Tuning problems with the new Fender

Svs696

Svs696

New member
I LOVE my new guitar, but tuning it is a pain! I try to tune it 1/2 step down, I start with the low E and end with the high E. I hit the low E again just to make sure it's in E flat and the tuner's telling me I got it in E. Could it be a problem with the bridge? One more thing, the whammy bar wasn't going in all the way. Help?
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

Is it Floyded or does it have an otherwise floating trem (i.e. not lying flat on the body)?
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

Factory strings, and I don't think the strings have an effect on my tremolo bar issue....
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

right, heed caution and wait until someone verifies my comment,

The whammy bar screws in?? and you will find that it will get stiff before being all the way in, keep screwing it in, because its new chances are its going to need some wearing in, my squier had that problem with the bar and it's expected that the edges inside the screw hole need a little wearing in....

now tuning, Was your guitar set up properly when you bought it? If not, then this may be the problem, perhaps the setup feels great to play but the intonation might be out too, the pegs may slip a bit with new strings... there's lots it could be.

Also don't tule out the tuner, change the battery in the tuner, as this may also be an issue (trust me, its happened to me before!)

Basically, make a bullet pointed checklist, go through the list and tick those tasks off as you go along, and each time, see if it has rectified the problem

Hope this helps :)
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

if your trem is not flush against the body then it is pulling things sharp as you tune down
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

-The tuner's fine.
-I can see the block under the bridge.
-The whammy bar gets stiff after the 7th rotation.
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

Svs696 said:
-I can see the block under the bridge.
Click to expand...

Then it's set up for floating operation, which allows for very slight pullup with the bar.

In that event, when you loosened the strings to detune, the tension of the bridge springs was greater than the string tension, so the bridge pulled backwards, thus causing the first detuned string (low E) to return to full tension as if it had not been detuned.

Had you started with the high E, that string would have read E on the tuner.
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

On the other hand, if you want the trem to float, it's not an insurmountable technological hurdle. If it floats, it will always be a pain when you change tunings, no matter how well set-up the guitar is.
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

Being a 6-point trem, the front edge is curved for diving, so if you do drop it to the surface, be aware that over-cranking the screws will cause thr rear to lift up.

Also be aware that lowering it to the surface will limit how far down you can dive.
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

I'm going to guess that this Stratocaster is Svs696's first vibrato-equipped electric guitar.

Tuning a guitar with a vibrato bridge/tailpiece is always a more lengthy process than with a fixed bridge. Any adjustment of tension to one string affects the balance of all six against the springs in the rear of the guitar. There will always be a certain amount of trial and error (and cursing) before the instrument is properly tuned.

One other consideration. If the guitar is going to be permanently retuned to E flat, the intonation may need minor adjustment. You might also want to change to heavy gauge strings to preserve the overall tension and playing feel.
 
Re: Tuning problems with the new Fender

Funkfingers said:
I'm going to guess that this Stratocaster is Svs696's first vibrato-equipped electric guitar.

Tuning a guitar with a vibrato bridge/tailpiece is always a more lengthy process than with a fixed bridge. Any adjustment of tension to one string affects the balance of all six against the springs in the rear of the guitar. There will always be a certain amount of trial and error (and cursing) before the instrument is properly tuned.

One other consideration. If the guitar is going to be permanently retuned to E flat, the intonation may need minor adjustment. You might also want to change to heavy gauge strings to preserve the overall tension and playing feel.
Click to expand...

agreed... some guitars also may need a slight Truss Rod adjustment when using lower tunings... but i find it's rare in most cases when just going down to E- but it depends on the neck...

as far as the whammy bar not going in all the way i wonder if Fender has the little spring inside the block... it keeps tention on the bar's threads to stop it from banging around, swinging, making noise...
 
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