Sigh Another problem.

Jimmy5491

Ok recently my guitar is going out of tune on the G,B and E strings after pretty much any bend. It's really bugging me, as I finally have everything else on the guitar how I like it. I don't know why it could be...my string winding is fine, each string is wrapped around about 4-5 times and the nut is lubricated, and the neck isn't warped or anything. The only thing I can think of causing this would be the fact I switched to 12's the other day, but even the thick elevens I used before had the problem. If you really need them I can take some pictures if it helps again. Thanks again:

Josh

greenlee

im no expert but i believe when you switch to heavier gauge strings a truss rod adjustment is in order due to the extra tension.

Jimmy5491

Yep I done that already, plus it wouldnt drastically effect the tuning anyway I don't think.

superfuzz

now mind you, i dont own a jag/jazz so im no expert on the playing subject, but could you be jumping saddle slots?

Fran

If youve done all the things you said (by the way wrapping the strings 4-5 times is a bit excessive, 2-3 is plenty) and the obvious like 'stretching-in' new strings then the only thing i can think of is what superfuzz suggested or maybe the bridge moving or possibly the grub screws in the saddles working themselves loose. If that happens the saddle will lower making the tuning go flat. *keep an eye on them*.

We know the bridge sometimes moves with the trem in use sending the tuning slightly flat or sharp.

Jimmy5491

Hm...it cant be the bridge as I have a mustang one...do you think it could be the strings binding on the nut? I'll take pics soon and get them up.

Fran

Jimmy5491 said: Hm...it cant be the bridge as I have a mustang one...do you think it could be the strings binding on the nut? I'll take pics soon and get them up.

Well...i'm pretty sure the grooves on the stock nut are'nt wide enough for 12's so lubrication or not the strings will bind. I could be wrong though and without actually looking at the nut i would'nt like to say.

I dont want to advise you to do any modification so the best thing you can do is take it to a tech imo. I'm sure they wont charge you much for filing the grooves on the nut.

Jimmy5491

pics...not too great.

Nut...http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g7/Jim5491/nut.jpg

Body...http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g7/Jim5491/body.jpg

Tuner...http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g7/Ji ... trings.jpg

Fran

The grooves on G, B, E dont look like they would bind the strings but you have definitely got too much winding on the tuners imo. Them saddles dont look too clever, saying that i use a stock bridge and maybe someone else with more knowledge on mustang saddles can shine some light on that one.

Jimmy5491

Yeah when i bought the 12's he said the nut should be fine. Can you post a pic of your nut and tuners? It would help.

Gavin

It'll be the nut. When I put 12s on my Jag-Stang the low E groove cracked. If the nut's as stock it's gonna need re-cut for 12s.

Jimmy5491

Yeah I'm gonna take it to a tech to get it filed. I like the 12's too much to change back. I hate slinky strings O.o.

Aug

it's def the nut.

iCEByTes

at last plastic nut's sux

... idea .. add somme graphite at nut 😀 and at bridge post saddles

Jimmy5491

Ergh...the guitar tech in my area is fully booked for a few months, and there are no others ( I live on the crappy old Isle of Wight). Is there any way I can do it myself without nut files or buy a new nut?

Fran

hmmm....if your prepared to take the plunge and pay for a new nut to be fitted if you make a mess off it then yes.

If you use one of the wound strings held taught and use it as a file (steady filing motion) that will probably widen the desired slots. Be carefull to gauge it right though ie. DONT use the wound E string to widen the top E slot 😲 and DONT go too deep, its more about the width of the slot not the depth.

*I hold no responsibility for your actions/mistakes*

Good luck.

Jimmy5491

Hmmm...it seems the my jag's nut is cut so small...it wont even take 11's without going out of tune, only 10's. 😕

gaffmaster

Hmmm,

If one widens his nuts, is it possible to switch back to a lighter guage of strings pray tell?

Jimmy5491

Damn...I filed the G slot slightly too wide, it keeps clicking, Looks like a need a new nut now...why did I buy a jag. And I cant even sell it in this state. ☹

Doog

I cut the nut on my bass' D string a little too much, try putting a tiny bit of paper in the slot. It's a half-decent quick fix if you need to play a show or whatever.

Re: slipping out of tune, really stretch the strings in, pull em away from the neck at the 12th fret, and retune. It can take days for strings to settle sometimes.