trouble tuning the low C on C6

Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

I have always had trouble getting my low C to return to pitch and I don't know if it's just impossible, or if I have something out of adjustment. I have had this problem on all the guitars I've owned. I only have the standard pedal changes on that string (whole step raise and 1 1/2 step lower). I have always had to choose if I wanted the raise to return to pitch or the lower, but have never been able to get both....It either comes back really sharp or really flat. Is this common and is there a fix for it? This is on an all pull guitar.....

Thanks,
Gabriel

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

A string that is lowered and comes back sharp is called "Hysterisis". Or another term is "a pain in the backside".

I always had problems with most strings that are both raised and lowered coming back sharp on the Emmons PP that I had. When I bought a new guitar, I bought a Franklin as it was the only one, at the time, that had tunable compensators that "fixed" the problem.

If you do a forum search for "hysteresis" you will find many threads on the subject. It affects both PP and all pull guitars. "keyless" guitars are supposed to overcome the hysteresis problem but I've never had a keyless so I can't say that it does eliminate the problem.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

As Jack says, if it's a very minor amount, it's probably just hysteresis. Does it sound sharp, or is it just showing on your tuner? Any out-of-tune problems that can be seen on a tuner, but aren't easily heard, should be ignored. But if it's excessively "out", then you likely have the guitar "overtuned". Always make sure you have some slack in the pull, or else you'll have all kinds of tuning problems. Winking

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

I solve this by either slanting the bar slightly or apply pressure to the back of the bar if the string is flat. After a while you can do this without thinking. It's part of the art of playing a pedal steel but all kinds of instruments have tuning issues and one must acquire special playing techniques to overcome these IMHO.

Tyler Hall · From: Mt. Juliet, TN

Sounds like it's overtuned to me. Make sure the raise and lower both have slack in them. Also, I use a .74" on my 10th string and have never looked back.
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Gabriel Stutz · From: Chicago, USA

Thanks all. It's out enough to hear, but applying additional pressure does seem to fix it, I just wasn't sure that was a normal practice, or just compensating for a problem I could fix. I'll take a look when I get home, but I don't think it's over-tuned, but it's certainly worth a look.

Bobby Boggs · From: Upstate SC.

This is a common problem on most all keyed guitars without lower return compensators. If the lower side was over tuned the string would return flat not sharp. If the raise side is over-tuned it likely would not lower to pitch..

If it's bad? I've seen many return as much as 20 cents sharp. If your guitar doesn't have lower return comps. But has split tuners or a master stop as some refer to them. There is a way to Jerry rig it. That works great for me.

I simply use the split tuner stop for the master stop. Then you'll over-tune the 10th string lower till the open string returns to proper pitch.

Now the down side. You guys that rest your feet on the pedals. My way will of course not work. So don't waste your time. I never developed that bad habit so it's not a problem for me. What is a problem for me is a string that returns sharp to my ears.

I'm sure I'll catch a lot of flack over this. But remember, I'm not advocating that even one person try this. Only sharing what works for me.

Maybe the disclaimer will work. Smile

I hate having to defend my personal opinions.

b.

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

Hysterisis", might be a fancy name for it but it just the gathering of the wound string over the top of the changer when it is lowered or raised. The bigger the string, the more it will be out of tune. Unwound strings barely do it. You just have to live with it unless you install some type compensators.
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Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

Tyler -

Wow - a 074 for the tenth string

I thought I was one of the few that used a 070

which are hard to find

Did you need to readjust anything by going to 074 gauge ?

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