semihollow
Rookie Solder Flinger
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Post by semihollow on Nov 22, 2007 23:18:18 GMT -5
Hello everyone. I bought an EXP PC-1V Paramount. It is a fantastic guitar and comes with a licensed Bigsby.
It has thin strings on it (I assume 9s). I am going to put on some nice 10-52s which are my usual string.
It goes out of tune when I use the Bigsby. What can I do to prevent this or minimize this? Assume I will be using 10-52s.
I thought this:
1. Spread a bit of pencil graphite in the nut slots
2. Make sure the strings are strung up as best as possible
Other than that, the only fool proof thing would be to get locking tuners and really graphite up the nut slots. I don't particularly want to splurge for locking tuners if I can take care of it without them...
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Post by ChrisK on Nov 23, 2007 0:12:46 GMT -5
Does it go out of tune with the existing strings (the 9's)?
While graphite will help lubricate the nut slots, the slots may be undersized and require enlargement. This procedure requires a set of nut slot files ($100'ish) and requires luthier skills.
It may also be the tuners or how the string is wound on the tuners. There are many articles afoot on the web about how to properly string guitars. I don't know of any directly since I'm lazy (and not good at stringing) and only use locking tuners.
Does the Bigsby have bearings and are they binding?
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semihollow
Rookie Solder Flinger
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Post by semihollow on Nov 23, 2007 1:29:59 GMT -5
It does not stay in tune too well with the 9s.
The Bigsby has a roller tune-o-matic.
The string windings look ok to me. I'll look up how to best 'lock' the strings when stringing them up...
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Post by ChrisK on Nov 23, 2007 17:53:36 GMT -5
Did you stretch out the strings if they were new?
Is there some binding or slipping of the Bigsby return spring?
Try the graphite as well.
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lpdeluxe
Meter Reader 1st Class
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Post by lpdeluxe on Jun 12, 2008 15:23:46 GMT -5
I played a '63 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman for 15 years and getting it in tune was a challenge.
The first tip I have is, the bigger the strings, the better. I ran .011-.052s with a wound 3rd. The Bigsby was designed for fat strings (the original Slinkys, remember, were made from banjo string sets).
Second, good string wrapping technique at the tuner is important. A locking wrap (refer to Dan Erlewine's Guitar Player Repair Guide for a how-to on how to string your guitar properly). If the string slips at the nut, you never get in tune.
Third, the Bigsby is designed in such a way that tightening the string makes the string anchor bar rotate, which loosens the other strings! I dealt with this by putting the strings in approximate pitch (and, yes, stretching helps) and then tuning up from low E to high E in small steps, over and over. You'll learn to feel when it's getting all strings to pitch at the same time.
The last thing is that some less expensive guitars that are less stable will be much worse with a Bigsby. It requires a certain amount of TLC.
The Bigsby is a clever design, but suffers in comparison to more modern models. Me, I love the sound of the Bigsby (and I'm not a dive bomber, of course) and I'm willing to put up with its quirks.
The Country Gent is gone, the victim of age and inflated "vintage" prices, but I have an Epi Sheraton II I'm thinking of adding a Bigsby to.
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