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Post subject: Tuning Issues
Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 7:41 am
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The new USA Tele I just bought from craigslist is having tuning issues.
I had it setup and used it for 1 practice last week and it help tune pretty well.
But not it seems when I do any bending the E , B and sometimes the G will not hold tune.
I have replaced strings with a different set of 10's and I have tightened them up past the norm and let it sit all day .Then tuned it up and did some bending and it comes out of tune.I wanted to play it at tomorrow nights show. But, why would it be ok last Sunday and not now?

I am going to check the string tree tonight and maybe lube it up with some graphite or chap stick. I am going to check the nut for binding too


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 8:37 am
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1-
Yes the nut slots could need to be expended. Are you sure there are enough turns around string post ?

2-
Have you check intonation at 12 the fret and neck curve ? A partially false intonnation could do strings sound out of tune.


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Thu May 10, 2012 4:52 pm
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I have an Ibanez AR200 Gold Top with a Bigsby installed and a friend was suggesting that I should lube the nut slots with pencil lead next time I do a string change. Says it will help it stay in tune longer. Ever heard of this and if it's for real, it could help on your Telecaster too.


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:39 am
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I'd check to see if the tuners themselves are tightly screwed to the headstock. I had a bad tuning problem with one string on one guitar when bending, and when I did a string change I discovered that the peg could move backwards and forwards quite easily, I tightened the screws and the tuning problem went away.

Also the pencil trick on the nut could be a good move (as described above), you'd be lubricating the nut which may help.

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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 4:20 pm
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stratele52 wrote:
1-
Yes the nut slots could need to be expended. Are you sure there are enough turns around string post ?

2-
Have you check intonation at 12 the fret and neck curve ? A partially false intonnation could do strings sound out of tune.


I agree. The nut is 9 out of 10 the problem.


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Tue May 15, 2012 10:36 am
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Yep, It was the nut. Took it to a friend and he put a pencil mark on the nut slots and that fixed it up. Seems the graphite lubes the nut and keeps it from binding. I can now bend the strings all I want and it stays in tune. I ordered me some Big Bends Nut Lube.

I have a made in Japan Strat that I have had the same problem with since 1981. I tried it on that and it fixed the tuning issue on all but one string.(The G string).
So, I found a technique on youtube about how to lock your strings when changing them.
I tried it and now the G string stays in tune. I learned these two cool tricks last week that really helps.

Here is the video for locking the strings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae7HsWFRdYY

Here is my new Tele playing a new song with a freshly lubed nut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1bJCEbJBsQ


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Post subject: Re: Tuning Issues
Posted: Wed May 16, 2012 7:51 am
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Just Playin wrote:
Yep, It was the nut. Took it to a friend and he put a pencil mark on the nut slots and that fixed it up. Seems the graphite lubes the nut and keeps it from binding. I can now bend the strings all I want and it stays in tune. I ordered me some Big Bends Nut Lube.

I have a made in Japan Strat that I have had the same problem with since 1981. I tried it on that and it fixed the tuning issue on all but one string.(The G string).
So, I found a technique on youtube about how to lock your strings when changing them.
I tried it and now the G string stays in tune. I learned these two cool tricks last week that really helps.

Here is the video for locking the strings
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae7HsWFRdYY

I've also noticed a few things about the nut.
1. Gibson uses Corian and in my opion (I've owned a few) it's not a good material for nuts.
2. Unbleached bone made by a good luthier is the way to go.
3. I've come to believe that 3 on a side headstocks don't stay in tune as well as 6 on a side. The B and G strings always go out. You don't notice this as much on acoustic guitars because you're not bending a lot of strings. I play all my Strats with the bridge blocked and my guitars stay in pretty good tune (at least for my ear).





Here is my new Tele playing a new song with a freshly lubed nut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1bJCEbJBsQ


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