trying to help a friend, the machine heads are tight. all strings can be tuned with digital tuner, but make a cord and instantly...out of tune??
any ideas? thanks

Can only be 2 things left to try possible loose neck tighten neck as hard as possible and then also tighten bridge screws blaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and twaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa good luck

if the tension of the strings over powers the tension of the trem springs it wont stay in tune. also check that the strings move freely on the nut if there binding that will make it go out. could also be what was prevoiusly mentioned. try tuning it then push down on thr trem bar then check the tuning without playing a note if its off then its one of the two things ive mentioned. if so the easiest thing is to tighten the trem claw screws. for more tension against the strings.

Check intonation, action and fret placement in regard to the nut. Then check the nut slots depth.

It's highly unlikely that the strings are slipping without playing the thing. Unless you're stringing the guitar incorrectly.

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No no and no

-It could have something to do with the tremolo. Make sure the screws are tight and make sure the springs are too.

-Check to make sure the guitar is strung correctly, with at least three winds around the post. Stretch the strings if they've been put on recently.

-Do what nikininja and check the nut, action, intonation, frets etc.

Don't think "it won't stay in tune because it's a Squier". Any guitar will go out of tune if it isn't properly set up, especially those with floating bridges.

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Make sure that the strings aren't binding in the nut or on the bridge by rubbing a pencil lead(which is graphite)in the slots and on the bridge pieces.Also stretch the strings constantly while tuning after putting on a new set.Always change one string at a time as taking them all off at once almost guarantees tuning problems.As others have stated make sure the trem springs are tightened correctly and that the neck screws are tight. In my 45 years playing I have found that the fewer winds on the string posts the better 2 winds usually is enough anything more than 3 allows for loss of tension in the strings through the windings.If the strings are old they could also go out of tune quickly because over time the metal stretches and becomes fatigued.Put on a new set of strings and set the intonation or have a tech do it or a set up and that should only cost 50 or 60 bucks.

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