365 easily gets out of tune

[gibsonlp]

Hi guys,
I have a 1968 365 with a (supposedly) factory original bigsby.
My problem is that the guitar is easily getting out of tune if I use the bigsby, the most noticeable offender is the G string (haha). The strings seem to be well placed (at least 2-3 wraps) but they were installed by the previous owner.

Another thing - the neck feels REALLY soft and I can easily add/relieve the tension on the neck only with the weight of my hand, is that normal for 6 strings ricks of that period (my 67 366/12 doesn't do that).

Thanks!

[antipodean]

Gil,

On the tuning - maybe the nut is pinching the string (yes, lots of jokes about nuts & g-strings could start here). Check to see how tight the slots are. Maybe the need a little filing or possibly lubing with graphite.

On the relief - is it the change in relief only one way? i.e you can bend the neck backwards but not forwards? If this is the case, you may need a reset.

[admin]

Gil: The first thing to do is to change the strings.

When you do notice the action of the tuners and see if you notice slippage as you tune them up to pitch.

If the nut is pinching the strings you will notice a sound as you tune it as the strings may grab intermittently in the slots. Also, you may notice the instrument going sharp on the "pinched strings" as you play it.

Please let us know what you find.

Perhaps the Curmudgeon will chime in here.

[gibsonlp]

Thanks guys, I will replace the strings and put some graphite (from a pencil?) on the slots in the nuts.
the guitar is not at home right now, I left it in the office (long story) - I'll check out how the neck behaves as soon as I see it again.

Thanks!

[jdogric12]

graphite (from a pencil?)
Thanks!

Yes, I do this on my Casino whenever I change the strings. It works well. I just roll the tip of the pencil along the edge of the slot and let some of the graphite flake off into the slot.

[gibsonlp]

Ok, today I finally replaced the strings.
When I played guitar in a band (12 years ago ) I used to replace strings every 2 weeks, I just loved the bright hot tone of a new nickelwound string.
Keeping the original strings on the 365 was pretty unusual for me - but I simply didn't play it as much as I wanted and the strings were in a really good condition.

What I noticed is:
1. The previous owner had a lighter set, it was a 0.10 set - but wounded strings were a tad ligher than the ones on my DR "Tite-fit" 10-46... That's odd...
2. The peg holes (is that the name for it?) are REALLY low, this means that I must wind the strings upwards, the previous owner had it 1 wind down and the rest above the hole...
3. Bigsby is a BIATCH, this was the first time I changed strings with a bigsby, it's far from rocket science but it does require some getting used to..
4. I couldn't put any graphite on the 2 thinner strings, I did push as much as I could as well as put some on the string and "took down" a pile of graphite when I inserted the string(s) back to their slots.

Bottom line: the guitar is staying in tune pretty well now! this is really nice!

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

[jingle_jangle]

The trick with the Bigsby, Gil, is to pre-curve the strings at the barrel end, so they wrap around the Bigsby's shaft nice and tight. Wrap all six around the shaft after they're seated on their pins, and tape them into place with a strip of masking tape. Then string it up as usual.

[gibsonlp]

Thanks Paul, I figured the bending part after the 3rd string which made it a lot easier, I didn't quite get the rest of your explanation though

[jingle_jangle]

I place a strip of masking tape temporarily across the strings to hold them to the Bigsby's anchor shaft, loop all six strings over the shaft (and then under the tensioner shaft, if the Bigsby's got one, like on a B5), and then string up the guitar. After trimming the strings and tuning to pitch (tune low-to-high, not the other way 'round), I remove the masking tape.

[beatlefreak]

Yes, pre-curving the strings is a must for installing them on a Bigsby. I use a pair of needle-nosed pliers, and put a slight curve every few millimeters or so, until the string end has the curve profile of the anchor shaft. As long as the curve is tight enough, and the string is first passed under the tension bar, the ball end of the string will stay on the anchor pin without the tape.

By the way Gil, powdered graphite can be bought in small tubes, as it's useful for freeing sticky lock mechanisms. Try a hardware store, or home improvement store.