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Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:09 am
by CookieMan
Hi guys. Just got my 60 Custom and I'm loving it, but I'm struggling with some rattle on the D & G strings. I've isolated the source - a little too much space between the bridge's roller wheels and their holders. If I try to move the wheels one way I get the rattle on upstrokes, if I move them the other way I get the rattle on downstrokes. Sorry if I'm using layman's terms - I'm no expert. Any suggestions on how to eliminate this?
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:18 am
by Veenture
CookieMan wrote:...some rattle on the D & G strings. I've isolated the source - a little too much space between the bridge's roller wheels and their holders.
mine seem to have been lubricated with vaseline(?) -no rattle. Are you sure it's not a loose pick up surround?
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:28 am
by CookieMan
Thanks Veenture. I'm about 95% sure it's the problem I described. If the pickup ring were loose, wouldn't the rattle be there on all the strings? Also, I took a piece of thread and wedged in the gap on the D string and the rattle stopped, but it seems like there ought to be a better solution.
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:45 am
by Veenture
CookieMan wrote:If the pickup ring were loose, wouldn't the rattle be there on all the strings?
The loose neck pick up ring I had on mine only hummed/rattled to a certain resonating frequency caused when all 6 strings were strummed (I don't remember the chord position). No harm in trying out some pure (acid free) petroleum jelly like Vaseline and see how it goes

I'm sure the lubricant won't adversely effect tone/sustain.
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 4:49 am
by CookieMan
I'm looking at the pickup ring and it seems very secure to me. It's strange to me that the buzz disappears on downstrokes but resurfaces on upstrokes and vice versa when I move the wheels. I really think that's the issue.
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:50 am
by rog43win
CookieMan......I'm wondering if a quick phone call to Bob Shade might get you some suggestions for your problem...they make them every day, and should know the solution....also it may help them in the future to know various problems that exist on their guitars before they ship them out the door.....just a thought.....
Roger
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 12:03 pm
by marsman
CookieMan , when did you receive your C 60???? some of us haven't heard a word and are still waiting ?
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 12:58 pm
by FritzCat
Aren't the rollers secured with a screw through the side? Could you tighten the screw to "close up" the space for the roller?
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 1:24 pm
by brutus
they make them every day, and should know the solution....also it may help them in the future to know various problems that exist on their guitars before they ship them out the door.....just a thought.....
Aren't they made in S. Korea?
Re: Hallmark 60 Custom - roller bridge rattle help
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 3:31 pm
by MWaldorf
I have a rattling roller on one of my Hallmark bridges. I shimmed the roller with a small piece of paper and the rattle is gone. The roller doesn't roll anymore, but as the bridge itself rocks, it hasn't caused any issues with tuning or string breakage. Not a fancy solution, but quick, and you can get back to the more enjoyable task of playing your guitar!