboard coupled with the extra strain on the fret tang by the compressing of the fingerboard due to the excessive relief. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yeah, clean it but DO NOT use steel wool as that is retarded and it will wear down the fret and destroy your fretboard. (That gut who suggested steel wool should be slapped). Take off the old strings and wipe out the crap and grime with Murphy's Oil Soap and a clean rag.

That probably won't fix your problem but I had to say it.

Ask someone at a guitar boutique to help you with the truss rod adjustment unless you are comfortable doing it yourself. Someone there who knows what they are doing will be more than happy to help you as they hope to gain your loyalty as a customer and also to show you how easy it is. It the neck adjustment doesn't fix the problem, then ask the guy at the shop what he thinks can be done.

Answer 5

Real quick note for next time:
If you don't plan on playing your guitar for a week or so, you should take the slack off the strings, tune it waaaaay down.

Strings get rusty sometimes too. I wouldn't adjust your truss rod yourself unless you really know what you are doing. Try new strings and cleaning first, then bring it to your favorite shop for a tune up if it still has a funky buzz.

Answer 6

Yeah Bro, your neck is bent. If it gets to hot or cold the wood will warp. Not to big of a deal. It can be fixed. I don't know how your neck is attached, but take it to a guitar store it shouldn't cost that much and shouldn't take that long. Next time keep it in a room that stays about the same temperature

Answer 7

adjust the truss rod. The hex key bolt is located inside the hole and there is a rod that runs up the neck truning the bolt will make the neck bend in or out...but i don't know

Answer 8

you should change your strings and clean off your fretboard and maybe rub it down a little bit with steel wool.