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Tuning with a Trem!

Raz

Raz

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2004
Messages
2,908
Location
Ottawa, Ont.
Ok i just read an interesting article, something I never knew. This article stated that tuning trem equipped guitars, should always be done from the High E, towards the Low E, and to ALWAYS TUNE FROM FLAT. The theory is, and this also occurs in non-trem bridges, that as the string approaches pitch or as you tighten the string, it slackens, or flattens the pitch other strings. It works in the opposite direction also, meaning if you loosen a string the others will tighten or become sharp to compensate. This is why it's important to always tune from flat, always going in the one, flat to pitch, direction. I'm sure most of you know this, but there may be one or two out there that will benefit from this find...

Oh almost forgot, if you pass the pitch point, then you need to re-start the exercise. The trick I guess is to stop TURNING the machine heads at the desired pitch. Improper tuning creates back-lash in the machine heads when you go from sharp to flat.
 
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Thanks Raz - I learned to tune on a classical so I have always gone low E to high E - tuning from flat. Now wonder it always took me ages to tune that damn Floyd.
 
This is usually only true for floating trems. I've never experienced this with non floating trems or other fixed bridges.
 
Warg Master said:
This is usually only true for floating trems. I've never experienced this with non floating trems or other fixed bridges.
Click to expand...
While apparently so, there does occur some relief in tension via the neck...remember that something, somewhere has to give. Man I need to re-tune all of my guitars...D'oh!
 
Right you are K-man, I just tuned one of them using this method and I can't believe the difference...man a little knowledge goes a long way...if only women could be approached in a logical manner!
 
I was just saying *I've* never experienced this on any other guitar but my floating trem. I usually make sure the releif is good before I do a final tuning :p

Raz said:
Right you are K-man, I just tuned one of them using this method and I can't believe the difference...man a little knowledge goes a long way...if only women could be approached in a logical manner!
Click to expand...


Maybe you should stop buying guitars for a bit, may make things easier! :p
 
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