Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

S

SJ318

New member
Hey,
I'll be in a live setting this saturday and will not be using my own gear, just my strat. I will have no tuner. So I ask this question: since I will pre-tune, when I get on stage (5 songs) the heat will affect the strings and may make them go out a little. With my springs engaged it could be worse.
So if I deck my strat so it only can be pushed down, will that make it easier to keep in tune if I just use it a few times. I've always thought that having the ability to "find it's starting place"-in tune-having the springs engaged helps it to find the starting point. I have an LSR and the set up couldn't be better, but still, with all the heat changes does a strat get back in tune just AS WELL when decked? Anyone know this firsthand?
May riches be granted to all who answer,
SJB
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

I feel like when the tuning is going out because of heat changes, even with a good tremolo set up floating you can no longer just depress the bar and get back into tune, the guitar and strings have warmed up and have slightly changed the equilibrium point that the strings and springs are coming back to.

I'd deck it because it's faster tuning by ear and tuning one string won't throw the others off, so you can at least have the guitar in tune along the neck by using harmonics. Will you have a bass or keyboard player to get a reference note off of?

And seriously, no tuner? WTF who is providing the gear and no offense man, but why don't you own a little pocket or clip on tuner? Being out of tune for a performance is just not acceptable.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

+1 on the BYOTuner.

Decking the bridge isn't going to help you if heat is going to throw it out of tune. The metal strings and wood body will expand and different rates. Only addressing the bridge won't solve the problem. If the guitar will be moved through different environments and/or temps change during the gig, you're going to have to be able to tune up.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

If you're playing punk i wouldn't bother with tuning. Who's going to notice.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

I don't think you will have any problems that will negatively affect how your band is received. Leave it how it is and quit worrying about it. I'd be worrying a lot more about how to make an impact given only five songs.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

First,
The guy wants me to use his tuner before he starts and there is no room for my board.
As a guest, I will be going up and the cord I'll be using will be coming out of his electric set up-amp, cords, pedals(which I can't get to when we are both up there.
I can't use his tuner as it is only him on acoustic and he is standing directly in front of his board, and his tuner is actually on his right. I will be on the other side on electric. No other points of reference for tuning. Just him and me. His electric band(a Linda Ronstandt tribute)comes on right after him and I. They are a great, really well done tribute.
You are all correct in that I (being very old school-think Peteson Stobe) didn't even think of that clip on option. Thanks for that. Best inexpensive brand?
The idea of the deck which one guy agreed is that you are right about body and metal changing, and decking it takes several key metal elements out of the equation. Springs, claw. I do want to go up and have fun and I will, I just want to do all I can not to have tuning issues as I have a great ear for tuning like most serious players and this guy is gonna be hitting his acoustic HARD.
The last song is a hard rocker from Son Volt, basically a C-F major bash, so I will use the trem on that, I have been using it so much I really want to use it on stage. If I was playing longer it would settle in and I wouldn't have asked. All great answers, thank you.
SJB
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Get the D'Addario/Planet Waves Micro Tuner I think it is great and you can find them for 12 to 14 bucks often.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Empty Pockets said:
Headstock tuners are like $20... I would just buy one of those.
Click to expand...

+1, many cheap clip on tuners out there. Or bring in a regular tuner and a patch cord. Never leave home with a tuner! Heck, they have them for iPhones and Androids. No excuses man!
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

+1 for carrying your own tuner. Try to acclimatise the guitar to the venue conditions.

Since the entire gig situation seems rough 'n' ready, I doubt that there would many objections if your tuning is also slightly rough 'n' ready.

The temperature and humidity issues that affect you will also affect the other stringed instrument players. Even if you are perfectly in tune, somebody else could be out.

Relax and enjoy the gig.
 
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Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Wow,
To everyone, my next musical purchase will be a clip on tuner, a planet waves micro tuner. Or whatever G.Center has that is just as good. After the last round of answers I have decided to arm myself with a S&W .38. My door is now triple bolt locked as I feel my life is in danger until I get a clip on. Pinky swear-whatever that means.
Too late to get one now, can't get to G.C., I can't drive, no one free to give me a ride. I'll order one from Amazon. but will not get it before the show, so...............
I tried decking my strat and just using the trem to go down. But it does not come back in tune very well. Almost all come back sharp, as opposed to when it floats. So I will go w/my upgraded cheapie L.P.Jr. I got years ago. Had it finished in SG classic cherry. Zebra Seth w/A5 mag, Locking tuners, and a hell of a stable tuning set up. ABR bridge, hard dock nickel stop tailpiece. I'll bump his amps mids and drop the bass and high amp knobs also. Should even out nicely. He's got a Blues Jr. Pro.- Greenback spk. (which I gave him), so there it is.
OK, here's what I learned: DON"T, under any circumstances get a clip on tuner, buy BIG strings for stability: 13-58 set. Play on only one string at a time so I have a better chance of staying in tune. DO NOT bend any strings (big tuning risk), use a felt pick, wear gloves (keep temperature consistent). Face my BACK to the audience to avoid hot lights. Don't play if I can fake it. OK, I am ready to kick guitar ass and have so much fun I'l have to go to confession.-
Thanks guys, I will order a clip on from Amazon this weekend, is planet waves as good as any? I do have a Boss tuner on my board.
SJB
 
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Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Only if ya haz it wid ya at da gig.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Funkfingers made one of the best points there is about guitars , acclimate the guitar to the venue!!! Let the guitar match the temp in the room just like you would if you were playing outside.
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

Yeah,
I'll be taking my guitar to the venue 30 minutes early, play it for fifteen mins, tune it up about 10 mins before the guy starts, so I'll be sure to acclimatize the thing.
Thanks, guys
SJB
 
Re: Decking a Strat-Down only a tuning problem?

beaubrummels said:
+1 on the BYOTuner.

Decking the bridge isn't going to help you if heat is going to throw it out of tune. The metal strings and wood body will expand and different rates. Only addressing the bridge won't solve the problem. If the guitar will be moved through different environments and/or temps change during the gig, you're going to have to be able to tune up.
Click to expand...

Except, as FuseG4 said, it makes it a heck of a lot easier to get it back in tune.
 
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