Drop tuning issue

[old Skool]

Curious what you guys are using for low tunings as far as strings, etc. What I have is a Schecter C-1 Elite, string through body. I had this set up for 1/2 below drop D (C#) and used D'Addario 10-52s. This thing held tune great. No problems. Recently I restrung it with D'Addario 12-54s (plain 3rd) and tuned it B to B (B, E, A, D, F#, B). The big problem I'm having is keeping the D (3rd) string in tune, especially when I bend. I don't know if a wound 3rd would help? I know if I had a locking trem on this thing that would solve the problem but I need to be able to drop the B to an A as needed. I'm going to check a little closer to be sure the string isn't hanging up in the nut but I really don't think that's the problem. Ideas?

[lonewolf]

Did you reintonate the bridge saddles when you changed string gauges?

The only other thing I can think of is tightening up that tuner a little--that's really the only moving part there is once the string is locked (at the tuner) and stretched.

[old Skool]

Hey thanks for the reply Jeff. I'll double check that tuner. Yeah I had to raise the bridge & set the intonation to compensate for the string & tuning change. When I bend that 3rd string it goes flat everytime. I was wondering if I need a larger gauge to correct the problem or a wound third. The strings are a bit sloppy tuned this way. The scale on this guitar is 25-1/2" so it should work, although not as good as a true baritone model. This guitar has Grover machines on it and as mentioned they held great in the other tuning.

[bassist_25]

I'm telling you, old Skool - this is what you need:





With Duncans instead of EMGs, of course.

[orangekick]

If it's just one string, that string is probably getting caught at the nut. I'd still check the tuner though. It might be slipping, but I doubt it because you would have noticed that before.

[tonefight]

I would agree on getting caught up especially since it is a larger string then the previous set. If not than maybe its a bum tuner and can't hold the extra tension ?

[Bloodsong]

i don't suggest a wound 3rd... its the most fucked up thing to play if you're not used to it.. you keep thinking you're on the fourth string and it really affects your playing and concentration..

[old Skool]

Nice Paul! Now if that had a fixed bridge maybe just maybe ha, ha. Haven't had a chance yet but I'm going to try to file out the nut just a bit & see what that does. And as far as the wound third that's what I wondered- if it would feel out of place & mess me up. Thanks for the input guys.

[Killjingle]

I would stay away from wound 3rd as well; even as low as we tune...

[lonewolf]

I would stay away from wound 3rd as well; even as low as we tune...

...and if you really want to catch a string in the nut.....

[RFBuck]

Ken, talk to Terry. I'd say try the Dunlop Zakk Wylde set. The low string is only in the high 40's, but they're designed to handle low tunings. I tried the heavier gauges and had nut issues. These fit the nut slots fine and I tune it to drop C. I don't hear much difference in tone...it's still low, crunchy as hell, and like I said before...fits the nut slots fine.

[old Skool]

Actually Buck the first set I tried was the Zakk Wylde set, 10-60. The low end was fine but the first three strings were too light & hung like spider webs off the neck. The sound was terrible, almost like a cheap chorus pedal with a dead battery. Just no definition or tuning stability at all. From what I've read & heard from other players is that you need to be in the 12 or 13 gauge set when dropped that low. Hoping to get some time this weekend & get it figured out. If not may have to track down that 7 string Jackson Paul posted ha, ha. By the way Paul was that picture from Drumcityguitarland? Cool people. Got one of my San Dimas Charvels there.

[bassist_25]

Yep, that's where I pulled the picture from. It is a sweet looking ax.

[RFBuck]

Oh ok, you tried them already then. I tried the heavier set first and didn't like the nut thing. So I went to the lightest gauge possible for that kind of tuning. That's the best I can do ya...threw my two cents in LOL.

[old Skool]

Hey always appreciate the input Buck. Well I filed the nut out just a bit more today & that seemed to help quite a bit. Thought I had enough clearance when I first set it up but guess it just wasn't quite enough. It still drops flat just a little but is much better. Although I must say I keep looking at that Jackson above. Hmmm.....

[tonefight]

You can try one of the various forms of graphite lubricant for the nut also. Graph Tech may make a precut one to fit.

[RFBuck]

I've used Nut Sauce before and that worked great! Not sure if they even make it now....

[ToonaRockGuy]

...and they say drummers are bad talking about sticks and heads. Buck's talking about "nut sauce". There's gotta be about a million jokes there.

[RFBuck]

And trust me...when I've mentioned using it in the past...I've heard just about all of them unless I volunteer something myself

[Ron]

I've used Nut Sauce before and that worked great! Not sure if they even make it now....

I make my own.

[old Skool]

Nut sauce??? Um, think I'll just let it go out of tune & call it jazz!

[RFBuck]

I knew it would spark a reaction in some form...