Changing strings

Darran · #1 12-09-2005, 05:16 PM

I'm the proud owner of a JS1000BSB with an edge pro trem, which I purchased 4 months ago

When I first changed the strings I followed a similar process to the one described on this site (although I didn't remove the ball-ends).
Afterwards I discovered that the guitar would not stay in tune when I used the trem (albeit very lightly). Consequently, I took it back to the shop and asked the guitar-tech to take a look. He discovered that the D-string appeared to be the main culprit, and no matter how often he stretched it in, it would not stabilise. He did, however, notice that I hadn't put the strings on quite as well as I should, and decided to re-string the guitar, but on this occasion he removed the ball-ends. After copious stretching, the guitar's tuning began to stabilise, and I left the shop a happy man.

5 weeks later (or the day before yesterday), I re-strung the instrument once more, and followed the guitar tech's instructions as closely as possible. Unfortunately, once more it refuses to stay in tune when using the trem.

Anyone experienced this, or offer any advice? Its been said a million times before I know, but is having a floyd rose really worth this enormous hassle?!

GTR-MAN · #2 12-09-2005, 06:56 PM

Check out ibanezrules.com , or just click on the banner at the top of the page. Check out his tech section, he (Rich) addresses this very issue. It could be a number of things, non-locking trem posts, fat knife edges, or other.

HDS · #3 12-09-2005, 09:22 PM

And just when you think you have stretched the strings enough stretch them again

magenta placenta · #4 12-11-2005, 08:00 PM

Here's what I do and I have no tuning problems with a JS1000

First, I change one string at a time.
I cut the ball ends and use that end at the bridge.
Run the string through the tuning peg string hole and pull taught.
Release a little so you have some slack.
Wrap around string and kink over itself.
Tune up to pitch.
Repeat on next string.
When all 6 strings are changed and tuned to pitch, I'll do big, full bends on each string, 12th fret.
Then I'll grab each string and pull straight up from the fretboard at the 12th fret.
Retune - and bend/stretch again.
Retune - and bend/stretch again - 3rd time is usually the charm.
Lock the nut down and I'm good to go.

HDS · #5 12-11-2005, 08:22 PM

Aww hell just cut all your strings and play air guitar!!

saTa · #6 12-12-2005, 08:16 AM

boy, i know why i hate floyds and block all of the fkrs i get ahold of :P

Shep · #7 12-12-2005, 09:45 AM

stretch them in straigh after putting them on....that helps

Darran · #8 12-12-2005, 04:59 PM

Thanks for the response.

Well, its been 5 days of stretching, tuning, stretching, tuning, stretching, tuning, stretching, tuning, and just yesterday I took it to my guitar-tech who stretched and tuned once more, and I left his place with an in-tune guitar.

Unfortunately, I've just had to return home from rehearsal early because my guitar went obscenely out of tune; and rather than waste 30 minutes of my band mates's time tuning, I was forced to call it a day.

I initially put tonight's tuning problems down to the temperature of the room (very cold initially), but after about an hour, I lifted the trem and the guitar went completely out of tune (no exaggeration).

I've reached the end of my tether now. I've owned 2 RG570's for over 10 years and never have I had a problem with either the original floyd or the lo-pro edge. I'm taking it back to the shop I bought it from on Saturday, and I hope they'll furnish me with a replacement.

Rich · #9 12-12-2005, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darran

I initially put tonight's tuning problems down to the temperature of the room (very cold initially), but after about an hour, I lifted the trem and the guitar went completely out of tune (no exaggeration).

.

Sharp or flat? And did you reset the trem by pushing the bar back down again?

Darran · #10 12-12-2005, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

Sharp or flat? And did you reset the trem by pushing the bar back down again?

Do you know Rich, it was that out of tune it didn't matter! I'll go check.

Here is the current tuning

E - +45 cent
A - -48 cent
D - +28
G - actually registers as F#+47 cent
B - +24 cent
E - +13

I can't remember if I pushed the bar back down again. I have now though, but those are still the readings.

Rich · #11 12-12-2005, 05:28 PM

Tighten all the saddles, especially the A, tune and stretch and try again.

Darran · #12 12-12-2005, 05:44 PM

I vowed that after 5 days of stretching that I would stretch no more! Honest Rich, it would be pointless, there is a definate problem; be it one created by myself when re-stringing, or one with the actual guitar.

Before I take it back Saturday I'll re-string it once more, following all your guidelines (I've just realised that you're Rich Harris!). Do you suggest cutting off the ball-ends? The method I use at the moment is cutting off the ball-end and creating a sort of loop at the end of the string before inserting into the saddle (as suggested by my guitar-tech). I imagine that this gives a greater mass for the saddle to lock-in.

Thanks for your help.

Rich · #13 12-12-2005, 06:05 PM

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.

mike2558 · #14 12-12-2005, 06:14 PM

shoot I should restring my 1200 soon but I fear this is going to happen.

Darran · #15 12-12-2005, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich

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.

My guitar certainly has all the symptoms associated with loose saddles; I'll have them checked out, although I think they were checked by my guitar tech when I first experienced this problem.