Tuners on 325

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 10:41 am

I posed this question previously (on the wrong forum)...my 325 tuners are a bit tight. Actually, they are real tight. I feel like I'm going to break something. Is it the Bigsby B5 giving me grief? What?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:11 pm

I think I'd check this one out by detuning a string or two way back and seeing how tough it is to bring them back up to pitch. If they're stiff when there's no load, that's a situation calling for a careful lube. I like to use good old fretboard conditioner (lemon oil) because if you use a bit too much, it won't hurt anything. Smells great, too...You don't have to take the strings off to do this, either. Just detune, oil, run the keys back ad forth a few times to distribute the oil, and tune to pitch. You can use a toothpick or a watch oiler to apply the oil to the clover gear.

If they're stiff only under load, I'd make sure your nut is OK and then simply tune carefully. If you're using the heavy strings, they can be quite a load. Can't see how this could be the Bigsby's fault. Anybody else had experience with this?

Scastles · Post by **Scastles** » Tue Jan 18, 2005 12:45 pm

Thanks for the input, Paul. Will give the lube a shot. Also, I am using the heavier Pyramid string which might be the cause. Will see.

roadrunners · Post by **roadrunners** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:04 am

I have a 330 with the new tuners, and those I love....But our guitarist has a 325C58.....but it has HORRIBLE tuners. It seems like the thing is NEVER in tune

adam_swapp · Post by **adam_swapp** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:53 am

Alex - Most tuning problems aren't the fault of the tuners. I would suggest it's more likely that he has issues with the nut or saddles. Or (even more likely still) he isn't installing the strings properly.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 12:57 pm

The 325, because of its short scale, really needs heavy gauge strings, and the tension these put upon the pegs require extra-careful attention to the proper winding technique when stringing. Anyway, I think Adam may have hit on it.

Saturdays are Adam's good advice days.

wolfgang · Post by **wolfgang** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 2:22 pm

Paul, because of the shorter scale the strings need less tension for same pitch. To compensate this, you choose a heavier gauge.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Feb 19, 2005 3:03 pm

Wolf, sorry I wasn't clear. The total tension is more for a heavier gauge string at a given pitch.