Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hello,

I just bought a new 325V59. When I got the guitar, it of course came with Rickenbacker strings and I was really surprised at how well it stayed in tune. After that, I took the guitar to have it set-up with Pyramid flatwound 13's.

It seems the guitar is now very unstable. It's extremely difficult to tune. For example, I'll play an E chord and it sounds fine. As soon as I play an A, the C# on the B string seems too sharp. I'm extremely frustrated by this tuning problem. I don't blame the strings or the guy who set-up the guitar (he's been working on guitars for years and he does an excellent job on my Hofner and '66 Gretsch Country Gentleman). I just want to know how I can solve this problem.

If I need to have it set-up again, I hope there's someone out here who can recommend a technician in the Boston area who REALLY knows his/her Rickenbacker short-scales.

Thanks,
Josh

It's possible that the different strings are a bit fatter in diameter and are binding in the nut slots. If so, this Is easy to remedy with nut files. Check this out and get back to us.

I'll second the Dr's thoughts. I had the same problem and sure enough, that was the culprit.

I just took my guitar back to my technician. He filed the nut and even fixed the intonation. It still is impossible to tune. I will take it back again tomorrow. I'll explain the issue of the nut slots. It's really only the G and B strings that are giving me trouble. I can't tell you how frustrating this is. This is the final trip to the guitar tech. After that, it's going on e-bay. F*** this. Sorry, but I'm so d*** frustrated!

If he adjusted the intonation as well as the nut slots, hmm. I will tell you that the cuts in my 325v59's nut are deep and "v" shaped. The guitar tunes beautifully and string changes are a breeze.
I bought it in april '89, had it "set-up" in May of '89 and other than routine adjustments the guitar has been solid. Hang in there. the v59 is a great guitar.

Write to: [email protected]

Explain the situation to the company. From time to time, defective strings are sold. They are usually pretty good about offering free replacement strings.

Or, could you go back to using RIC strings?

Tuning problems are one of only a couple of things.
1- binding slots in the nut .Slots cut with a "V" cut will always cause problems in the long run.
If the slot is cut for a .052 and you have a .052 in the slot ...I'd say it's sort of tight .

2-the way you put on the strings-tie them onto the tuners.If it looks like a crazed BoyScout did it or a derainged sailor...that will cause slippadge.

3-a wobbling bridge ...Rick bridges are famous for this .

4-defective strings.Even the best of strings have bad one on occasion.

5-intonation set by ear ,using a cheap tuner,one that has a very narrow needle motion.
I still say that the antiquated Peterson Strobe tuner is the best on the market .WHY?do so many repair shops use them .I now also own a Korg tuner that has the Seiko chip in it ....Peterson 450 RULES!!!!

6-the notches on the aluminum saddles are grabbing the strings.

This is a mechanical problem usually.

Sometimes it is the wood in the neck .I have seen Les Paul's that have wiggle neck .It's rare ...but it can happen.

Mexican Strats ,made of 50 year old or less, maple trees are wiggle cases.

If you have the classic Black/Jetglo ...that would be had to figure out and only a last resort guess.I'm sure that you have a simple problem and your 'tech' would really wish you brought a Strat instead to him.It's easier to figure out the problem.