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Post subject: Tuning Problems with Fender SE
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:16 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Does anyone have advice about tuning a Fender SE? This guitar has a tremelo unit that is a mess to try to tune when changing the strings. I have tried to change them one at a time, but the strings wont tune correctly. Does anyone have the same problem?
Advice would be appreciated. :?:


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Problems with Fender SE
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:05 pm
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jayro wrote:
Does anyone have advice about tuning a Fender SE? This guitar has a tremelo unit that is a mess to try to tune when changing the strings. I have tried to change them one at a time, but the strings wont tune correctly. Does anyone have the same problem?
Advice would be appreciated. :?:


With tremolos, especially locking ones, you should start changing the strings one at a time from the low E and after the pre-stretching of the individual string, tune it slightly higher than it should be and then do the same with the rest. Once they are all changed, do a few dive bombs and pull ups with the tremolo and then again, a few more dive bombs. This helps balance the pulling tension of the tremolo springs with the pulling tension of the new strings. Next, starting from the low E, start bringing each string down to pitch. You will have to repeat this procedure several times because what will happen is, because of the tremolo springs pulling tension, as you lower one string, the rest go higher. The opposite is true too and in the case of tuning guitars, backing off string tension is a lot easier than bringing up string tension. Again, this is because of the tremolo springs. So, with patience, you will eventually have your guitar settle down and tune quite nicely. Before you start though, if you have fine tuners at the bridge, set them all in the mid way position before starting the string change. Also, the absolute last step once your guitar's tuning is stabilized, is to lock the strings' locking nuts (if your guitar has one). If this whole procedure isn't done, then you'll have the problems you are encountering now.

Yea, I know the above can be a pain in the derriere to some and time consuming too, especially in the beginning and that's why techs charge for it. Once you'v done it a few times, you'll get yourself into a groove where not only will you get faster and more proficient at it, but it will be no more of an annoyance than say, replacing a set of strings on a guitar with a stop tail bridge.

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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:50 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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I've gotten quite good a tuning my SE. I happened to change my strings recently and it tuned well. The first thing you may want to do once the string is off is make sure that the tuning machine post is tightened into the headstock. Quite a few of mine were a little loose I discovered the first time I changed strings. Don't torque them down because you will just damage the wood (you will leave a circular indentation from the washer), I attribute my guitars lack of staying tuned to loose tuning machine parts. I check their tightness everytime and my guitar stays in tune for a long time, only needing minor adjustments on one or two strings. As far as over tuning your string.... thats what I do. I tune all my strings a little sharp and then detune them as opposed to chasing the tune around. I probably need more experience, that's all. I also use all the springs in the tremelo cavity... that would be five total.... my theory is 'if there is space for a part.... use it'. A stiff tremelo is easier to tune because it is more like a fixed bridge. I don't have the skills to necessitate a soft tremelo. I hope this helps. Let us know how it works out.


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Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 3:33 pm
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:D I appreciate the feedback very much! This is my first post. I didnt know if I was at the right site. You both have this tuning down!
I usually hack at it, then end up taking it to a shop. Unfortunatly, they are not at liberty to show you the tricks. This site is awesome!
The SE is not easy to tune, but once you get it there, Its a great sounding guitar!
Thanks Again for the Advice.
J


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:08 pm
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Glad to help!

As to shop personnel not at liberty to show you how to properly tune it, that's nonsense. Rather, the truth is, they are not willing. Even if they didn't want to show you, how long did it take either of us to explain it? If they are that closed mouthed (or desperate), I'd seriously consider another shop. Notwitstanding, enjoy and welcome!!


jayro wrote:
:D I appreciate the feedback very much! This is my first post. I didnt know if I was at the right site. You both have this tuning down!
I usually hack at it, then end up taking it to a shop. Unfortunatly, they are not at liberty to show you the tricks. This site is awesome!
The SE is not easy to tune, but once you get it there, Its a great sounding guitar!
Thanks Again for the Advice.
J

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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:30 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Yeah, I think the dollar signs were inhibiting thier speech.....
Thats why I like this site. People like offering free advice to those in need.
Be advised, your(printed) post on Tuning will be a staple in my in my guitar case! Do you have an SE?
J


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:53 pm
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I have one and I love it. Now that my tuners are tightened (no more loose washers) it holds its tune quite well. I've had it for about 9 months now and I think I'm going to wait untill Black Friday of 2009 to replace it with a Squier Deluxe strat. I wasn't practicing as much as I should've been since I bought it and I don't want to feel like I wasted money. However, a couple of months after I got it I found a Squier telecaster Custom for a good price and I snatched it up.... maybe I shouldn't have. Well it doesn't bother me to wait because the guitar companies are always releasing new and exciting models.


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:09 pm
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Yeah, I'm crazy about mine for sure. I have played my buddies strat(USA)
He has one of the s-1 switches and still couldnt get that tone-even with my amp. I havent had time to practice much either, but brought a different guitar out on the road. I leave my Fender at home, but practice with my washburn.(I dont want my Fender stolen!!!) Gotta go for now
J


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Post subject:
Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:26 pm
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Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2007 7:33 am
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jayro wrote:
Yeah, I think the dollar signs were inhibiting thier speech.....
Thats why I like this site. People like offering free advice to those in need.
Be advised, your(printed) post on Tuning will be a staple in my in my guitar case! Do you have an SE?
J


I'm genuinely flattered!. Thank you!!

No, I don't have an SE but I have a lot of experience in such areas.

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