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Topic: Middle G# testing my patience |
Rick Nicklas
From:
Verona, Mo. (deceased)
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Posted 3 Mar 2006 8:56 pm |
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The last couple of years I have noticed that I can get perfectly in tune and the only thing that goes awry is my middle G#. The problem is when I play a couple of songs the B pedal lifting it to "A" is flat. I adjust it to take out the beats and after a song or two it is then sharp. This goes back and forth all night long. I have tried to find anything that would cause this but it is puzzeling me. The only thing I would imagine is the temperature on the unwound string. Anyone else ever experience this problem? All the other strings are always pulling true. It's just that darn G# to A. If I could solve that, then I could get back to practicing without the irritation of this. I know some of you mechanics must know what the problem may be. I am raising the high G# on one yoke and the middle and low G# on a second yoke. Thanks in advance for any help with this.
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Rick
Kline U-12, Session 500, Goodrich L-10k
[This message was edited by Rick Nicklas on 03 March 2006 at 08:59 PM.] [This message was edited by Rick Nicklas on 03 March 2006 at 09:01 PM.] |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 3 Mar 2006 11:21 pm
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Plain sixth strings are notoriously difficult to keep in tune.
That's why many players use a wound sixth.
A wound sixth requires more throw, so a bit of leverage adjustment is necessary to minimise pedal travel. |
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Pat Kelly
From:
Wentworthville, New South Wales, Australia
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Posted 3 Mar 2006 11:36 pm
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| I hesitate to suggest anything Rick given the length of time you've been playing but.... it does sound as if your roller nut might not be free. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 5:06 am
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| Since you've only noticed it recently, it might be a bad or loose tuning key. If not, it sounds like a roller-nut binding. Your string might be pulling slightly sideways, occasionally "hanging up". Wind your string so that it's as straight as possible coming off the key, and keep the rollers well oiled. [This message was edited by Donny Hinson on 04 March 2006 at 05:11 AM.] |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 5:35 am
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| Could it possibly be a "lift off" problem on that string? If the changer is not coming back to the proper position each time it can "float" and be sharp one time and flat another. Check the drop return spring on that string and make sure it has enough tension. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 6:58 am
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'Tis true that a plain 6th is problematic at times. Once the guitar is set up and acclimatized to the environment, it should play in tune though.
In addition to the things already mentioned, you might check for any rubbing/binding of any rods or mechanism adjacent to the 6th's train.
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James Morehead
From:
Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 7:01 am
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You also might make sure you don't have anything binding, causing "not returning". I had a slight bind in one of my shobuds. I started by loosening the pullrod and making sure the two hole puller had NO binding. That's where I found my problem---when I tightened the bracket screws, it caused a slight binding. I widened the screw holes with a small file and they would tighten down right. Problem disappeared. I also use a plain string, and it returns perfect every time now.
If that's not it, look at your next part--pull rod. Make sure that it slides freely, if that ain't it, Checkout all the linkage, even your pedals---look for binding. The guitar may need a good cleaning, as years of dust/oil get gummy. It takes very little friction to cause a problem. Hope this helps a little. |
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Gary Shepherd
From:
Fox, Oklahoma, USA
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 8:03 am
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It seems that everyone has overlooked the obvious.
You MUST hold your mouth right.
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Gary Shepherd
Carter D-10
www.16tracks.com
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Gene Jones
From:
Oklahoma City, OK USA, (deceased)
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Posted 4 Mar 2006 9:17 am
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| Quote: |
| You MUST hold your mouth right. |
....and chew the sides of your tongue!  |
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Bob Cox
From:
Buckeye State
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Posted 5 Mar 2006 6:30 am
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| Are you wearing a Horse shoe ring? [This message was edited by Bob Cox on 05 March 2006 at 06:31 AM.] |
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Howard Tate
From:
Leesville, Louisiana, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 5 Mar 2006 9:42 am
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I started having similar problems with my twenty year old Zum. Bruce told me to set the guitar upside down on an old rug or something and pour transmission fluid on the changer from the bottom, then let it sit and drain overnight. That cured the problem for me. You need to do it with no strings, or it will ruin them.
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Howard |
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Delbert Aldredge
From:
Willis, Texas, USA
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Posted 10 Mar 2006 7:40 pm
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...had simular problem with the wound G#. Cured my problem by moving the pull rod to a lower position on the bell crank and re-adjusting the nylon tuning nut. If this does not eliminate the problem I would check your pull/ & lower finger for "wear gouge".
A clue for "finger wear gouge" would be felt in your "floor pedal" simular to hanging up. |
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