Starfire IV Tuning problems

[Dirt123]

I've had my Corona Starfire for a year or so now, but haven't used it much with the band until now. The tone works well within the group, so I'd like to use it more. ( I've pretty much switched from my Ovation to my GF-25 as my main acoustic).

But I'm having problems keeping it in tune. The setup is good, it stobes well on the bench all the way up the neck, & the action is not high. I'm using a .011 gauge nickle DR set, & I've top wrapped the stings so the tailpiece can sit flush on the body. Does anybody have any ideas for improving tuning stability? Maybe I'm just not used to the scale, or the feel or something (all my other electrics are Fender type 25.5" scale bolt necks).

My primary guitar has been a maple neck Frankenstrat strung with a .010 gauge strings, & stays in tune like a rock.

Dirt

 

[Guilderagain]

Hello Dirt,

Though this usually responsible for string breakage, you might want to look at the nut slots. Make sure they are free of dirt and polished. I heard pencil lead works good for this (teflon based lubricants have been used too-Triflow) - especially if you bend strings while playing. Also, I'm not trying to be a smart arse here, but make sure you string correctly on the tuners. Here's a good link for stringing :

http://www.jazzguitar.be/how_to_string_a_guitar.html

My X's hold tune well with .11's, so I don't think it's the scale (24 3/4").

Good Luck and enjoy your Starfire!

Alex R.

 

[Dirt123]

Hello Dirt,

Though this usually responsible for string breakage, you might want to look at the nut slots. Make sure they are free of dirt and polished. I heard pencil lead works good for this (teflon based lubricants have been used too-Triflow) - especially if you bend strings while playing. Also, I'm not trying to be a smart arse here, but make sure you string correctly on the tuners. Here's a good link for stringing :

http://www.jazzguitar.be/how_to_string_a_guitar.html

My X's hold tune well with .11's, so I don't think it's the scale (24 3/4").

Good Luck and enjoy your Starfire!

Alex R.

Thanks, that's a good link. That's the method I use, but it's nice to see it verified. I will check out the nut slots, though, I've not looked at them closely since I went up to the .011s.

Dirt

 

[Dirt123]

Followup:

OK, I took a good look at the nut. I polished up the bottoms of the slots and the face with some 600 grit sandpaper, & lubed it with some graphite. That seems to have helped. Thanks. I should have looked at the nut first off!

Dirt.

 

[Guildmark]

Good thread, Guys!
I needed the reminder, too. Check those nut slots!