I think the new bridges are of less quality than those pre-2011. I have never had an issue with any of my Axis with the original Gotoh. At first the fine tuner became sticky, then it started to wobble still being able to hold tune, then it became more free as time went on.
Interestingly, tuning stability on my Yucatan Blue Axis is rock solid, but the BFR is consistently a full half-step flat every 24 hours. But ONLY the BFR. My JP6? No problems! Strat? No Problems! Standard Axis? No problems! But the BFR is just... always slipping across all strings! And I can't figure out why! Neck relief is fine. My bridge isn't dipping, I like resistance so I keep a lot of tension in the springs.
not really commenting on tuning stability from the bridge standpoint, but the metal is clearly not great given the fine tuner stripping issue.
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Tried the tuning head trick and there was ZERO movement.not really commenting on tuning stability from the bridge standpoint, but the metal is clearly not great given the fine tuner stripping issue.
For tuning stability:
I ended up chatting myself up here, there may be some notes that help although it is mostly for the vintage trem and nut stuff.
Why on Earth did the REFLEX not Take OFF? Video
That is very intriguing. Maybe the next test for my Silo Special. I am with you on the tuning stability but I have never been great at perfectly dialing in trem guitars. I have had a couple that were exceptional but all others were frustrating to the point that now I just deck them with the...
For the Floyd, make sure the nut is secure. Clamp the nut blocks and then loosen the tuners to see if the nut blocks are in fact holding the pitch. For the bridge, make sure all of your springs are of the same strength. For tension, I would lessen the spring tension to the point where single string bends don't affect bridge movement but not a lot more. You don't want the springs jerking the bridge back aggressively.
Other stuff:
Make sure the strings are properly stretched and make sure the saddle inserts are tight. The strings should be straight to the middle of the inserts. I've squished my share of saddle insert blocks in my day. I have a couple bridges with titanium blocks now but I got them when they weren't over the top expensive.
You can also try to track slippage with a Sharpie. I use a fine sharpie and mark the strings at the nut on all strings and take pictures/use a magnifying glass. Then go crazy on the bar and see which sharpie marks have relocated. they won't move much so it takes some time to pinpoint. I have a ruler that measures thousandths.
Ok. If the pitch is slipping/lowering over time as you said, then something is moving.
Side note, I enjoy that we both have our Yucatan Flame Axis in our avatars and I have to look close to find my strap to know who is who
lol. changingOne of you guys should rotate your avatar pic 90 degrees or something since they look so similar at a quick glance. I was getting confused thinking it was the same person replying to themselves over and over.
OMG you jerk lolololol
I don't disagree with you. I've just not found someone here in Missoula who fits the bill of "trusted technician." I'm sure there are some people, just not that I know and have had success with. Electronics and "normal" nut replacement, sure. But this kind of thing... I'm just not aware of anyone. I have a telecaster that desperately needs a refret but, again, I just can't seem to find anyone in town to do it.
Good luck finding someone! If you were in Minnesota, I know exactly who I’d tell you to take it to!
I found the culprit!not really commenting on tuning stability from the bridge standpoint, but the metal is clearly not great given the fine tuner stripping issue.
For tuning stability:
I ended up chatting myself up here, there may be some notes that help although it is mostly for the vintage trem and nut stuff.
Why on Earth did the REFLEX not Take OFF? Video
That is very intriguing. Maybe the next test for my Silo Special. I am with you on the tuning stability but I have never been great at perfectly dialing in trem guitars. I have had a couple that were exceptional but all others were frustrating to the point that now I just deck them with the...
For the Floyd, make sure the nut is secure. Clamp the nut blocks and then loosen the tuners to see if the nut blocks are in fact holding the pitch. For the bridge, make sure all of your springs are of the same strength. For tension, I would lessen the spring tension to the point where single string bends don't affect bridge movement but not a lot more. You don't want the springs jerking the bridge back aggressively.
Other stuff:
Make sure the strings are properly stretched and make sure the saddle inserts are tight. The strings should be straight to the middle of the inserts. I've squished my share of saddle insert blocks in my day. I have a couple bridges with titanium blocks now but I got them when they weren't over the top expensive.
You can also try to track slippage with a Sharpie. I use a fine sharpie and mark the strings at the nut on all strings and take pictures/use a magnifying glass. Then go crazy on the bar and see which sharpie marks have relocated. they won't move much so it takes some time to pinpoint. I have a ruler that measures thousandths.
