Question for whammy bar users

[mule]

Having a bit of trouble getting my guitar to stay in tune. I just bought a PRS 20th anniversary CU24 on August 5th. It comes strung with 9's so I installed a set of D'Addario 9's and lubricated the crap out of the nut, saddles and tremelo pivot points with Big Bends Nut Sauce. Not too sure how well the nut sauce got into the pivot points since you can't see them. And yes, I stretch my strings quite thoroughly. My problem is this: I can use the bar no problem and all the strings come back to pitch everytime. But if I do a few string bends and then play a chord, there is usually 1 or 2 strings just out of tune enough to sound like crap. The G string is almost always one of them. Then, if I drop the bar and bring it back, everything falls back in tune. Does anyone think the guitar just needs time to break-in or am I maybe looking at burrs at the pivot points? When I take the guitar to my luthier, I'm going to have it setup with 10's. Will this help with the tuning issue? This is driving me nuts since I love everything else about this guitar and happen to bend strings alot so you can well imagine how annoying this is. Thanks for reading and any responses. P.S., I've been playing since '77 so I am fairly experienced. :wink:

 

[Watroba]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

The 20th Anniversary Customs are beautiful guitars.

My friend had this same problem with his Ibanez. However, he hasn't been able to fix it. Try the 10's I'd say. Different tension on the trem might pull it back in tune more often.

 

[Watroba]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Actually, before I try anything, I would get PRS tech support on the phone.

They go out of their way to fix anything that is wrong with their guitars.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Have it setup with 10's, and get him to swap out the plain 17 G for a wound 18.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Picture the string. Think of what is happening.

The string is stretched, as you said, so picture it as a solid line.

Start at one end of the straight line, the tuning pegs.

"If" the locking nut is doing its job, it should take any tuning peg issues out of the problem. To remove the "if" check that peticular slot and string lock for burrs, and that the surfaces are functioning as they should. I am not sure what the surface of those nut locks look like, as I don't own that guitar. Also, check to see that the lock bolt is functional, has good threads, and is not loose or overtightened, stripping the bolt.

As we go down the string there is nothing effecting the string until we reach the trem. The string lock in the trem should be holding the string tight. Overtightening will strip the lock bolt, so be careful.

In the trem there are knife edges, and springs that effect smooth operation. If knife edges have burrs, or springs have weak spots, that would effect smooth operation, you "could" check the knife edges and smooth them and/or the slots in the trem posts, but, these items generally effect "all" the strings, not just one. You can also check for burrs on the channel (not sure of the name) that leads in the string lock in the trem. The face of the string locks in the trem may have burrs.

In Floyds, there is a whole in the saddle that the locking nut pushes on. That hole needs to be down and facing the locking screw.

The first thing I would do is pull off the locking nut string lock and check for burrs on that slot and string lock. Then if that didn't fix it I would replace that one string, stretching the he!! out of it.

 

[Kent S.]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Actually, before I try anything, I would get PRS tech support on the phone.

They go out of their way to fix anything that is wrong with their guitars.

There's you're answer, I've got an old CU24, locking tuners, graphite nut (not routed for up-pull, other than normal *strat-like float* that is). Never used any lube on any of it, stays in tune flawlessly. I'd definitely call up PRS and ask.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

"If" the locking nut is doing its job, it should take any tuning peg issues out of the problem.

A PRS doesn't have a locking nut.

 

[Slash2987]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Graphite nuts are the best for keeping guitars in tune because the graphite shaves off and creates friction with the strings holding them in place better. Does this guitar have a graphite nut? Just a suggestion.

 

[DesertRose]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

I thought the latest PRS do come with locking nutz .. well

 

[mule]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Thanx for the suggestions guys. Mine has PRS graphite nut. I'll have to give them a call.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

Graphite nuts are the best for keeping guitars in tune because the graphite shaves off and creates friction with the strings holding them in place better. Does this guitar have a graphite nut? Just a suggestion.

What?

The graphite is "slippery" and reduces friction and allows the string to return to pitch and maintain equal tension on both sides of the nut.

 

[sosomething]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

What?

The graphite is "slippery" and reduces friction and allows the string to return to pitch and maintain equal tension on both sides of the nut.

I was going to say the same thing, but you beat me to it.


Yes, like Golden Boy said, the graphite nut works because it is low-friction to help prevent string-bind, and allowing the locking tuners to do their job.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Question for whammy bar users

I was going to say the same thing, but you beat me to it.


Yes, like Golden Boy said, the graphite nut works because it is low-friction to help prevent string-bind, and allowing the locking tuners to do their job.

Like a nut made of pencil lead.

Good luck Mule. Use that warranty.