'A' string rattles

When playing a 'B' or 'C' on the fifth string it rattles. I have experimented with it singularly with various weights and left hand positions and with other strings. It is most pronounced when played with other strings but does not do it when played opened. The sound seems to be related to the bridge. Is this something I am doing incorrectly? How do I correct it?

The easiest way to correct it is to loosen your truss rod. If you look at your headstock, you most likely have what and allen screw going into the neck. Loosening that up will make your neck bow a little more and raise your action. It's not a guaranteed fix, but you can do it yourself and it only takes a minute.

If that doesn't work, you should probably just take it to a tech. He'll sand down the frets, adjust the rod, set the intonation and a bunch of other things.

If you don't have experience I don't recommend messing with your truss rod. I've heard bad stories about broken guitar necks. It's usually a subtle adjustment. Study the subject first.

If the rattling seems to come from the bridge it might be the springs in the tremolo. A trick is to stick rubber bands in them.

If it's actually rattling on the frets itself, you can raise your action. It might be set up for heavier strings. Of course, your string or your fret might also be bent.

Easiest to just take it to a guitar store and have them check it out and set it up for you, until you have time to research guitar setup.

-Carl.

Easiest to just take it to a guitar store and have them check it out and set it up for you, until you have time to research guitar setup.

-Carl.

I will second this motion. The last thing you want to do is to mess with your guitar neck and have something go wrong that becomes far more expensive than your initial problem. Leave it in the hands of a professional that has a good reputation in your area.

I took the guitar to the professionals where I bought it and they were very helpful. As it was new it was fixed at no cost (other than the strings which I chose to replace).

Thanks for the advice.

Just make sure that they show you how to do it yourself so you don't have to depend on them in the future. Adjusting action and various other basic things can easily be done with the right knowledge.