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Really bad tuning problem

Hiwatt

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
95
Hi folks.
I got a 2009 Les Paul Traditional when it came out.Brand new.I absolutely love the sound of the guitar and the feel of it but I'm having huge problems with the tuning,specifically the G string.It goes way flat.
I don't even have to be doing huge bends.I'll tune it up before a song and during the song it will just "slip" not just a little bit but right out and I have to step on the tuner and bring it back up to pitch mid song.It's so frustrating!I always give my strings a right good stretch to break them in,I typically only use 3-4 windings on the tuning peg.I've done a bit of research on this and most opinions point to the nut?
I've tried using pencil lead in the nut slots but it's made no difference.
Looking at the nut slot it isn't cut deep,if anything it might not be cut deep enough as the string just sits on it but apparently this is the way it should be?
I'm using 10's and it's a plain G.
Any ideas what the problem could be folks?
Any help/advice much appreciated.Thanks.
 
Last edited:

JR.Deluxe

New member
Joined
May 4, 2003
Messages
570
How much string do you have poking out of the tuner post hole? Try having at least a half inch, which is a little long but if you are getting weird slippage that would help rule out that out.
 

Hiwatt

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
95
How much string do you have poking out of the tuner post hole? Try having at least a half inch, which is a little long but if you are getting weird slippage that would help rule out that out.
It probably is around a half inch actually.I use those string clippers and don't go right in to the tuning peg but leave a short bit of string.
Just curious,how would this affect it though?
Thanks.
 

Doc Sausage

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2006
Messages
1,707
Make sure it's seated all the way in the stop bar. I've seen em hang up in there.
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
Could be a dud string, slowly unwinding.

Slots do not need to be deep, and work best if they're not. If the string sort goes "ping" when you're tuning then maybe it does need to be widened a fraction (not deeper). Pencil lead does help but the slots must be a correct fit first.

I would give a g string about 7-10 winds. Almost the full post if you can.

Good luck.
 

Hiwatt

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
95
I'm not getting the "ping" at all when tuning.The problem happens with brand new strings(well stretched in)and strings that have been on for weeks.It's not an old string thing.I wish it was as simple as that.Also I used to have quite a few more winds on the string but read that this could contribute to the problem and so tried less but alas it made no difference.
Thanks for the suggestions folks.Please keep em coming 'cos it really is driving me crazy.
Thanks folks.
 

frenchphil

Active member
Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
1,223
instead of pencil lead i use big bends "nut sauce"

very easy to apply in the slot with the needle provided

it lubricates very well
 

Hiwatt

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2010
Messages
95
instead of pencil lead i use big bends "nut sauce"

very easy to apply in the slot with the needle provided

it lubricates very well
Do you have the same problem if you don't use "nut sauce"?If so is it as bad?I know it's hard to judge without seeing/hearing it but it is quite bad.Thanks.
 

Xpensive Wino

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2012
Messages
6,079
There's always...


guitar_etune.jpg
 

singlecut 54

New member
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
197
Press the ''G'' string behind the nut, if it's hanging in the slot then it will stay sharp. If so, it needs re cutting properly. If you're not used to this kind of work then take it to a good reliable tech.
 

JR.Deluxe

New member
Joined
May 4, 2003
Messages
570
It probably is around a half inch actually.I use those string clippers and don't go right in to the tuning peg but leave a short bit of string.
Just curious,how would this affect it though?
Thanks.

I've had strings slip on the post but look like there are 3 or 4 windings and nub of string sticking through the hole. The more you twist it just keeps slipping but looks like it's not. Pretty rare but it's happened.
 

dylumph

New member
Joined
Apr 21, 2002
Messages
477
Are you tuning UP to the correct note, or coming from sharp down?

This is something I learned later in my playing time. If mine goes sharp, I take it way down and come up slowly. It seats them pretty quick. I recently started having bone nuts put on my Gibsons. I always put pencil lead in the nut & 1 under, 2 or 3 over (the hole) on the tuning peg. I think we've all had war with your problem!

Oh yeah, I like your name! I've got a couple early 70s Dr 103s. The 42 year old Mullards in them still rock!
 

RNELEE

New member
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
645
I would just take the guitar into a good tech. If I were a betting man I bet that you are in for a new nut. Who knows, maybe a new tuner. The other thing that I would bet on is that it a simple problem to fix.
 
K

Kim R

Guest
As some have mentioned above, there are number of little hang-ups that can catch the string and cause the tuning of the guitar to be a bit unreliable. A good rule of thumb is to go through the "tone path" from the stoptail right to the tuner and address each one. However...

My favorite and very simple/inexpensive/short-lived brand from way back has recently presented a new variable: The drum-end (stop tail) of the damn string has a short braid that is slipping (!). Numerous packs of these strings over the past year have proven to be completely unreliable, particularly on the unwound strings. They simply slip, unwind, or break at the braid (twist).

Had to leave them - (EB).
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
Joined
Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
Are you tuning UP to the correct note, or coming from sharp down?

This is something I learned later in my playing time. If mine goes sharp, I take it way down and come up slowly.

This is "Guitar Tuning 101".
Unfortunately, it is so rarely taught and must often be "discovered". :dang

The nature of basic tuning keys is that they should be tightened to the correct pitch, always.
 
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