I'm owner of Fender U.S.A. Standard Stratocaster '97. The problem is that I can't keep my 3rd string in tune. Whether I bend 3rd or 2nd string, the 3rd string goes eventually out of tune... And don't get me started on using tremolo arm... So, any suggestions??? It works as well on new strings (just to keep away the changeyourstrings answers...)

I didn't think there was an answer to this until I got my American Deluxe Fat strat. It comes with locking tuners and an LSR nut.

Guess what... If my strings are in good condition, it always stays in tune...

It worked so well, that I added locking tuners and an LSR nut to my 1996 LoneStar strat and now it stays in tune as well.

If you don't / can't / won't make this sort of mod on your guitar... (LSR nuts are a one-way street), try blocking your bridge ala Clapton and see if that helps.

guitplayer

One of the most important things to do to help your guitar stay in tune is to stretch the strings. When you restring a guitar, always stretch the strings out a bit, by pulling on them lightly in order to take out the slack between the windings around the post on the tuners, as well as to make sure the ball ends of the strings are firmly in place at the bridge. You have to work on each string individually, for a few minutes on each one - stretch and retune until the string remains very close to staying at pitch when you stretch it. It's a good idea to stretch your strings a bit before playing (each time you pick up the guitar), even if they haven't just been restrung. It definitely helps. Another trick is to put graphite in the nut slots - even just coloring in the nut slots with a pencil. You should also check the nut slots (especially your 3rd string, as you mentioned it was the one giving you the most trouble) to make sure there are no burrs that are catching the string and keeping it from coming back in tune when you bend. If that is the case, then you will need to have that attended to. Any good repairperson should be able to file the nut slots and correct any problems. I wouldn't recommend trying to do any filing yourself if you aren't familiar with this type of work. It is fairly simple to do, but you can just as easily make it worse if you don't know what you're doing.

Additionally, check the tuner buttons (the part you turn when tuning each string) and make sure they are all secure and not loose. If they are, then take a small screwdriver and tighten up the screw that hold it in place. You don't need to make it too tight, just tighten it up a little bit. You should be able to tell if it's too loose or tight when you turn the button.

Also, check the intonation of each string and make sure they are in tune. An easy way to do this is by checking the pitch of the open string and then the pitch of the fretted note of the same string on the 12th fret. You'll need to do that with an electronic tuner. If it's sharp or flat, you'll need to adjust the position of the saddle to make it play in tune. I won't go into detail of how to adjust intonation in order to keep this a short note. But if you need some advice on setting intonation, email me and I'll send you clearer instructions.

One last thing - if you haven't had your guitar set up in a while (or ever), I would definitely suggest you bring it in to a reputable shop and have the work done by a pro. It shouldn't cost too much, but once it's set up properly, it should stay in tune. It is definitely possible to keep a stock Strat with a standard nut, standard bridge and non-locking tuners in tune, but it needs to be properly set up in order to have it perform correctly. It will certainly be worth the expense to have your guitar in top working condition.

I hope this helps!

Lisa

[This message has been edited by Lisa (edited 12-13-2000).]

I vote for the locking tuners too, I had some put on my Strat, Along with a graphite nut and saddle, and it stays in tune great. BTW, I also removed the string tree. I play pretty hard but haven't had any problems from removing string tree yet.

An added benifit with the graphite is you don't break strings as much either. Another cool thing about locking tuners, 30 second string changes without a string winder .

Bad things about locking tuners, permanent mod to guitar, they can break also. If this happens during a gig your screwed, trust me, I know.

Don't add locking nuts if you're worried about a permanent mod, this is a one way street as well.

Thanks, Lisa!!!

Another trick is to put graphite in the nut slots - even just coloring in the nut slots with a pencil.

It worked!!! I tried it on old strings and now my Strat is in tune... I'll try it on set of new one of these days because I'll be playing on gig very soon...

I'm happy to hear that it's working out!

Lisa

Locking Nuts???? What the hell was I thinking, That sounds PAINFUL!!! I believe locking tuners is what I was going for