May 29, 2009 09:48 am Maybe you need to open the slots on the nut a bit. Probably hanging up.
That said, with no lock-nut and assuming the heads aren't locking, every time you touch the trem, the tension at the heads is going to change.
Question for the guitar gurus out there...
Posted on May 29, 2009 08:47 am
Hue
Pinnipedal Czar (: 3=
Member Since: Apr 11, 2004
I have a beautiful 2004 Ibanez SA (sas32fm) that I bought a while back, and just do not play because of it's issues with staying in tune. It has an Ibanez-made, Willkenson-type trm on it, and stock tuners, and pups. It really is a nice guitar if it weren't for the tuning issues... practically brand new.
Yesterday, I replaced the nut on it with a graphite one that I had lying around, and it helped a little, as now it'll stay in tune when I play it, but goes out as soon as I use the trem. This is the first trem of this type that I've had on a guitar, but am told that it shouldn't have this issue being what it is. My MIM Strat didn't have this issue, and of course none of my double-lockers did either.
Can anyone suggest anything that will help me get this thing to STAY in tune after I touch the trem? I really don't want to have to drill into the neck, installing a nut-lock, and I'd like to avoid replacing the trem as well.
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May 29, 2009 09:48 am Maybe you need to open the slots on the nut a bit. Probably hanging up.
That said, with no lock-nut and assuming the heads aren't locking, every time you touch the trem, the tension at the heads is going to change.
May 29, 2009 10:45 am yeah sounds like something is catching.
clean the crap outta the bridge holes too, make sure the saddles arent sitting up too close to the bridge etc.
it could also be the way its setup. if you dont have enough scoop in the neck or too much can do it too.
you proly already know this anyway, but i always start a guitar setup with the scoop in the neck and then setup from there.
May 29, 2009 10:49 am having said that, im not sure you could ever get a guitar without locking nuts to stay in tune all that good after using the trem.
oh yeah, also check the springs, bridge poles and spring screws , make sure the are tight and inline.
i would go over the whole guitar and check everything make sure its tight, even the neck.
May 29, 2009 11:54 am Thanks for the suggestions guys!
I figured it was binding at the nut, so I replaced the nut, and cut the slots myself... I don't think they're binding there anymore, because after the replacement, it actually got somewhat better.(it doesn't go out badly from just playing it.)
I've got 10s on it now, and a brand new set of trem springs. (all 5) There is no dust, crud, or anything like that to hinder the way it works. I don't think it's the set-up, as this thing is in absolute perfect condition, and I can not notice a single flaw in its set up. It may still be hanging up at the nut... that's the only thing I can think of. It really doesn't make much sense... the graphite nut I put on should've done the trick. I guess I'll just accidentally lose the trem arm. lol
May 29, 2009 02:42 pm Wow! That stuff might be the ticket, BH. Thankyou, very much.
Seems like a good product. Do you use it on your guitars?
May 29, 2009 03:50 pm "Everybody complains how Gibsons G-strings don't stay in tune(because of the 45-degree angle at the headstock), ... after a little Nut Sauce, they do."
Er, something like that.
It's still binding, when it wants to. I am convinced that it is the nut on that SA that is doing this... it's hanging up right there. Mostly the G-string, as well. I think that this Nut Sauce will do the trick. If that doesn't, I may try one more different nut on it before giving up on it.
You know... they make walrus-tusk nuts! heh heh
I'll keep ya's posted.
May 29, 2009 09:38 pm nut sauce and G-strings??
are you sure we're talking bout guitars here?
May 29, 2009 10:26 pm The thing has 5 springs and wont come back in tune?
The springs might be too light then. You can try and modify the last twist a bit and shorten the spring by a hair in each and see if that helps.
I have two Willkenson trems and both needed to have heavier springs set up to keep it in tune. But after the spring change they did stay pretty well.
May 30, 2009 01:28 pm Yup, all five.
It's definitely hanging up at the nut, as it goes out of tune 'sharp'.
I called my music store, and they're currently out of Nut Sauce, so I'll have to wait 'til the order's in.(about a week) I'm not even asking Banjo Center if they carry it... I decided not to go back there after I found them out of stock on trem springs.
May 30, 2009 02:40 pm In addition to the stuff mentioned, You might want to look into something like the Planet Waves locking tuners. The Variax is terrible for staying in tune after using the trem as well, and alot of the guys are using them. I've been thinking about picking up a set for my Variax, but since I wouldn't use the trem much I just haven't gotten around to it. They're pretty much a drop in replacement for most guitars.
Dan
May 30, 2009 03:12 pm Thanks Dan. If she starts going-out flat, instead of sharp, locking tuners are my first consideration. Planet Waves' stuff is usually pretty good too, so thanks for the tip on those puppies. Schallers, and Gotohs on most of the ones I've upgraded thus far. I'm sure that if I can kill this nut issue, things will be proper again with her. heh Sounds like I'm treating a disease when I put it that way. eeew.
Jun 01, 2009 12:25 pm Hey Hue, I have a Floyd locking nut so I don't have to worry about the strings moving across the nut. LOTS of my buddies use this product and it is always promoted in a positive way at the NAMM show. It certainly won't hurt to try it out.
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