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AdagioNH

Active member
Joined
Nov 11, 2025
Messages
29
Location
New Hampshire
Certainly a question that has been asked before but I can’t find it.

Is there a “best“ type of strings for non locking bridge tuning stability?

I have played Floyd guitars for a number of years but got tired of dealing with them and like the playability and adjustability of the EBMM non locking bridge. But looking for ways to keep them in tune after using the bridge on Cutlass and Stingray. I have them decked, dive-only. Locking tuners. I use a bit of lube, either the Dunlop stuff or dry oil.

I switched from 10-46 to 9-42. I was using D’addario XS 10s, which are coated, and put on D’addario XL 9’s and the tuning stability seems to have gotten worse. It got me wondering whether the coated strings go through the nut better. I had thought that the smaller strings but get less friction through the nut, but they actually seem worse.

I would like to stay with the XLs because they cost a 1/3 of the price of the XS and they sound the same to me. I am definitely staying with 9’s on these guitars, but I would go back to the XS if I can prove the coated stings make a difference in staying in tune with tremelo use. The XS sound and feel fine, they just cost a lot.

i have not used Slinkys in years. They seemed to go bad quickly, maybe they are better now.

thoughts?
 
Last edited:

tbonesullivan

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 24, 2012
Messages
2,485
Location
New Jersey
Is your bridge floating or decked? Do you also put some lube in both the nut slots and on the bridge saddles? The tuning issues from non-locking tremolos are caused by the string on the other side of the nut, as well as on the other side of the bridge saddles. If there is wear to the tremolo edge that can also cause problems, so usually it's recommended to put some dry lube there as well.
 

AdagioNH

Active member
Joined
Nov 11, 2025
Messages
29
Location
New Hampshire
Yup as I mentioned, decked and lubed. Just wondering if there are optimal strings, like some version of coated strings. Might have to just experiment on my own some more.
 
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