How can I get my 325c58 to stay in tune???

[callmera]

I swapped out my stock vintage repro roller bridge for a Bigsby Sorkin Bowtie . . . and it was horrible for intonation, so I went back to the repro roller. I have Pyramid flat wound 10s on there right now, and it won't stay in tune even after a professional set-up/intonation. I don't care about trying to "Lennonize" the guitar anymore . . . . I just want it to stay in tune for recording, etc. Should I consider changing the tuning pegs and/or going up to 11s or 12s?

BTW, I don't get all you "bow tie" fans who say it stays in tune better with a bow tie! You can't intonate a bow tie!

[lennon211]

Sounds like your strings are too light. I probably wouldn't consider going with anything lighter than the .12's.

[admin]

Robert: Matt is correct when it comes to the heavier strings. 11s may work and I would try a round wound set of Strings known to intonate well with a wound G. The Ghs 1315 set should work for you as one possibility.

[doctorwho]

Ditto on what Peter and Matt said. I use a 12 set on all of my short scales, and those I bought used with intonation problems always had too small a gauge string set on them.

[callmera]

You guys rock! I will first try 11s. The 12s worked fine on my 325c64, but playing intricate things higher up was kinda rough on my fingers so I went with 10s and so far I'm good.

We'll see what happens.

Stay tuned.

-R

[doctorwho]

... Stay tuned. -R

A pun worthy of me!

One other thing: IIRC, the tuners are the reissue open-back ones. If so, there is a Phillips head screw on the shaft drive. Make sure all of those are snug (you don't have to crank down on them). I have gotten guitars or basses in the past with those types of screws a bit loose, a situation that allows the spindle to slip under pressure (e.g. when fretting or bending strings).

[Medicus1963]

Hi Robert,
I use the Original Rickenbacker 12`s (Nickel Round wound) and they work perfect, even with Bigsby bridge and Bigsby Vibrato. But Flatwounds would work as well (12 gauge)

Peter

[Melma]

Another way you could possibly get the guitar to stay in tune is to send it to my house for a visit.