sub1 problem

[Finch]

well ... i like to do whammy bar tricks. and right now im missing my old ibanez

the sub1 just cant handle it! even the slightest movement throws it out of tune for some reason ... but when i first got i was able to do a lot of stuff

did something happen to my guitar??? im just so upset now cuz i cant do my old stuff anymore

 

[Junior]

Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe it's a nut problem???

 

[Finch]

a nut problem? what do you mean?

 

[Roubster]

Just put some pencil graphite shavings into the nut slots. That is the fastest cheapest lubricant solution . I did that on my Luke2 and it works just fine now. Also maybe put locking tuners on the geetar for more stability if you dont have them.

 

[dan desy]

Just put some pencil graphite shavings into the nut slots. That is the fastest cheapest lubricant solution . I did that on my Luke2 and it works just fine now. Also maybe put locking tuners on the geetar for more stability if you dont have them.

Locking tuners: Rule #1 to an in-tune trem guitar!

Did you change string gauge recently by any chance?

 

[SubMariner61]

The Sub 1 tremolo comes standard with locking tuners. Here's a quick rundown on what to look for:

1. Good advice for the nut slots. I've been doing this for years. That would be the first place I would attend to.
2. Again, have you changed string gauge lately? If so, that would present a problem without a recent "tune-up."
3. Check to see if your locking tuners are tightened sufficiently.
4. Are the strings new? Have they been allowed to stretch? This is more important on non-Floyd bridges. Traditional tremolos using locking tuners usually take a bit longer to "accept" new strings than those with a locking nut.
5. Check the slack in the tuner gearing (though I doubt that would be a problem). Are you tuning UP to pitch? Silly question for most but I won't assume anything here. Many seasoned players don't realize this (if you can believe it...I've met a few). I'm not implying you don't know this but it's always safe to ask.
6. Check the neck. Has the guitar been through a moderate climate change lately?
Aside from the above, if checking everything out does not resolve your problem, take it to your local luthier for a review. My Sub 1 has no tuning problems whatsoever and is rock solid even during mild to moderate tremolo usage.
Good luck! These are wonderful guitars and I'm sure it's nothing major.

 

[Finch]

thanks for the replies guys ... i had trouble getting back on earlier

i did change the strings for 9s to 10s a while back, but the tremolo is about where it needs to be (it was completely flat with the 9s)

and the strings definately arent new, but i suppose they might not be stretched all the way.

as far as slack goes ... i actually just run the string through, lock it, then cut. so theres only about a half turn of slack at most(is this wrong?)

anyways, i will try these things when i change the strings since i have a concert in about 2 weeks. i forgot all about stretching because of my old locking trem! and the pencil trick i never thought of either ... do u think it would be a good idea to do it to the saddles too?

 

[Raz]

i did change the strings for 9s to 10s a while back, but the tremolo is about where it needs to be (it was completely flat with the 9s)

Are you saying that it isn't completely flat now? My guess is, if you went up to 10's then the springs need to be tightened to compensate for the increased tension exurted on your guitar's springs from the thicker gauged strings. What I do is tghten and tune, as this may take a few tries. Once it is in tune and touching, or resting on the guitar, give it a little extra turn, but certainly not too much as you want stability but you want nice flexible trem action aswell!

 

[dan desy]

thanks for the replies guys ... i had trouble getting back on earlier

i did change the strings for 9s to 10s a while back, but the tremolo is about where it needs to be (it was completely flat with the 9s)

and the strings definately arent new, but i suppose they might not be stretched all the way.

as far as slack goes ... i actually just run the string through, lock it, then cut. so theres only about a half turn of slack at most(is this wrong?)

anyways, i will try these things when i change the strings since i have a concert in about 2 weeks. i forgot all about stretching because of my old locking trem! and the pencil trick i never thought of either ... do u think it would be a good idea to do it to the saddles too?

Did the guitar ever stay in tune with trem use since you went to 10s?
If not, it's definitely a nut issue. That happenes is that a nut groove is too small for the bigger string gauge and the string catches in the nut when you use the trem.

Is it mostly one string that goes out of tune (such as the D sting, for example)?
If so, then you only need to widen that nut slot.

 

[Jimi D]

A change from .009-.042 to .010-.046 will necessitate a tune up... I personally cut all my nuts to guage, and I would guess that a guitar factory set up for .009s could very well have nut binding issues with .010s. Also, the trem has to be balanced set properly since it wasn't set up for floating in the first place, and you may have to tweak the truss rod. Personally, I think that if you go up or down a guage in strings, you should really do complete setup and intonation...

 

[Raz]

I went to 10's on all three of my Sub's, and nut slots were never an issue on any of them, however I did set them up properly, and tuning is/was never an issue with trem use!

 

[Spudmurphy]

Theres a forum member who is the definative expert on whammys.
His name is Kevan - try a PM if he doesn't pop onto the forum.
He will be kinda busy launching his "Tremel-no" device.
Spud