Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi all! Does anybody has the same problem? The G string in my 330 goes out of tune almost all of the time, mainly after bendings. It happens also in the D but it is not so remarcable as is in the G.

When it goes out of tune is the G string sharp or flat?

idea: move the forum technical support sections to the bottom of the page?

Or, re-title it to make it's purpose clearer.

Thanks for your help! The string goes flat, sometimes even a half tone! On the other hand, I apologize if my question is not in the proper forum but admit that its title is a bit confusing! Kind regards.

jrepresa wrote:Thanks for your help! The string goes flat, sometimes even a half tone!

Check to make sure the string is wound onto the tuning post properly, perhaps it (they) are slipping when you release the string after a bend.

Check the intonation on your guitar............it is likely the root cause of the problem.

STRING STRETCH -- I will bet a dollar to a donut you're using a plain G string. It will always stretch completely out of tune. I haven't used a plain G string on any guitar (only as the octave on my 12-string), electric or acoustic, since about 1978 for this reason. Change out the 17 plain string to an 18, 19, or 20 wound to match the D-A-low E strings, if you have a guitar with adjustible pole pieces, raise the G string pole piece a 1/4 to 1/2 turn, lubricate the nut and saddle grooves with a couple of swipes of a graphite pencil to make sure the string glides freely across both the nut and saddle (after making sure the string isn't pinched by too narrow a groove), and reintonate the saddle. With the smaller core diameter, more like a high e string, you'll probably have to bring the saddle forward to almost where the high e saddle is, in front of where the D saddle is.

Thanks iiipopes. I owe you a dollar. It's a plain 17. I think I'll try easier solutions by now, such as better wraping, graphite lubricant and so. I don't dare to handle the saddles nor the pole pieces!

Jose............what ever you decide to do, have your intonation checked by a guitar technician as it is likely the root cause of your problem with your guitar.

Btw if you like doing bends a wound string will make that tough to do. If you mostly play rhythm then a wound G string would be an acceptable change..........but and this is a big but, you will need to adjust your saddles on your bridge to get the intonation perfect in any event.

I've cleaned up the nut groove with a very fine sandpaper then lubricated with graphite and given some time to settle. Now the string keeps in tune after bending even a tone and a half! Looks like magic! Thank you all guys! You've been of great help!