Guitarshreda
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2014
- Messages
- 111
I don't have that answer, whenever I do string gauge changes I take the guitar to a tech.
- Thread starter Nafaryus
- Start date
I don't have that answer, whenever I do string gauge changes I take the guitar to a tech.
Take the back plate off that covers the tremolo springs. One end of the springs attaches to the bridge itself, while the other end of the springs attaches to the "claw" thats screwed directly into the guitar body.
From the factory, the tension between the set of .10 strings and those springs on the back should've been set to where the bridge is parallel to the body. When you change to lighter strings, that tension balancing act is thrown off a little. A smaller guage of springs has less tension, so the springs should be pulling harder and making your bridge not sit parallel with the body. In this case, unscrew the claw from the body a little at a time, retune the guitar, then check if your bridge is parallel.
Everything is in reverse if you put on heavier strings (screw spring claw farther into the body to compensate for the higher tension.)
Thats it!
Last edited:
mikeller
Well-known member
To add slightly to SgtThump - its a bit of a tweak, tune, tweak process. When you unscrew the claw, the strings will go out of tune - so you have to re-tune, then re-check the claw, adjust if needed, and re-tune etc. And you can't tune a string and move onto the next and expect them all to remain in tune. Those bridges are floating and each change in one string effects the tuning in all strings.
It should be noted this is the way all guitars with a tremolo work. Once you get it balanced and the bridge parallel to the surface of the guitar, the system works very well.
It should be noted this is the way all guitars with a tremolo work. Once you get it balanced and the bridge parallel to the surface of the guitar, the system works very well.
JamieCrain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2015
- Messages
- 141
Heavier strings tend to be more stable on my experience and require less retuning once they are broken in, but yes, adjusting the trem/tension balance is always necessary after a string gauge change.
I would not worry. I guess it is not necessary to use any substances on the guitar. I have two majesty guitars and I realized that they loose tuning surprisingly fast when they are new. I just kept on playing and tuning for a while and streched strings from time to time. Over time the issue got totally resolved. So my guess is that an equilibrium of strings and the guitar is easy to disturb e.g. shipping to us or changing gauge but that it settles with always adjusting. The majesties are not as stable as other ibanez guitars I own but they are getting there. I also noticed that they are prone to temperature changes. However, this can be corrected very fast by trust rod adjustments; on the majesties some 1/8 of a turn does have quite an effect.
So keep on rocking!
Regards, J
So keep on rocking!
Regards, J
Rick C
Well-known member
Nafyrus: as suggested earlier check out the earlier but recent threads on this topic that goes into very gory details of set-up after changing strings:
http://forums.ernieball.com/ernie-ball-music-man-guitars/63135-majesty-6-stability.html
http://forums.ernieball.com/ernie-ball-music-man-guitars/63287-setup-action-jp.html
SgtTHump, mikeller and the others have given good direction; as mikeller notes, each move made with one variable will have an effect on the other so for the most part, it's lots of little moves with all the variables until you get it right. As commented already, the advice about dropping to 9s not having much impact was wrong; just dropping the low E to D for drop D playing will screw up your other strings due to the floating trem! Changing full sets of string gauges is very significant.
Don't chicken-out! If you prefer 9s then stick with them but follow the advice given and do the changes yourself; learn how your floating trem impacts everything and you will be much happier. I've stated this on other forums; unless the neck is twisted or the frets are bad; setting up a guitar is not rocket science. Just make small moves, particularly with the truss rod, and you will work it out.
http://forums.ernieball.com/ernie-ball-music-man-guitars/63135-majesty-6-stability.html
http://forums.ernieball.com/ernie-ball-music-man-guitars/63287-setup-action-jp.html
SgtTHump, mikeller and the others have given good direction; as mikeller notes, each move made with one variable will have an effect on the other so for the most part, it's lots of little moves with all the variables until you get it right. As commented already, the advice about dropping to 9s not having much impact was wrong; just dropping the low E to D for drop D playing will screw up your other strings due to the floating trem! Changing full sets of string gauges is very significant.
Don't chicken-out! If you prefer 9s then stick with them but follow the advice given and do the changes yourself; learn how your floating trem impacts everything and you will be much happier. I've stated this on other forums; unless the neck is twisted or the frets are bad; setting up a guitar is not rocket science. Just make small moves, particularly with the truss rod, and you will work it out.
