Going out of tune when fretting open chords?

[UsrName]

Hope this is in the right section.

I've got a strange problem with my RG560. I recently got it set up with 9s in standard E tuning, but wanted to try 10s. I didn't like the thicker feel of them on this guitar, or the tighter feeling of the trem, so I switched back to 9s. (I did adjust the claw for proper bridge position both times).

I have since tuned to Eb and adjusted the claw again. Now, every time I hit open chords, it seems as if the trem is lifting when I fret and throwing the open string out of tune. Weird.

Anyone ever experience this? What can/should I do?

Thanks.

[brothersnowgone]

Are you sure it's intonated correctly? If it's off by a lot it could cause what you're describing, making the strings less in tune with eachother all over the board.

[albee1952]

Also, check nut height. A too high nut will mean you are pressing harder on the strings at the first few frets and that could pull them sharp. If you hold a string at the 3rd fret and look at the first fret, see how much clearance there is between the string and the fret. I like to see just a tiny space. Too much means the nut is high and no space means the nut is too low(and likely would have buzzing on the openstrings). Make certain the bridge is sitting at the proper level or neutral position when the guitar is tuned to pitch.

[UsrName]

It had just been set up and it didn't do this. All I adjusted was the claw for the thicker strings and then again for the original gauge. I checked again to make sure the intonation was ok. The only place it's out is on the open chords.

The bridge is level, but I will check the nut height.

Would the Eb tuning cause this? Do I have to adjust the neck?

[UsrName]

Or possibly using a different brand of strings than it was setup with?

[albee1952]

ANy time you change payt of the setup, the neck may need alittle truss adjustment. Changing string guage changes the tension and soetimes just changing string brand will call for a little tweak.

[UsrName]

I talked to the luthier who did the setup and he said he used Ernie Ball or GHS Boomers. I used Ernie Ball strings. I'll try to tweak the neck a bit.

Thanks for all the helpful replies!

[Ibateur]

or simply tighten the claw a little bit. Could be that you didn't tighten it enough, resulting in just a little tension (i.e. fretting) causing a big enough impact.

You can insert a block of wood, pack of cards, whatever, to block the trem from moving when you fret (temporarily, don't screw anything in) and see if the fret-out-of-tune issue is still there. If it is, then it is certainly not the trem.

[UsrName]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[Braddock]

I have a RG1570 prestige, and my edge pro was always raised. So then i change the gauge strings to 0.10 - 0.46 daddarios and the Edge is neutral.
My D major chord is out off tune.

chord out off tune.

E 2
B 3
G 2
D 0
A
E

[DavyH]

It's time for a Buzz Feiten mod for locking nuts.....