Another "simple" guitar set-up question if you don't mind.....

[cosmo115]

As some of you know, I just got my LP set-up after 10+ years. Now, she's not staying in tune. I vaguely remember that was/is common after a guitar set-up, but I'm not 100% sure if I recall correctly. Please let me know if I'm right and please let me know how long this should last.

 

Thanks again!!

 

BTW, I just ordered the DigiTech RP80!!!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_28_112.gif

 

 

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_1_137.gif

[Mudcat]

Isn't the locking system with your trem supposed to take care of that problem?

 

The only thing I can think of is that whoever did your set-up did not adequately stretch the strings. I have zero experience with a locking trem, so this is about all I can offer. I'm sure there are other dive-bombers here who can come up with some specific suggestions for you.

 

Let us know how the RP80 works out once you get it!

[A String]

Is it a locking nut? If not, Mudcat is probably right. When you put new strings on a guitar, you should always strech them out. If you do not have a locking nut, try this:

 

Bend the e string at least a tone and return it, repeat this back and forth several times fairly quickly. Then retune the string. Keep this up untill it does not go out when bent. Now move on to the next string. after they are all done, the tuning issue should be fixed.

[cosmo115]

Originally posted by A String:

Is it a locking nut? If not, Mudcat is probably right. When you put new strings on a guitar, you should always strech them out. If you do not have a locking nut, try this:

 

Bend the e string at least a tone and return it, repeat this back and forth several times fairly quickly. Then retune the string. Keep this up untill it does not go out when bent. Now move on to the next string. after they are all done, the tuning issue should be fixed.

Thanks Mudcat and A String! It does have a locking nut though Should I just loosen up the locking nut and try your advice?

 

OR should I go back to the place that did the set-up and slap them in the head for not stretching the strings and say http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4_3_5.gif

[Mudcat]

Originally posted by cosmo115:

...Should I just loosen up the locking nut and try your advice?

 

OR should I go back to the place that did the set-up and slap them in the head for not stretching the strings and say http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4_3_5.gif

I must defer to others due to my lack of experience with these things.

[Shoes]

I think everybody's caught the scent of unstressed strings being the likely culprit. There's a thing you can buy (aint there always!) that you slide your string into and run up and down the neck a few times. It forces a good curve onto the string and makes sure the windings aren't locked-up and creating undesired inconsistencies.

 

Whipping them about the room like a mad man will do essentially the same thing and provide more enjoyment.

 

I had a locking unit and when properly installed it fixes things very reliably. Have you checked the neck for movement?

 

Good luck with that.

[Billster]

I agree with the stretching the strings. I always put the big stretch on BEFORE I lock down the nut.

 

Also, did they use the same gauge strings as the old? Floating trems like the Kahler and Floyd are diabolical to calibrate the tension change from different string gauges.

[Guitar Geezer]

Originally posted by Guitars are like shoes. But louder.:

Whipping them about the room like a mad man will do essentially the same thing and provide more enjoyment.

[cosmo115]

Originally posted by Guitars are like shoes. But louder.:

I think everybody's caught the scent of unstressed strings being the likely culprit. There's a thing you can buy (aint there always!) that you slide your string into and run up and down the neck a few times. It forces a good curve onto the string and makes sure the windings aren't locked-up and creating undesired inconsistencies.

 

Thanks shoes! It's too late for that now since the strings are already on.

 

I had a locking unit and when properly installed it fixes things very reliably. Have you checked the neck for movement?

 

Good luck with that.

Another silly question, but what should I be looking for??? BTW the guitar tech said the neck was ever so slightly off kilter on one side and it was "supposedly" adjusted with the set-up.

 

In addition, I called the place and they said if it still goes out of tune after 2 weeks or so, bring the guitar back in. Does this sound crazy to anyone

[Mudcat]

Originally posted by cosmo115:

...In addition, I called the place and they said if it still goes out of tune after 2 weeks or so, bring the guitar back in. Does this sound crazy to anyone

If you play every day and you still have significant tuning problems I would take it back after a week. Sounds like the folks who did your set-up re pretty reasonable.

[cosmo115]

Originally posted by billster:

I agree with the stretching the strings. I always put the big stretch on BEFORE I lock down the nut.

 

Also, did they use the same gauge strings as the old? Floating trems like the Kahler and Floyd are diabolical to calibrate the tension change from different string gauges.

Unfortunately I had no control on the stretching of the strings.

 

As far as the gauge of strings, I put on 10s, but have no idea what I put on 10+ years ago. I don't even know what I had for lunch today

[doc taz]

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability. I never understood why on some Kahlers, that the locking nut was installed before the regular one.

 

The locking nut should be the only nut on a proper locking system, unless the headstock is designed like the Carvins, straight through with locking tuners and a graphite nut.

[cosmo115]

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability.

I hope that's not the case. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_9_3.gif

[Mudcat]

Originally posted by cosmo115:

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability.

I hope that's not the case. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_9_3.gif

I'd recommend a little graphite in the nut's sttring slots before I went that far. I know this much from a friend of mine who did a lot of set-ups on Kahlers.

[cosmo115]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

Originally posted by cosmo115:

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability.

I hope that's not the case. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_9_3.gif

I'd recommend a little graphite in the nut's sttring slots before I went that far. I know this much from a friend of mine who did a lot of set-ups on Kahlers.

Thanks! Something like this??

http://automotive.aubuchonhardware.com/engine_lubricants_and_additives/grease_cartridges/powdered_graphite_lubricant-576360.asp

[Mudcat]

Originally posted by cosmo115:

Originally posted by Mudcat:

Originally posted by cosmo115:

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability.

I hope that's not the case.

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_9_3.gif

I'd recommend a little graphite in the nut's sttring slots before I went that far. I know this much from a friend of mine who did a lot of set-ups on Kahlers.

Thanks! Something like this??

http://automotive.aubuchonhardware.com/engine_l ubricants_and_additives/grease_cartridges/powdered_graphite_lubricant-576360.asp

---

Yes.

 

Get those strings stretched out as well.

[doc taz]

Originally posted by Mudcat:

Originally posted by cosmo115:

Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might have to replace the locking nut there with a new one. If you don't mind, a good guitar tech ought to place the new nut over where the regular nut is now, and then fill the holes over the old holes with epoxy. That should improve the tuning stability.

I hope that's not the case. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_9_3.gif

I'd recommend a little graphite in the nut's sttring slots before I went that far. I know this much from a friend of mine who did a lot of set-ups on Kahlers.

Yeah, fair enough. It'd be sad to ruin a perfectly good guitar otherwise.