Trouble to keep tune on EBMM JP12

[flaze]

Hello folks!

I've bought me JP12, and it's a amazing guitar. But I never had a guitar with that kind of tremolo (only fixed bridge and floyd rose), so I'm having a trouble to maintain the tune. A friend that has a stratocaster recommended to tune like that video:

How to keep your Strat tremolo in tune. Frudua Way - www.frudua.com - YouTube

In fact that tip worked, but it's really annoying to use the whammy bar every time that you bending a string! I was thinking that the problem could be related to the springs of the bridge. I'm using 3 springs on parallel position. Should I use 4 or 5 springs!

Bye!

 

[DrKev]

The method he shows is known to many players for years, I thought it was a very cool trick back when I first started playing! Then we discovered that keeping a guitar in tune is more about reducing friction (rather than using it as this method does). I'd try using a little lubrication in the nut slots. Pencil lead, mineral oil, chapstick, vaseline, will all work well, just use a very small amount. I usually apply with a pin or needle or toothpick.

That's the first thing to try, and if that doesn't help try calling customer service or bringing the guitar back to your dealer for them to look at it. Remember, a guitar will never stay perfectly in tune for long. Don't chase perfection that doesn't exist. If it's only going out by 1 or 2 cents, I wouldn't be too worried at all.

And welcome to the forum family!

 

[flaze]

Thank you DrKev! I'm using strings gauge 010, it's necessary to wide the nut slot??

 

[koogie2k]

Widening the nut slot "could" be what is needed. Not always the case. Not going to tell you what to do without the guitar in my hand. Over the 'Net diagnosis doesn't work the majority of the time. Try what DrKev said with the lubrication first. If not - then take it to the dealer you got the guitar from if possible and have the tech look at it.

 

[flaze]

Hello Koogie2k!
I'm from Brazil, is not possible I take the guitar to the dealer (I've bought in NYC). I tried doing the lubrification of the nuts and saddles, but I still have to use the tip of the wammy bar, the one that i've posted above. I'm a little disappointed...

 

[flaze]

Hey folks, what if I use 4 or even 5 springs??

 

[DrKev]

Nut slots should not be an issue unless you go to 11s. 4 or 5 springs may help, it won't hurt to try, but the trem action will be stiffer. And of course you'll have to adjust the trem claw to get the bridge level with the top of the guitar again. Not a big job, just make sure you use the correct sized screw driver an a little patience - and you'll have to re-tune and re-adjust a few times before you get it right.

I'm from Brazil, is not possible I take the guitar to the dealer (I've bought in NYC).

Yes, prices are much lower in the US and there may be very few dealers near to where you live. But this the downside of buying outside of your country's dealer network. Even with EBMMs quality control, problems can still arise from time to time, it's a risk we take. However, tremolo tuning issues are common and this is an issue that a good luthier or guitar technician should be able to fix but DO email customer service and see what they suggest.

 

[flaze]

Nut slots should not be an issue unless you go to 11s. 4 or 5 springs may help, it won't hurt to try, but the trem action will be stiffer. And of course you'll have to adjust the trem claw to get the bridge level with the top of the guitar again. Not a big job, just make sure you use the correct sized screw driver an a little patience - and you'll have to re-tune and re-adjust a few times before you get it right.

I'll try with 4 springs first. It can work...

Yes, prices are much lower in the US and there may be very few dealers near to where you live. But this the downside of buying outside of your country's dealer network. Even with EBMMs quality control, problems can still arise from time to time, it's a risk we take. However, tremolo tuning issues are common and this is an issue that a good luthier or guitar technician should be able to fix but DO email customer service and see what they suggest.

Yeah, here in Brazil, it's really expensive, much more expensive, no comparisson with the prices in USA. The same guitar here coasts about 10000 reais, wich is equivalent to U$5000,00. I've already sent an email to customer service, and they said that it's normal, that there isn't nothing wrong with the guitar. I've showed also the video that I've posted above, and the Customer Service said that's the correct way to tune... I'm really don't agree, and I'll take the guitar to a experienced Luthier here. Once again, thank you DrKev!

If someone more has any hint, advice, opinions about my situation, feel free to post!

 

[Thomas-Hawk]

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce, check it out: Guitar Tuning Lubricant from Big Bends Nut Sauce

 

[flaze]

I use Big Bends Nut Sauce, check it out: Guitar Tuning Lubricant from Big Bends Nut Sauce

Yeah! I've already ordered Big Bends Nut Sauce. Now it's just wait my pack arrive!

 

[flaze]

Hello Guys!

My friend is luthier and he did some tests on the guitar. He said that the nut is binding the strings!! This happens due the actual gauge that I use (010), and the guitar cames with gauge 009!! I'll have to wide the nut slots!

 

[mtrejo]

That's not uncommon and all should be good.

 

[koogie2k]

Cool, glad you got it sorted out. I thought all JP's came with 10's on them. Not the case??

 

[flaze]

Hello folks!

I'm really disappointed with my guitar... The new nut that i've ordered arrived last week. Than the luthier installed the new nut and... the problem persists! I've also tried to lube the nut slots and the saddles whith Big Bend Nut Sauce, but without succes... I'm really sad about the guitar, I don't know how to solve this issue, and now I'm pretending to sell my guitar. Please, someone help me! I don't wanna have to sell my guitar!

Thanks-

 

[DrKev]

If you have been in contact with customer service you should get back to them again and see what they suggest. Unfortunately there is only so much they can do for you at a distance. It's part of the risk people take when buying in another country. It's not just a Brazil thing - anywhere outside the US is more expensive for everyone but part of that cost is supporting the distributors, customer service and warranty services in those countries too (before we get to the sales tax, which is often very low or even zero).

I'm going to suggest that your luthier examines the bridge mounting posts and knife edges. Perhaps a cleaning and very light lubrication is required. It is possible the knife edges have been damaged but your luthier will determine that.

 

[flaze]

Hello folks!

And here I am! I still with trouble to maintain the tune... But, I took some pictures, and I think that Knife Edges are strange... Please, can someone take a look? Here are the pictures:





Please, give me some opinions!

Thank You!

 

[Eric O'Reilly]

Im not familiar with the jp line, but those knife edges look scratched and corroded, is it me, that would effect the trem movement and possibly tuning. Maybe you need a new bridge, Im far from an expert with jps , ive never even held one.

 

[flaze]

Im not familiar with the jp line, but those knife edges look scratched and corroded, is it me, that would effect the trem movement and possibly tuning. Maybe you need a new bridge, Im far from an expert with jps , ive never even held one.

Thank You for your feedback Eric!

Yeah, this is my main suspect! For my "luck", I've bought that guitar with the damaged bridge! I found one Music Man support in Brazil, I will contact them!

I need more feedbacks!

Thank You!

 

[flaze]

Somebody elso to give feedback?

 

[sceletor]

If you use a Music Man guitar, you shouldn't have a problem with the tune - if you put the strings on its right way!
Because of the locking Schaller tuners! If you put the strings well, there's no chance to go out of tune. It's just impossible.
I had more than 30 MM guitars, Luke's, JP's, Axis SS, Silo Special, and I never had this type of problem with them.
Except my first JP, when I didn't know yet how to put the strings on a right way. After I learned it. I think that this is the real problem. You also don't know how to do it. Yet. Look some pictures of it or ask your MM dealer!

Anyway, if you have not MM guitar, you can use this setup, it works with every vintage tremolo: