Fendervleet - Posted - 06/30/2023:  23:00:42

Hello boys.
I have a Gretsch Alligator (biscuit) that I just started using in a live amplified situation via a body mounted transducer. The issue I am having is I keep hitting the coverplate with my pick, and while it didn't bother me that much acoustically, it is now driving me bananners through that pickup. It's sounds like someone is randomly shooting at empty soup cans with a .22 while I'm running lead lines.
I'm not changing my picking style after almost 30yrs of playing just for this singular instrument, especially since I don't recall ever having an issue like this on any other axe (except for that pesky middle pickup on a Stratocaster). I play with a fairly heavy hand, and prefer to really dig in with a heavy (1.15) pick.
An under saddle piezo would probably help, but I LOATHE the way those things sound.
I've thought about adding thick tape to the coverplate to at least dampen the *ping*ping*ping but I'd rather not muck up the looks of this fine looking instrument if I can help it.

Has anyone else run into issues like this before? Looking for suggestions on a fix, or possibly an entirely new axe....especially since no manufacturer is advertising the distance between the bottom of the strings to the top of the coverplate 4" north of the bridge.

Thanks, fellers.

daver - Posted - 07/05/2023:  18:25:18

Sam, I feel your pain. The clearance from strings to a biscuit style coverplate is not nearly as much as a spider bridge coverplate, especially close to the bridge. I have a Dojo with biscuit bridge, and I'm similarly heavy handed. I applied thin (1/16") self-adhesive foam gasket material under the strings, and no more click. It can be removed without damage later if I sell it or magically develop a lighter touch.  I might be able to take a picture next week, it's not here right now.

Edited by - daver on 07/05/2023 18:26:32