Changing strings

[Darran]

Originally Posted by Rich

Cut the balls off and do nothing but clamp down on the string.

If your saddles are loose, which is not uncommon on a new guitar, you can stretch all you want and the saddle moves and throws everything out of tune.

I took the guitar back the shop last week, and lo and behold you were right: the 'A' string saddle was loose. I was under the impression the saddles had been checked (in fact, I witnessed it!), but you can't argue with the facts I suppose, and it was loose.

BUT...

Although the guitar no longer has *severe* tuning problems, I still noticed that it would not remain in concert pitch for long. After 2 hours, I think I've diagnosed the problem, and its one I think Rich suspected earlier in the thread.

After depressing the bar, the G string flattens in pitch slightly; but I'm able to restore the correct tuning by pulling up on the bar. So, what's the problem?

Thanks

[Rich]

Most likely procedure. Read the whole page.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/lockdown.htm

[rgr]

Also make sure the neck is tight to the body, and the screws that hold the nut on are tight (but don't overtighten). Anything loose will cause tuning problems.

[Darran]

Originally Posted by Rich

Most likely procedure. Read the whole page.

http://www.ibanezrules.com/tech/setup/lockdown.htm

It's specifically the G string that's affected by the trem, and I've followed your procedures meticulously, Rich. Having used a floyd rose for many years, I accept that there's no such thing as a perfect return, but I've never experienced anything like this.

[Rich]

It's not probable but it could be slipping through the nut.

[Darran]

Originally Posted by Rich

It's not probable but it could be slipping through the nut.

Thought of that, but wouldn't the 'D' string be affected too? Turned the nut around anyway; no difference. Made sure the saddle's tight too; it is, and now it's rounded off (from too much tightening by the looks of it).

[Rich]

If only one string is affected, and you're following correct procedure, it's not slipping at the nut or saddle, and the string is fully stretched, i don't have any more answers for you.

[unless the string is coming back to pitch after a few seconds. G strings will flatten slightly when whammied and then return to pitch after a few seconds]

[Darran]

Originally Posted by Rich

[unless the string is coming back to pitch after a few seconds. G strings will flatten slightly when whammied and then return to pitch after a few seconds]

Unfortunately not, but thanks for your help; much appreciated.

[Darran]

Hello again!

During my time away from this thread, I've actually had my JS1000BTB replaced. The shop acknowledged that there was a problem with the trem (EDGE Pro) and thought the best resolution would be to offer a replacement, which I accepted.

However..

I'm experiencing a similar problem to last time. Specifically, if I raise the bar the strings go sharp, but if I immediately depress the bar the strings return to the correct pitch. Is this normal? And if so, how are you supposed to tolerate this in a live situation?

Thanks

[DaveP]

Check you trem and make sure is level with the top of the guitar. If the trem is not floating properly it will not return to 0.
Also I have found that cutting the ball ends off ensures that you will not have the wrap overhanging the saddle. This causes your string to sound dull and lifeless.
Just my 2 cents.