Petrucci intonation problem

[Steve]

I rencently sent my Petrucci to get set up at a local shop and when I got it back the trem wasn't level and when ever I use the bar it goes out of tune. I was wondering if this is because the trem isn't level or because it needs to be set up.

Thanks

 

[jbert]

One possibility is that if the bridge is not level (i.e higher in the back when at rest), the spring tension is insufficient to bring the strings back in tune. This would be confirmed if your strings are coming back flat after depressing the trem.

Try adjusting the trem spring tension to get the bridge flat when tuned to pitch and see if that works.

Jbert

 

[Raz]

Learn to do your own set ups, don't trust these guys, obviously he doesn't know what he is doing. Did he change string gauge? When I purchased my JP7, the 'tech" who apparently has 20 years experience was arguing with me over the action height. He had the damn thing set to 1/4" and I told him 1/16" is the factory setting. So I took it home and I now have less than 1/16", and it screams. His offer for a free tune up got thrown out, along with his business card

 

[SteveB]

Steve,

Did you happen to have the setup person change the strings from 10's to 9's?

You probably need to level the tremolo by adjusting the claw inside the tremolo cavity (the non-bridge part where the springs connect). You should only need a screwdriver or two (a small one to remove the plastic plate over the tremolo cavity).

Tighten or loosen the claw (depending upon which way your bridge is leaning) a little and then tune the guitar to pitch. Don't overdo it. Tweak & tune, tweak & tune, etc.

Let us know if that doesn't solve the problem.

 

[fsmith]

It sounds like the strings might not have been stretched properly if they were changed during the setup.

After having my Petrucci for over a year I finally got up the nerve to do my own setup on it after deciding to change the string gauge from .10's to .09's.

It took a few hours of stretching the strings, tuning to pitch, adjust trem claw, lather, rinse, repeat... to get my trem back to level after the string change. Just go slow and make small adjustments on the trem claw and it will eventually work it's way back to where you want it. Note, I also removed one of the trem springs since I was running out of adjustment on the trem claw with the .09's installed. Once I got the trem where I wanted it, I made a few minor saddle adjustments and it's back to where is was after being pimped by Jon.

Good luck and if you run into trouble just sing out, someone around here will jump in.

fred

Edit: Alright Steve you beat me to it. Yeah, what he said!!!

 

[tommyindelaware]

I rencently sent my Petrucci to get set up at a local shop and when I got it back the trem wasn't level and when ever I use the bar it goes out of tune. I was wondering if this is because the trem isn't level or because it needs to be set up.

Thanks

i'm guessing the new strings wern't stretched out .......and the claw needs to be adjusted to counter act the bigger strings.

 

[Steve]

Problem solved

Thanks guys I really appreciate the help.

Raz,
Do you know of any websites that can show me how to do a setup on my guitar?

 

[SteveB]

Problem solved

Thanks guys I really appreciate the help.

Raz,
Do you know of any websites that can show me how to do a setup on my guitar?

Steve,

If you're in Phoenix, you can probably get Darrell (dwf) to show you in person... you just have to catch him first. He and NorM just had a powwow on setups, as I understand... you can't go wrong with their combined efforts.

Meanwhile, there's a good FAQ available from the general Ernie Ball web site www.ernieball.com (which I've always thought sorta belonged on the Music Man part of the site, but then I'm hierarchical by nature).