The Steel Guitar
Information Resource

  
     
 
Steel Guitar Troubleshooting Tuning Problems
  
 

 

This page will assist you in narrowing down which area of your steel guitar is probably causing problems you may be encountering when trying to maintain accurate tuning.

There is also a tip on how to overcome temperature related tuning problems.

  
     
 

Mechanical Detuning is defined as the failure of a string to return to true pitch when pedals and/or knee levers are used. Following is a chart of the more prevalent causes along with the solutions to most mechanical detuning mechanisms:

 

Mechanical Troubleshooting

Meter Variation

Problem Location
3 - 4 cents Problem is probably at the keyhead end of the guitar
More than 4 Problem is probably at the changer end of the guitar (this includes the undercarriage)
 

Mechanical Detuning Mechanisms

Causes

Solutions

Strings not wound straight on tuning machines cause roller to bind or pinch. Wrap string at tuning machine to pull straight across roller.
Roller is burred or binding. Check to see if roller moves freely and then correct cause of binding.
Lack of lubrication on rollers. Lubricate rollers and shaft with Lightweight Machine oil or Saxophone Key oil.
Levers or pedals are binding. Check the ease of movement and correct cause of binding.
Lack of travel (slack) results in overtuning of tuning nut, causing the string to stop before the finger engages stop mechanism Back off tuning nut until finger engages stop bar. Adjust pedal or lever stop to increase movement.
RARE: Return spring is not properly calibrated. Adjust spring by adjustment or removal of coils (one at a time) to increase tension. {Please note that this will rarely need to be done.}

 

  
 

Temperature Related Problems

Main Problem: Expansion and contraction of the metal used in strings vary with temperature causing the open strings to go "out of tune".
For example, tune your E-string to 440 on your tuning meter. Rub your hand back and forth along the strings 4 to 5 times; and check the E-string with the tuning meter. The E-string will be flat approximately 1-3 Hz.
(Do not try this with a tuning fork, as it will not work. An E-string cannot be tuned to A-440. However, on most tuning meters, the 440 designation indicates "on pitch", as opposed to Herz or cycles.)

Solutions: Let guitar stabilize to room temperature approximately 10 to 20 minutes; rub strings side to side when tuning and before playing.

  

 

Home | Contact Us | Assembly | Adjustments | Lubrication | Strings
Rodding | Tunings | Other Topics | Restorations | Disclaimer | Site Map

We welcome your feedback about our Site via Email at psgbuilder@steelguitarinfo.com

Copyright ©World Class Steels, Inc. dba Carter Steel Guitars psgbuilder@steelguitar.com
Source of The Steel Guitar Information Resource Web Site.