Loose Strap Buttons on Input Jacks

Most acoustic guitar pickups use a long input jack. The strap button screws directly to the input jack but often comes loose with repeated removal and re-installation of the strap.

String Creaks When Tuning

Complaint : When tuning my guitar I hear a creaking noise, like a pinging sound whenever I turn the tuning key.

This sound is usually caused when the string itself is encountering friction. As an instrument is being tuned the string is being pulled ever so lightly over the nut and saddle, any resistance at these points can cause a distinct creaking sound.

Take a good look at :

• The nut slot
• The saddles surface
• The strings path across the peghead

Most often the culprit is the nut slot. A nut slot that is too small for the diameter of string passing thru it can catch the small windings of the strings and cause noise when tuning.
On many classical guitars (or those with slotted pegheads) the strings angle to the nut slot can also cause the string to come into contact with the inner edge of the peghead.  I have also seen some instruments who's tuning machines lay at such an angle to each other one string could actually rub against the next tuner.
 


Solutions: The nut slot should be cut properly with a nut file or polished properly to eliminate binding.
The use of a string lubricant or "Nut Sauce" in the nut slot may also decrease friction.
Saddle surfaces should also be examined for grooves and polished where necessary.

Exceptions: It is not uncommon to have difficulty completely eliminating this on certain instruments. Slotted pegheads put the string at an increased angle as it crosses the nut, increasing the tension on the nut. It is also my experience that certain softer nut materials become easily grooved and must be repeatedly addressed.