Changing tunings on JP15 7 string

**Makesexnotwar** · 02-02-2021, 10:44 AM

Hello guys! Probably I'll join EBMM club with JP15 7 string soon and I wanted to ask few questions about tremolo. How easy can I change tunings on it? Mostly I'm planning to jump between B standard and Drop A tunings, so nothing fancy. I know it's floating bridge so usually changing tuning even on 1 string might take time but I'd like to hear some feedback from actual owners. Sorry this question was already asked

**beej** · 02-02-2021, 11:06 AM

Changing tunings on a floating bridge is a pain. Allow plenty of time to tune, tighten/loosen the claw, retune, etc.

If this is something you're planning to do regularly, I'd look at getting something to block the trem for detuning (Tremol-no, etc.). Might make your life a lot easier.

**tbonesullivan** · 02-02-2021, 12:00 PM

Switching between tunings on a floating bridge is really not recommended. The bridge will not be level in one of the two tunings, which can throw the intonation and action off. You would need to block the trem so that it is dive only for it to work effectively in any type of live situation.

**Astrofreq** · 02-02-2021, 03:15 PM

If it isn’t a locking nut, I don’t find it a big deal at all. I guess I’m in the minority. Just expect to retune every string.

**johnnyboogie** · 02-03-2021, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by Astrofreq

If it isn’t a locking nut, I don’t find it a big deal at all. I guess I’m in the minority. Just expect to retune every string.

It's not that simple unfortunately.

The springs, bridge level, action and intonation is set to a specific "value" that corresponds to a specific tuning. Once you change the tuning all the above need to be revisited and set to new "values" that will correspond to the new tuning. However, you can bypass all that with a bridge-block, in essence turning the guitar into a fixed-bridge guitar.

**johnnyboogie** · 02-03-2021, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by Makesexnotwar

Hello guys! Probably I'll join EBMM club with JP15 7 string soon and I wanted to ask few questions about tremolo. How easy can I change tunings on it? Mostly I'm planning to jump between B standard and Drop A tunings, so nothing fancy. I know it's floating bridge so usually changing tuning even on 1 string might take time but I'd like to hear some feedback from actual owners. Sorry this question was already asked

It's not THAT big of a change but the bridge will obviously drop deeper within the body and the rest of the strings will need some time to re-tune. Your low A will obviously lose tension and feel less sturdy. It's certainly not recommended.

PS: Buying two JP15s, each with a dedicated tuning solves your problem. Alternatively, you install a bridge-block but you sacrifice the ability to float =)

**Makesexnotwar** · 02-03-2021, 02:40 AM

Thanks for answers! Actually liked advise for buying 2 guitars but unfortunately it's out of my budget

**dave1812** · 02-11-2021, 02:08 AM

Standard B to Drop A isn't that big of a Deal tbh.
It's basically the Drop D for 7 Strings. I've done it on my JP7 a few times. You have to go through Tuning all the Strings 2 or maybe 3 Times until they all stay in tune, but it didn't require any Trem adjustment for me.

**dave1812** · 02-11-2021, 02:11 AM

I use 10-56 Strings on my JP7. If i had another 7 String just for Drop A I would get a thicker B/A String though. The 25,5" Scale is really on it's limit, regarding String Tension with lower Tunings.
Wish they made the 7 String JPs in 26,5" or 27" Scale Length