maddening string rattle

[Robert Smallwood]

Hi.
I have a strat with a wilkinson VS type trem

the problem is the e 1st string rattles virtually all the way up including the very last fret with nothing between it and the bridge.

I've spent ages with 600 grit looking for high spots and have tried the nail polish down the grub screw trick but nothing works.

the problem has reappeared after being apparently fixed quite a while ago. the bridge saddle lock screws are tight

the b 2nd string has the same problem to a much lesser extent - from about 13th fret up..

I have no idea where to look next.

Please help! )

Thanks,
Rob.

[Chris Reed]

Have you checked the top of the saddle? If it has a flat spot or dent, that might be the cause.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Yep.
If the rattle is still there even at the last fret, you can pretty much rule out frets.
If the bridge saddle is rounded, not having a nice square leading edge, then it must be the saddle.

Unless there is something loose in the bridge. or something loose in the spring cavity?

[David King]

Other things that can rattle sympathetically are the tuners, string tree, volume and tone knobs, pots, output jack, internal wiring, strap locks, and truss rod. A stethoscope might be helpful in tracking down the rattle but I'd start by banging on the guitar with a fist starting at the headstock, going down the neck, and across the body.

[Gregory nangle]

also check the pickguard which can also rattle