Strings going out of tune

[JohnW63]

Any tips when the three unwound strings tend to go out of tune, and the wound ones seem to hang in there much better ? It makes me wonder about the grooves in the nut or saddle not matching the string gauge.

I wish I knew if I had the DR Pure Blues 10-46s on or the D'Addario EXL110 10-46s on.

 

[parker_knoll]

what you want is a set of nozzle files. they cost literally nothing and are a great tool to have

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/1619...=1006886&device=c&campaignid=659583801&crdt=0

find the right size and smooth out your nut slots and your bridge slots.

 

[JohnW63]

Do the files work on metal slots of a Guildsby ?

 

[Quantum Strummer]

Generally I've found when unwound strings won't hold tune after bending or vibrato-ing that the problem is at the nut. The slots could be too narrow or not smooth enough. (I'm assuming the strings have been stretched out and hold tune sans bending/wiggling.) I'd start digging into this by tuning the guitar and then pressing on the strings behind the nut. If a string fails to maintain correct pitch after doing this then it's sticking in its nut slot. Check for burrs in your bridge saddle(s) too. In both cases you may be able to fix the issue by "flossing" with pieces of wound string, or luthier's abrasive string if you have that. Otherwise nut files are likely in order. The files I own are equally useful with bridge saddles. Or you may prefer a visit to a luthier/repairer.

-Dave-

 

[JohnW63]

What gauge abrasive cord for the nut ? The high strings are pretty thin. StewMac has 0.015", 0.018", 0.030", and 0.055" sizes.

 

[Quantum Strummer]

I often use a .018 wound G string for this (sometimes along with a .030-ish string). Mitchell's .015 should do fine for unwound string slots. Maybe go with the .018, though, if your third string is the only one giving you problems.

-Dave-

 

[JohnW63]

Thanks. I give Stewmac.com some small business

 

[JohnW63]

The abrasive cord improved things a good amount. I played along with a few songs I am practicing and only a string or two moved out of tune, and not that far out. I used the cord on both the nut and saddles. I now have a life time supply.

 

[Quantum Strummer]

Great! Glad to "hear" it.

-Dave-