Last edited:
UPDATE: I made a post on the John Petrucci forum regarding my tuning issue, and JP's tech Maddi was gracious enough to write a detailed response. Here is what he said:
"I have to agree that the tech at GC is not correct. Because of the change in string gauge for the higher strings, you will need to readjust the spring tension of the tremolo bridge. The high strings have the most tension compared to the low strings. Even if the bridge looks level, it will most likely be pulling up into the body a tiny bit. I use a business card and place it between the low E saddle and the bridge cover which then will show me how level the bridge is with the top of the body. It can be hard to tell just looking at the edge. Turn each screw that holds the term claw about a quarter turn(it won't need much). Retune and check for level again. Make small adjustments(you may have to tighten the screws you just loosened) Once the bridge is sitting level again the tuning should be better. It is hard to diagnose issues like this without the guitar in hand. I did read your post at the EBMM forum. Putting a dab of lube in the nut slots is not a bad idea. I will do that from time to time with JP's guitars. What brand of string do you use? Of course the guitar ship from the factory with EB RPS Slinky 10-46 strings. One other thing to look at is if the neck is straight or if it is pulling back. This would cause the strings to fret out which in some cases would cause tuning issues, but it would need to be pretty extreme for that to happen. Also look at both sides of the bridge. Make sure one side is not lower that the other. If the bridge plate is not parallel side to side(bass to treble) then the bridge could be binding on the posts. IMPORTANT.... Before adjusting the height of the term post, loosen the string tension. If you turn the post with the guitar to pitch you could possibly damage the knife edge and or the post."
I will not hide the fact that I know very, very little about guitar maintainance/mechanics (I literally just play), so a lot of the terminology that he is using is foreign to me. Please excuse my ignorance for the following stupid questions: Where is the "trem claw" located and where are the screws that he is referencing?
Also, would somebody be able to possibly post a picture of that business card trick that he is talking about? I'm a very visual learner and I'm still not 100% sure what he is describing.
Thanks again for all of your help!
"I have to agree that the tech at GC is not correct. Because of the change in string gauge for the higher strings, you will need to readjust the spring tension of the tremolo bridge. The high strings have the most tension compared to the low strings. Even if the bridge looks level, it will most likely be pulling up into the body a tiny bit. I use a business card and place it between the low E saddle and the bridge cover which then will show me how level the bridge is with the top of the body. It can be hard to tell just looking at the edge. Turn each screw that holds the term claw about a quarter turn(it won't need much). Retune and check for level again. Make small adjustments(you may have to tighten the screws you just loosened) Once the bridge is sitting level again the tuning should be better. It is hard to diagnose issues like this without the guitar in hand. I did read your post at the EBMM forum. Putting a dab of lube in the nut slots is not a bad idea. I will do that from time to time with JP's guitars. What brand of string do you use? Of course the guitar ship from the factory with EB RPS Slinky 10-46 strings. One other thing to look at is if the neck is straight or if it is pulling back. This would cause the strings to fret out which in some cases would cause tuning issues, but it would need to be pretty extreme for that to happen. Also look at both sides of the bridge. Make sure one side is not lower that the other. If the bridge plate is not parallel side to side(bass to treble) then the bridge could be binding on the posts. IMPORTANT.... Before adjusting the height of the term post, loosen the string tension. If you turn the post with the guitar to pitch you could possibly damage the knife edge and or the post."
I will not hide the fact that I know very, very little about guitar maintainance/mechanics (I literally just play), so a lot of the terminology that he is using is foreign to me. Please excuse my ignorance for the following stupid questions: Where is the "trem claw" located and where are the screws that he is referencing?
Also, would somebody be able to possibly post a picture of that business card trick that he is talking about? I'm a very visual learner and I'm still not 100% sure what he is describing.
Thanks again for all of your help!
jones4tone
Well-known member
The trem claw is inside the removeable cover on the back of the bridge. Should be 6 screws holding it on. Once removed, the springs attach to the trem block at one end, and the hooks on the claw at the other. There are two screws that hold the claw to the body, and they can be adjusted to tweak the bridge position.
There are a lot of things that play a part in getting a tremolo bridge adjusted just the way you want it, and it can be intimidating the first time you delve into the process. Be patient, and know that you'll get the hang of it with time.
There are a lot of things that play a part in getting a tremolo bridge adjusted just the way you want it, and it can be intimidating the first time you delve into the process. Be patient, and know that you'll get the hang of it with time.
Last edited:
jones4tone
Well-known member
Also, SUPER nice of Maddi to respond with so much detail! Have to love that.
PeteDuBaldo
Well-known member
That is correct, there is roughly a 20-25% difference in tension so adjustment is necessary
For future reference here are some tension specs published by a different manufacturer for the same string gauges
84.44lb total tension on 9-42 set
102.52lb total tension on 10-46 set
I want to try adjusting the spring tension of the tremolo on my own, but I am still confused about something that Maddi said in his response to me: "I use a business card and place it between the low E saddle and the bridge cover which then will show me how level the bridge is with the top of the body."
I apologize if that sounds self explanatory to some of you, but I am still a little confused. Would somebody be able to further elaborate on this or perhaps post a picture on what this looks like so I can use it as a visual aid? Thanks!
I apologize if that sounds self explanatory to some of you, but I am still a little confused. Would somebody be able to further elaborate on this or perhaps post a picture on what this looks like so I can use it as a visual aid? Thanks!
jones4tone
Well-known member
Sounds to me like he's saying slide the card on top of the saddle and under the lip of the cover that is over the bridge?
I just gave that a try. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for when I do that.
jones4tone
Well-known member
I just gave that a try. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be looking for when I do that.
The Majesty has a different bridge from my EBMMs, so I can't do it myself. Sorry I can't be more help.
