I hate my g-string

jmasin · July 15th, 2008, 11:31 AM

I can't seem to get this dang thing to stay in tune. This is on my home-built Warmoth partscaster.

Ala the vintage strats, I've used only one string-tree, so the g-string goes straight from the nut to the string post. Angle looks ok to me. I've got two problems

1) G-string is a little sharp at 1st through 3rd fret. It is dead on at all other frets (I'm actually quite pleased with the intonation). The nut height seems very good, right at 0.020" at the first fret, no open buzzing. Is a little sharp normal? Could this be due to no string tree? (I can't imagine why).

2) G-string get's sharp as heck after a tremolo dive (even a slight one), a quick bend puts it back in tune. I would normally go to the nut for this, but if I push down on the string behind the nut (to make it sharp) and then release, it returns to tune perfectly, so it seems it is sliding through the nut slot without an issue. So bridge? This is a 6-hole vintage style bridge...

Any thoughts? Is this just the name of the game for vintage bridge temolos? (my '95 Am Std does not seem to suffer from this issue)

Boris Bubbanov · July 15th, 2008, 02:46 PM

What type of nut and tuners have you installed?

How many additional winds on the 'G' post are you using; I use a few extra on the 'G'.

There's a fine article by Jerry Donahue where he explains the difficulties one gets with the 'G' string, especially unwound ones. Do some research on this fine Tele player and track this article down.

Just a reminder, if you hadn't already done so to a new set of strings, make sure they are all fully stretched out above the nut.

I've been having much less issues with this since I've gone up in string guage and increased my number of trem springs, with the plate real close to flat down.
Also, Callaham hardened screws (6) holding the plate in position but not locked.

jmasin · July 15th, 2008, 09:44 PM

Boris,

Thanks for the direction, I'll definitely research.

I should have clarified: Gotoh vintage style tuners, bone nut (done myself), there's 4 full winds on the post, and the G is a 0.019p and definitely stretched.

xfsl0001 · July 16th, 2008, 05:00 AM

Try to put much more winds in the G, it will accentuate the angle. One or 2 extra winds maybe doesn't make a real difference. If it works better with many winds then maybe the solution could be a string tree...
Did you check that the slot in the nut has the correct inclination, that it follows more or less the angle of the string? Lower in the tuners side and higher on the fretboard side so that it really cuts the sound. Maybe it can help refiling the inclination (shouldn't afect the overall string action).

Don't know if I helped or not. I hope you can solve it soon.

jmasin · July 16th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Thanks, I'll take a look at the nut slot angle too and try more winds.

Cheers.

Old Cane · July 21st, 2008, 05:21 PM

I hate my g-string

Sorry I was expecting something with really interesting pictures.

It sounds like it's hangingi in the nut plus maybe the nut is cut too high on that string. Try tuning, using the tremolo and when it comes back and it's sharp (I'm guessing it's sharp) give it a quick yank and see if goes back into tune.

aznrambo481 · July 21st, 2008, 05:26 PM

I have the exact same problem with my MIA 2000 strat... I've weaned myself off divebombs. Problem solved.

jmasin · July 21st, 2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Cane

I hate my g-string

Sorry I was expecting something with really interesting pictures.

It sounds like it's hangingi in the nut plus maybe the nut is cut too high on that string. Try tuning, using the tremolo and when it comes back and it's sharp (I'm guessing it's sharp) give it a quick yank and see if goes back into tune.

Nut slot is low as it can really go, and it will go back in tune with a good bend after a tremolo dive. Either the slot just isn't as well rounded as I thought or it may be the bridge. I've noticed the g breaks over the bridge through-hole a bit more than the others, not sure if it is getting caught there or not.

No dive bombs, just ~1 step dive when I play Little Wing, which is the only song I really even use the trem for, so it's livable.

Thanks!
Cheers.

Old Cane · July 22nd, 2008, 10:49 AM

Yeah, I hate to say don't do it yourself but you may wont someone with some experince to look at the nut. It may need to be rounded better but if it's already as low as it can go then you might want to start with a new nut. It really sounds like it's hanging there. Could the the angle or could be it's pinching. You might try a man made. Trem-nut? or Graphtech? Not sure what brand is the hot thing now. I still use bone so I'm not up on the right brand names. One out there now is supposed to be real slick for tremolo use.

jmasin · July 22nd, 2008, 11:56 AM

Old Cane,

This is a bone nut, which I carved/slotted myself, so if it comes to making another one its no real biggie.

I've modified the angle a bit and it seems to help a little, we'll see.

Old Cane · July 22nd, 2008, 03:58 PM

Cool. If not you may check into SlipStone. That's the one i was trying to think of. DIY is the way to go. Nobody knows what you want as well as you do. Unless you're married. At least that's what my wife says.