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Post subject: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 4:42 pm
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I have been playing guitar since 1979 and have owned too many Strat's to count. Everything from 1970's Strat's to AVRI's and Am Std's. I currently own a beautiful 2014 Fender "60th Anniversary" American Standard Stratocaster Vintage White Rosewood Neck Tortoise Pickguard & Back Plate. So I added Fender "Locking Tuners" and I believe I have the bridge, springs and claw all adjusted correctly but when I use the whammy bar it always goes out of tune. I even use Fender Super Bullets .010 - .046 and "Big Bends Nut Sauce". I have been able to keep my Strat's in tune in the past. I'm wondering if I should replace the nut? Any suggestions and/or help would be greatly appreciated.


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 5:11 pm
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The nut might need a bit of minor work.
If I'm not mistaken the American Standards ship with 009-042 strings, so 010-046s might benefit from a slight enlargement of the nut slots.

Another consideration is the knife edges on the tremolo baseplate, assuming that your tremolo is a 2 point trem.
The knife edges are easily damaged if the screws have been adjusted with springs fitted and strings tuned to pitch.

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 5:21 pm
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Hi Chris,
Thank you for your reply. Yes, the Strat did ship with .090 - .042 guitar strings so I completely agree with you regarding the nut slots. I'm not quite sure exactly what you mean by the knife edges being damaged? I mean I know what the knife edge is but can you tell me exactly what to look for? I am very interested because I have never heard of this issue. Sounds like it's definitely worth learning about and knowing what to look for. Thanks Chris.
Dave


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 5:54 pm
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Slacken the strings right off, and pull the springs from the block.
You should then be able to lift the tremolo and block assembly from the guitar body.
Have a good look at the points on the bridge plate where the bridge height screws make contact - if adjustments have been made with everything under tension you might see slightly chewed up metalwork.

I adjusted my Am Deluxe with things under tension and managed to damage the knife edges, and the guitar didn't return to pitch properly.
I ended up buying a new bridgeplate on Ebay, fitted it, and the problem of pitch return disappeared.
I didn't change out the bridge height screws, as they were unmarked, but have a look at the contact points on the screws when you lift the bridge out.

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 6:40 pm
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Thanks Chris,
I totally get it. I now know exactly what to do. Wow! I had no idea that could even happen? BTW, when I do that I am going to unscrew the tremelo block off and take a look at the top. If it does have some sort of paint on it like many people say, I will do the "Eric Johnson" mod and sand the top of the block. Some say it makes an instantly noticeable great change in the tone and sustain. Thanks again Chris.
Dave


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2016 9:10 pm
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Wow I'd never thought of that

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2016 7:54 pm
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My main qualms with my Am Standard hence I had to trade it... hated that even after pro setup, it still didn't keep in tune... :D

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:08 am
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stratmangler wrote:


I adjusted my Am Deluxe with things under tension and managed to damage the knife edges, and the guitar didn't return to pitch properly.
.


+1
Too many people did not know about that :(
We might think that our friend know how to adjust guitar since 1979.

Otstratman write ;
"....and I believe I have the bridge, springs and claw all adjusted correctly. I have been playing guitar since 1979 and have owned too many Strat's to count.


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:16 pm
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Don't forget to look at the grooves in the posts as well.
If there's galling, replace them.

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2016 4:24 pm
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What a great tip. Once again, I didn't think to check the bridge saddles. FYI, I am about 85% certain it's the nut as it was cut for .090's and I use .010's. Never a problem in the past however the return to pitch is sharp leading me to surmise the nut is the problem. However, I am taking my Strat to a really good Luthier for a full inspection and evaluation. Thank you to everyone who posted. I definitely learned some new things.


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 1:07 am
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Otstratman wrote:
However, I am taking my Strat to a really good Luthier for a full inspection and evaluation. Thank you to everyone who posted. I definitely learned some new things.



+1


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 11:33 am
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Keep us posted with the Luthiers evaluation.
mud


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2016 11:42 am
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Yes, I certainly will. I am waiting on a set of "inductance base plates" for the Strat's pickups. I ordered from singlecoil.com based in Germany so I was told about 10 days. I'm also going to install an Emerson "treble bleed" circuit. I installed one in my Tele and wow! Sounded remarkable on the first chord. It's like turning down your TV or stereo. Same exact sound just at a lower volume. There is no change in tone when rolling the volume back.


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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 9:08 am
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I have three American Standards I have put Deluxe Locking Tuners on I use Standard and Deluxe Tremolos and not one has a problem staying in tune.
I whammy and pull, think of a Zakk Wylde playing Texas Blues on a Strat.

No Problems whatsoever. I have more problems with my Les Pauls and I dont have a problem there either.

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Post subject: Re: Keep Am Std in tune?
Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2016 10:08 am
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Like I said, I have never had a problem before. Mine has the deluxe locking tuners as well. I'll find out very soon what the deal is. It has to be the net as the strings return sharp. We'll see.


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