Author Topic: Tunung Issues (Read 124 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** February 20, 2006, 05:20:56 PM »

This is a two part question. I'd appreciate any input.

1. What are some potential causes for a guitar to go slightly sharp after several minutes of playing - particularly on the strings bent most often (E, B, G)?

2. I have a Boss TU-2 on my pedalboard. Recently, though, I've been using my POD XT Live exclusively. How accurate do you think the built in tuners on these multi-effects processors are in comparison to a dedicated tuner like the TU-2?

Regards,

Jonathan

crgaston · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:51:27 PM »

Heat, maybe? The neck might expand and put more tension on the strings, or maybe if you have a tremolo, it might give slightly, during the bending. Then if the strings got stuck in the nut, the unbent string might have more tension when the tremolo system is at rest. I'm just guessing. That happens on my A string of my bass, and the only thing i can figure is heat. I always have to retune my A string by a tiny bit after about 3 songs, then it's good to go for the rest of the night.

As far as built in tuners go, if you can tune your guitar up and your chords sound right, it's working fine. Tuning a fretted instrument is far from an exact science.

Charles

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2006, 08:49:20 PM »

Jonathan:

I agree with Charles that the change in temp when you first pull you axe out of the case and start playing is probably responsible. I've also experienced this phenomena. As for the TU-2, I have one also. I did a bit of research before I bought it and picked it for two reasons: accuracy and the large bright readout that is legible in daylight. If you want more accuracy in a stomp box tuner, the only option I'm aware of is the Peterson strobostomp. As accurate as you're going to find, but at least twice the price of the Boss.

Bill, tgo

flaxattack · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:19:35 PM »

i bought the boss strobe tuner
other than screwing up the frequency- which my buddy fixed
it works great
matching it against the pod xt
they were real real close...

lbpesq · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2006, 11:12:41 PM »

Flax, if you mean the TU-2, it isn't a true strobe. The Peterson is the only true strobe stomp box that I'm aware of.

Bill, tgo

kmh364 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2006, 05:05:08 AM »

Personally, I use the Peterson V-SAM. The virtual strobe tuner is extremely accurate and costs a fraction of a real motor-driven strobe a la Conn. The metronome is an excellent feature and the tone generator is useful as well. Well worth the money IMHO.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2006, 07:27:57 AM »

Thanks everyone. The problem really is as the guitar is heating up. I didn't realize that such subtle temperature differences could have such an impact. If the nut isn't cut right on the G, would that go sharp when bent?

Flax...thanks for the direct comparison between the POD and Boss. That really helps. I'm not going to hook up the TU-2 to the XT Live. I'll stick with the internal tuner.

Regards,

Jonathan

kmh364 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2006, 07:51:33 AM »

An improperly cut nut would most certainly cause the problems you've been experiencing. A tight slot or improper chamfer/bevel or any sharp edge/burr would cause the string to bind in the slot.

bigredbass · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2006, 08:28:45 PM »

INCIDENTALLY . . . I bought the handiest little gadget the other day, while we're taliking about tuners.

I've started taking lessons, and needed a metronome again (sight reading again . . .) and knew there were some tuner/metronome combos out there.

I bought a BOSS TU-80. Metronome and tuner (goes down to Eo, the E below the low B on a multi-string bass). About the size of a cassette, hands-free tuning, no lighted display, but a great little throw-it-in-the-case bargain for $29.95.

J o e y