[Play It Louder]

I just got this gibson acoustic I bought it online so I had no chance to play before purchasing. But anyways the 1E string has this rattling sound when played and I have no clue whats causing it. It sounds as if its hitting the frets and I checked the neck it dosent bow or anything so I was wondering if anyone has insight on this problem?

[MakoMako]

The only time this have ever happened to me, is when the string is far too low, as in it is loosened sufficiantly enough. Or, when I purposefully try to do this. I highly doubt your picking at the guitar wrong, and if you check the tone of the string and find that it is on key, then I would suggest finding different strings for your guitar, ones that are much more tense.

[dadfad]

You need to first be sure it's fret-rattle. Other things can cause a rattle as well, like a loose tuner-knob, tuner bushing, a loose string ball-end inside the guitar, etc. Try playing up the string starting from open. When the rattle stops, that's probably the buzzing-fret (if it is caused by a fret). If it is, it could be a couple of things. The fret might have lifted slightly on that edge. Possibly it needs a slight truss-rod adjustment. It doesn't sound like it'll be a major problem to fix. Check it out to make sure that it is a fret first of all.

[Play It Louder]

Cool thanks

[Play It Louder]

Ok its touching the 15th and 16th frett. The fretts haven't raised on the edge any so I geuss the truss bar adjustment is whats needed correct?

[dadfad]

That high on the neck the truss-rod won't do a lot. Neck-to-string angle from below that point to the saddle needs to be increased slightly. Heavier strings might do that for you. So would raising the saddle height. You can buy and carve a new saddle, but you can also easily "shim" the old one slightly higher with much less trouble with virtually no vibrational-transference loss if done right. Several thousandths of an inch raising is probably all you need. I did a post before on shimming a saddle (which I'll copy below). Here's an easy way to tell first if that can help. (This is only a test so don't worry about tone, etc at this point.) Loosen the "offending" string(s). Take a tiny piece of thin plastic, like from a milk container or plastic bottle. Loosen your strings enough to slide a tiny strip under the string(s) at the saddle. Don't let the edge of the plastic extend beyond the edge of the saddle. Tighten the string(s) back to pitch. Try them. If the buzz has stopped, a higher saddle or shimming will probably correct the problem. Here's the copy of the old post...

.... Take a tin can top
and a pair of sharp scissors or tin-snips. Cut out a strip a little
shorter and a bit narrower (appx 1/8 inch wide) than your saddle. This will
probably curl up as you cut it. Straighten it out (tap it with a hammer
on a block of wood, etc). Be careful this is sharp!. Loosen or remove
your strings. Remove the saddle from the bridge. Put the little strip
under it (if it's too wide, don't force it or try to trim it narrower,
just make it over again. Much easier.) Replace the saddle and strings.
They will be about 10/1000 higher. Thin brass works best but most people
don't have that laying around. A tin can won't have a noticeable difference
from brass, but whatever you use, it must be made of metal to transfer the
vibrations back into the wood properly.

Like I said, heavier strings might be enough as well. Most acoustic necks are set-necks (glued on) but some are bolt-on and often neck-angle can be adjusted in them. Anyway, hopefully some of the above will take care of it.

[Play It Louder]

Thanks alot you've been very helpful

[dadfad]

No problem. I hope it helps.

[Play It Louder]

Well I finally put some heavier strings on it some D'Addario's the heaviest the guy at the music store recommended for any guitar. Didn't help any so I think I might just take it to the music store and let them have a look