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Tryin to stay in tune

Posted by Big D on November 2, 2021 at 10:10pm in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

Howdy, I've been pickin a lotta years on regular guitar. I'd like to think I have a good touch. My GBG I can't keep in tune no mater what I do. 

This is a zero fretted instrument that plays so good on the fretboard it's actually a little hard to play slide. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it but I thought I'd throw it out there. It has action like my telecaster does. 

I didn't build this it was a gift but it's a nice instrument. Anyone have any tips? 

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Replies

  • Taffy Evans November 4, 2021 at 3:20am

    Hi Big D, I do not know what is used behind the zero fret to space the strings, but if it is something with grooves in it make sure the grooves are not too narrow for the string. If they are you will have the string being in tune then slowly slip through and detune.
    Also is the neck fitted firmly and not moving as you play.
    AP's suggestion re grooves in the bridge saddle will eliminate string movement there, but also check at the nut, is there chance of string movement there.

    To get good better intonation check by playing a string open then fretting it at the 12 fret, the note should be the same, only an octave diffferent. Move the bridge back or forwards to get it right.
    Cheers Taff

  • the anonymous pick November 4, 2021 at 2:22am

    Another option is .  if the "blade" on your bridge does not have grooves in it  for the strings to set in . . the strings may be sliding out of tune   from side to side . 

    bottom line is . something is moving . 

     the solution is finding what it is .

    good luck.

  • Big D November 4, 2021 at 1:43am

    I changed the strings and moved the location of the bridge. I gave the tuners a good tight turn in the winder screw, ii’s probably the best thing I did that helped with tuning. They were pretty loose. 

    It stays in tune a lot better, not perfect and not as close as I would like it to perfect but minimally plausible. I hope to improve that. 

    I did cut and polish a screw to put behind the nut. It works really well but it did really mess with the intonation. It plays slide real good now tho. I definitely made some forward progress though. I really got to play it for about an hour tonight and that was nice. 

  • BrianQ. November 3, 2021 at 6:33pm

    Forgot to add, the backside is hollowed out so it can be arched precisely over the fret? You could replicate with a piece of metal tubing?

  • BrianQ. November 3, 2021 at 6:16pm

    Garry Rossington from Lynrd Skynrd used a bone to lift the strings on his Les Paul, I’ve tried it, it works?

    9765019678?profile=RESIZE_710x

  • Big D November 3, 2021 at 6:15pm

    Google Drive:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SBDAmE_4BbHet_nnqqT_Sazh4BN5-K81/v...

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A-386CDWfaGm58vLiN0O-3B5VAQu8JLf/v...

  • BrianQ. November 3, 2021 at 5:53pm

    The links are blank, you might want to try again? 

  • Big D November 3, 2021 at 5:53pm

    I was hoping the floating bridge could be moved a little bit to compensate for the intonation. I'm no expert though, I just have other instruments I think this would work on. Is there a different way to raise the action? 

  • Big D November 3, 2021 at 5:43pm

    I'm using MAC OS with Chrome. 

  • BrianQ. November 3, 2021 at 5:42pm

    If you put a bolt in front of the zero-fret, your scale length will be off along with the intonation?

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