Axis Trem Problem . . . Tuning issue.

[TonyEVH5150]

I've had my MM Axis for about 6 months now, and I love it!!! I keep having a recurring problem with the trem though.

It's suffering from tuning stability issues. After a trem dive, the guitar doesn't seem to want to come back to normal tuning. It affects the 4th (G) string the worst. It usually comes back flat.

It's using a two spring configuration, with the springs coming toward the tone block at an angle. I do a good deal of stretching the strings before I lock the nut down.

What else should I do??

 

[Big Mike]

Floyd Rose or standard trem?

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Sorry, it's a Floyd.

 

[Big Mike]

Hmmm...that's odd.

Make sure there's no burrs in the nut or on the saddle, and make sure the string is locked in correctly at the locking block.

More than one set of strings? Could just be a funky one too. That do happen occasionally.

 

[Norrin Radd]

I had that problem once too. Turned out I had worn out the nut. It had become grooved so that no matter how tight I locked it down there was still some slippage. This was after years of use, though. I just replaced the whole nut and problem solved. I would suggest looking at yours to see what kind of condition it's in. Not syaing this is for sure your issue, but it might be a place to check.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I'm using EB Slinky's. It's been a fairly recurring problem.

I have some extra string blocks. I might replace that one and see what happens.

It's a 2004 model that I got off of the Bay. I'll call Customer Service if I can't solve the problem any other way. But, there's got to be an easy fix. I've owned several Floyd equipped guitars, and I've never had this problem before.

I'm open to suggestions. Keep 'em coming.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I had that problem once too. Turned out I had worn out the nut. It had become grooved so that no matter how tight I locked it down there was still some slippage. This was after years of use, though. I just replaced the whole nut and problem solved. I would suggest looking at yours to see what kind of condition it's in. Not syaing this is for sure your issue, but it might be a place to check.

I'll take a look at the nut and see if it's worn down.

Your problem brought up another thought. The original owner used a regular SKB case with this guitar, so the trem bar was pressed down when the guitar was stored. Could this have worn out the nut or string block area?

I've been meaning to order a MM case for my Axis, but I haven't gotten around to it. I haven't even put it in its case since I moved a few months ago. It's on a stand where I can get to it whenever I want.

 

[Big Mike]

I'm with my friend Norrin Radd here. I bet the nut is worn as well.

Call customer service and order another. Couldn't hurt. When I played floyds I always kept a gaggle of parts around. Nothing stays in tune better when they're set up right.

(also a big suggestion for the D-Tuna for drop D ease)

 

[DaveB]

Check the knife edges on the trem, and the posts they rest against. I've had that problem a couple of times but always on older (ie: more than your two years) trems.

HTH

Dave

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Would adding a third spring in the middle of the tone block make a difference?

 

[blackspy]

... The original owner used a regular SKB case with this guitar, so the trem bar was pressed down when the guitar was stored.

Ok, just to clarify. He put it in a case and closed and clamped it shut without removing the arm, and the case wasn't designed to accomodate this? I've never heard such a thing.

 

[Big Mike]

Stiffer to push down. If it's not coming all the way back due to the nut or knife edges, then no.

 

[Big Mike]

Ok, just to clarify. He put it in a case and closed and clamped it shut without removing the arm, and the case wasn't designed to accomodate this? I've never heard such a thing.

Missed that.

That could definitely make for some kife edge issues.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I kid you not. When I got the guitar, it was shipped in an SKB Freedom case. no cutout for the trem arm, and the trem arm wasn't removed. Buying a MM case with the trem arm cutout is high on my priority list.

If it is the knife edge, what would be the solution? Replace the trem? File the knife edges???

I might take this thing to a repair tech. If this goes much past replacing a string block or locking nut, it's going way past my abilities.

 

[Norrin Radd]

If the knife edge is worn down you will have to replace the trem. Otherwise, it will never stay in tune. And I do mean never! Check it out and let us know. I don't think the previous method of storage bodes well for your edge & posts, though .

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Maybe the springs are just over stretched?

 

[TonyEVH5150]

THat's a possiblity as well.

I figured out a couple of things. I was wrong on the age of my guitar. I had to dig through the forum to find where I had posted a DOB request. It is actually 4 years old. 2002 model.

So, it could be that it's just reached the life expectancy of the trem, and I need to replace all/part of it.

I've emailed customer support to get their recommendation. I'm not expecting them to fix it, since it's a 4 year old guitar, and it's an eBay purchase. But I'd at least like to know what they think.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I worked on my trem today. I replaced the springs, and that seemed to fix my problem.

I had adjusted the trem springs/claw when I first got the guitar, and I think they were stretched out. The claw screws were in pretty far, probably only 1/2 to 1/3 of the screw left visible.

Is there anything I can use to lube the nut/trem post/knife edge areas?

 

[alba22]

Chapstick

 

[DaveB]

I worked on my trem today. I replaced the springs, and that seemed to fix my problem.

I had adjusted the trem springs/claw when I first got the guitar, and I think they were stretched out. The claw screws were in pretty far, probably only 1/2 to 1/3 of the screw left visible.

Is there anything I can use to lube the nut/trem post/knife edge areas?

Look for a product called "Big Bends Nut Sauce" - I sh!t you not!

Its a graphite(AFAIK) based lubricant especially for the job.

HTH

Dave