: Classical Guitars Information Pages :

Problem Checklist

Problems you may be encountering with your Classical or Flamenco guitar.

• Strings are rattling on the frets
• Strings are slipping of the edge of the fingerboard
• Fret edges are sharp and cutting into your fingers
• Performance of fretwork is not accurate for fluid styles
• Certain notes buzz and rattle

• Incorrect neck angle making playing difficult
• Incorrect geometry of neck, fingerboard soundboard and bridge.
• Strings are breaking at the saddle
• Strings are catching in the nut slots therefore affecting tuning
• Strings not seated correctly in nut or saddle making rattling sitar like sound
• Strings are not well spaced to suit the fingerboard taper
• Strings not equally spaced at nut
• Strings require too much pressure to hold down
• Lifting or separated bridge
• Bridge is split along pin holes or saddle slot
• String windings are touching the saddle
• Bridge or saddle are in the wrong location

Tuning and Intonation

• Chords sound out of tune in one position whilst acceptable in others
• Chords don't play evenly over the entire fingerboard
• Are you experiencing difficulties in tuning your guitar?
• Does it seem impossible to tune even after checking with a tuner
• Bridge/Saddle are in the wrong location

• Output of strings is not balanced
• Volume controls and electrics are scratchy or cutting out
• The output jack is cutting out or is loose
• Pickups make squealing noises at high volume
• There is no output whatsoever
• There is excessive humming an noise when instrument is plugged in
• The signal is not very clear almost muffled
• The signal is too thin almost metallic
• The signal is extremely low

• Set up of strings is not to your satisfaction
• The current setup of your guitar does not suit your playing style
• Wear on the sound board
• Bowed Soundboard
• Humidity/Temperature affected problems
• Loose interior struts or braces
• Creaky Machine Heads
• Damaged Soundbox (splits, crack, punctures, fracture etc)

If you are experiencing any of these problems with your instrument or any other problem, Matheas Guitars can rectify the problem(s) with one of my many services.
It is advisable to make an appointment for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis of your instrument. This procedure will ensure the perfect job by having an insight in your playing style and instruments response.