Excessive stretching of High-E string on lo-pro

BluewookieJim · #1 02-23-2003, 12:47 AM

Is it normal too have to unlock the locking nut several times to have to tighten the high E string back to tune?

I've experienced this on my 89 RG-5XX's in the past, but I noticed it today with my Jem 7 after changing (and stretching) strings.

Should I be concerned?

ScottRosenberger · #2 02-23-2003, 01:22 AM

check to see if slots are starting to wear in the locking nut or its clamp. It's happened with me when I used to use 9's

Rich · #3 02-23-2003, 02:01 AM

You sure your saddle isn't slipping a litle?

BluewookieJim · #4 02-23-2003, 02:16 AM

Scott,

I do use 9's. I have the locking nut 'clamps' orientated parallel with the strings. I checked the clamps, there is no slots or wear. The guitar is very new, a 2001 model, that I just bought last week.

Rich, I'm not sure how I would be able to tell if the saddle is slipping at all, any suggestion?

FYI, I had a setup done this morning, so the strings are obviously new, but they seemed to be adequately stretched, as I'm having no issues with any string besides the high-E.

Rich · #5 02-23-2003, 02:20 AM

High E as in the 9 right? Tighten the saddle and see if it still does it.

BluewookieJim · #6 02-23-2003, 02:47 AM

Rich, yes the high E, as in the 9.

I checked the intonation when I got it back today, and again tonight after reading your message. Both time it was the same. So I don't think it could be saddle slipping.

Just for good measure I tighted the saddle a little more, I'll see if that helps.

I'm starting to wonder if it's somehow a defective string? That'll probably be my next check.

Rich · #7 02-23-2003, 02:52 AM

Maybe make sure the string is tight in the saddle, but usually if that's slipping it just pops out. could just be the string, but a high e has very little stretch to begin with, I'm clueless.

BluewookieJim · #8 02-23-2003, 03:06 AM

Rich, checked that too.

I'm stumped here too. Already twice today i've adjusted the fine tuner all the way to the point where I had to unlock the nut and adjust. And it is almost there again.

I think I'll just try a new high E string tomorrow, see if that changes anything.

Thanks for the suggestions

Ankhnaten · #9 02-23-2003, 10:00 AM

Process of elimination here kinda helps. I had the same issue one with 9's slipping in the saddle too. If you remove the locking nut for that string, you should still be able to tune it up to a point where it shouldn't stretch anymore, even with whammy action. It may not return to perfect pitch, but you at least remove it from the issue. The saddle on mine was fine, but there was a small crack in the little block that ran vertically up the center, which conveniently is where the string runs. So, it was just enough to let the string slip through. But it was slow just like your problem, it didn't just let go and pop out. Try checking the little block in there...