Bridge adjustments after changing strings?

[Studebaker Hawk]

Just changed the strings on my JP6 one at a time and now the bridge isn't level anymore with the body. This is my first guitar in 27 years that uses the locking Schaller tuners and just can't seem to figure it out.

Once the strings are on and tuned up, do I need to adjust the bridge somehow so it's level? Thanks for the help!

 

[( o )===#]

Have you changed guage or tuning?
Check your action.

Cause if you changed the tension in anyway, the bridge won't be the same as it was before.

 

[Studebaker Hawk]

Nope - kept 10s on it. The only time tension is changed is when I remove a string. By doing it one at a time, I thought it would keep it virtually the same. Frustrating.

 

[( o )===#]

Nope - kept 10s on it. The only time tension is changed is when I remove a string. By doing it one at a time, I thought it would keep it virtually the same. Frustrating.

It does.
This is a floating I hope?

 

[Studebaker Hawk]

Yes - just not floating as much now as it was before I changed the strings.

 

[TNT]

Studebaker,

MAKE SURE that you've "stretched" those strings out completely, until they won't stretch anymore, before completing tuning up!!

This will accomplish two things: your guitar will NOT go out of tune when you play and use the bar, and two, the trem will return to exactly where it was before you changed strings.

 

[the24thfret]

Unless you use the same type, same gauge, same brand, things are bound to change. Adjust the trem claw in the back of the guitar to even out the tension. Remove the rear plastic plate and use a philips head screwdriver to screw in the two screws if the bridge is too high and screw out if the bridge is too low. Small adjustments make a big difference. Try half-turns on both first. Then check the bridge level by retuning the guitar.

 

[the24thfret]

Studebaker,

MAKE SURE that you've "stretched" those strings out completely, until they won't stretch anymore, before completing tuning up!!

This will accomplish two things: your guitar will NOT go out of tune when you play and use the bar, and two, the trem will return to exactly where it was before you changed strings.

I always question the "stretch" approach. I never intentionally stretch new strings, but instead a bit of trem use on the first day and a retune or two does the trick.

 

[greenwizard]

I always question the "stretch" approach. I never intentionally stretch new strings, but instead a bit of trem use on the first day and a retune or two does the trick.

When you use your trem, you are effectively stretching and unstretching the strings. Pulling up on the trem is going to help stretch them more than divebombing though. I find that pulling and pushing on the strings is faster at getting stable tuning though.

 

[the24thfret]

Yeah, I'm aware, but I don't intentionally stretch the strings. That's what I mean!

 

[TNT]

Hey guys, I think you all have good points on tuning.

But, just let me just say this, after decades of playing I can guarantee you that the BIGGEST issue (by far) with keeping a guitar in tune, is the fact that the strings are not COMPLETELY stretched out prior to tuning!!

If you don't do this after you put on fresh strings, you will be continually tuning unnecessarily for the first 1 1/2 hr. of a gig (if you play rock) - guaranteed!!

 

[Studebaker Hawk]

Thanks for the tips guys. As for the stretching, I'd put in the new string, lock it, tighten it a bit and then stretch it using my hands. Never really thought about it, but it does make sense that it would stretch them out more, thus reducing tension. So what's the best way to stretch them out? If not tuned up, I'd think the tension would be off as well.

 

[guitarman23]

well the way i stretch them is to put my finger underneath the strings and pull up a little, lol!!! well i think thats what everyone means, or is it another way???

 

[RocketRalf]

Just practice your bending! I just try bending two steps up on the 14th fret. It's quite fun when you bend two steps up and when you release the string goes 4 steps down. I don't have a tremolo thought, but I'm very picky with tuning so I stretch new strings as hell, and I'd never change strings the same day of a gig. Usually 2 days is a safe margin for me to have tuning stability and get rid of that metallic sound that new strings have just after installed.

 

[Studebaker Hawk]

Studebaker,

MAKE SURE that you've "stretched" those strings out completely, until they won't stretch anymore, before completing tuning up!!

This will accomplish two things: your guitar will NOT go out of tune when you play and use the bar, and two, the trem will return to exactly where it was before you changed strings.

Can you outline the process of how you work/change the stings with these tuners? It's driving me nuts!

 

[RocketRalf]

To change strings with the locking tuners:
1)Detune string until it has barely no tension
2)Loosen the lock with the wheel on the back of the tuner
3)Remove string
4)Align tuner hole with the nut where the string is gonna come from
5)Insert new string, now while pulling it from the tip to put a little tension on it, lock the tuner again. This is to avoid giving unnecessary turns to the string on the tuner. Your bare hands should have enough t strength to do it. I've read that you should not over tighten it or else you might cut the string but it's never happened to me.
6)Cut the excess string from the tuner. I suggest leaving a tiny bit sticking out in case the string slips out of the lock while tuning
7)Slowly tune the string up to your desired pitch. Make sure to retighten the wheel after every few turns of the tuner, or with the rotation it might loose itself and the string might slip. If you cut the excess too close to the tuner you might be in for a challenge to get it in there again. It sucks.

I have a hard tail, so I change all the strings at once, but the tuners are the same, so this procedure applies has well. This is all my personal experience, which amounts to an amazing 3 times of swapping strings good luck

 

[Studebaker Hawk]

That's what I'm doing. Do put a block or something under the bridge on the body of the guitar to keep it in an upward position? Think I read some guys are doing that. Makes sense. I would think that would reduce the need to adjust the screws that hold the bridge to the guitar.