Tuning stability : nut, trees, saddles and nut files.

dsuigdsf

Active member
Hi!
I'm looking for the best tuning stability possible. I'd like to use the tremolo extensively.
I also tend to bend the neck with hardtail and I've noticed that it detunes it a bit.
As for the nut, everyone seems to agree and point to TUSQ or TUSQ XL as the best options.
Regarding string trees, is there a difference between classic, roller, and TUSQ? Does TUSQ require cutting? I've seen these trees flat on the bottom and have sharp edges.
Regarding bridge saddles, I see that Graph Tech String Savers aren't as popular as TUSQ nuts. Does this mean that regular bridge saddles are fine? Or is it worth investing in a string saver for a tremolo? Roller saddles are out of the question; I've tested them, and in my opinion, they ruin the sound.
I'm also wondering about good nut files. I've heard that not all of them have rounded bottoms and require careful handling. Apparently, Music Nomad has files that are perfectly shaped for the string, so you don't need to polish the grooves.
Is it also worth drilling the tremolo block to minimize the amount of string inside? EVH did this, and the Gotoh 510 also has something along those lines (FST function).
 
The Tusq string trees may need to be sanded down a bit to get the angle just right

I use the LSR , or a copy of from Kaish

With my LSR I removed the string trees all together

Locking tuners for short string wraps

I thought about getting Locking saddles for the tremolo bridge

With one of these


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Ultimately decided the string doesn't move that much with trem use at the saddle
But it does at the nut. You can hear it

Rollers remove that


1000013523.webp
 
The best tuning stability is with a double locking trem system. I have guitars with fully floating floyds that only need tuning if there's a swing in humidity/temperature and the neck goes out a little. If you're planning to use the trem a lot, that's the way I'd go. Even a perfectly set up standard trem will never achieve this level of stability.
 
Before you do all that stuff try a few different lubricants in the nut slots. I use a mixture of graphite and vaseline.
 
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