JP6 tuning stability problem

[Volfgang]

Hi all,
Ive got my JP6 tuned to 'dropped B' tuning (B,F#,B,E,G#,C#) using 10-52 gauge strings.

The problem is when I go to use the whammy bar by either pulling up or dropping it, one or two
strings go out of tune, very strange as its usually the low B string that goes out and the others stay in tune or close enough.

Has anyone had this problem?
Ive tried using lead pencil shavings in the nut to lube the string but still having issues.
And Ive also swapped out one the 3 springs with a higher tension spring from the FloydUpgrades.com place.

Any tips or ideas?

 

[Lou]

My guess is your thicker gauge strings are binding in the nut slots. I tried experimenting with heavier strings on my JP and anythig bigger than a 10-46 was binding in many of the slots. They will need to be widened. Lubing with lead/chapstick/nutsauce will not help.

 

[Volfgang]

Ok, I guess filing it would do the trick?
Can this be done by anyone or is it a job for a tech?
Seems easy enough though I dont know what sort of file and how thick or thin it would need to be.

 

[fbecir]

10-52 is very light for such a low tuning (I use also 10-52 strings but with standard tuning). You don't have a lot of tension thus you need to have no friction at all.
If you want to increase the slots you can buy special files (not cheap) ... or you can use the MacGyver technique : use the strings as file. With my Morse, I had to increase a bit the slot of the low E string : with a 46 string I filed the slot thus after that the 52 string had enough space (the best solution is to cut a 10 cm piece of string).

 

[Volfgang]

10-52 is very light for such a low tuning (I use also 10-52 strings but with standard tuning). You don't have a lot of tension thus you need to have no friction at all.
If you want to increase the slots you can buy special files (not cheap) ... or you can use the MacGyver technique : use the strings as file. With my Morse, I had to increase a bit the slot of the low E string : with a 46 string I filed the slot thus after that the 52 string had enough space (the best solution is to cut a 10 cm piece of string).

Thank you, using a string is a great idea.
I use 10 -52 because I cannot stand or play thick strings in standard tuning, just totally screws your setup and action has to be high

 

[Volfgang]

10-52 is very light for such a low tuning (I use also 10-52 strings but with standard tuning). You don't have a lot of tension thus you need to have no friction at all.
If you want to increase the slots you can buy special files (not cheap) ... or you can use the MacGyver technique : use the strings as file. With my Morse, I had to increase a bit the slot of the low E string : with a 46 string I filed the slot thus after that the 52 string had enough space (the best solution is to cut a 10 cm piece of string).

Using the string is not the best idea, you can easily scratch the neck underneath the string where it joins to the tuner

 

[DrKev]

Use masking tape to protect the finish or find a local tech who can do it for you. Ask your local guitar stores or professional musos who the best guy is.

 

[straycat113]

I would advise you that though it may seem like an easy do it yourself job I would take it to a tech to make sure it is done right.