Help! locking nut and bad intonation problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter dabluesman
  • Start date Start date
dabluesman

dabluesman

New member
My guitar has a Floyd Rose II trem. system. The intonation was pretty bad off so I adjusted the saddles and this helped quite a bit. However, the screws for the saddles can go into two postions, ideally the E, A, and D string's saddle screws should be in the lower position and the G, B, and high E saddle's screws should be in the upper position. For me to get the proper intonation for the G string I had to put the saddle screw in the lower position, this did work but it messes up the fine tuner for that string. Also the high E string's saddle is in the upper position as far as it can go and it is still not intonated correctly (it needs to up ever further if it were possible.) The other strings are intonated properly. Another problem is my "A" string, it makes a slightly dead "thud" sound when picked open, though fretted it's fine. I've had this nut replaced twice and it has always done this. What I would like to do is get rid of the locking nut and the Floyd Rose II and replace it with something more practical. Though, what can you replace one of those big locking nuts with? I've heard of a "rolling" nut that has berrings in it, I could get locking tuners for that. As far as the Floyd Rose II goes, does anyone recommend a better system for intonation? Something like the Buzz Feiten tuning system on Tom Anderson guitars would be ideal but I feel that is a bit far fetched. Any ideas would be great. Thanks guys!
 
My first piece of advice is to take it to a shop where they can set up and intonate your guitar for you ...once it's done hopefully you should be able to keep it intonated yourself.

The open A slightly dead thud sound may be a neck thing... I know I've had a similar thing on my guitar... I've always managed to fix it by a truss rod adjustment... to see if this is the case hit your open string and try and bend(not to hard though) the neck forward by hanging onto the body and literally pushing the head forward... if while pushing the neck forward the sound goes then you'll need a truss rod adjustment... it may be a saddle height problem, but this usually causes fret buzz at other positions along the string.
 
An original Floyd rose is what I'd recomend. The Rose two won't hold its tune, as soon as you touch it , it will be out of tune. as far as making the fine tuner work for now, the piece that the string goes through is probably on the angle, try tightening or loosening that piece till its on a flat part. the buzzing, try sticking a piece of sandpaper under the locknut to raise it a little. also your truss rod may be a little to tight, you should have a pro look at it.

Rich

Oh sorry cooperman mentioned the truss rod.



[This message has been edited by Torpid-x (edited 06-30-2000).]
 
I've got a Floyd and frankly I'm starting to think they are more trouble than they are worth... I don't even use the wammy bar. I think the next guitar I get is gonna have a Kahler non trem locking bridge... just a note to all you out there considering buying a guitar with a Floyd... only get one if you are definately sure you need one... cos they are pain in the ass!
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Torpid-x:
as far as making the fine tuner work for now, the piece that the string goes through is probably on the angle, try tightening or loosening that piece till its on a flat part.

Rich


[This message has been edited by Torpid-x (edited 06-30-2000).]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry, I was short on time when I wrote that. First loosen the string that has a problem, with a large standard screwdriver, turn the piece that holds the string in or out which ever way seems the best. make sure the fine tuner screw is not touching the angled part where the ball of the string is held. make sure you loosen the string first, the piece can break easily.

that looks like better instructions
Rich
 
Thanks for all the help. I'll just take it down to the shop, and after that I think it's time for me to trade it in on a new one or something.

[This message has been edited by dabluesman (edited 06-30-2000).]
 
Man, I hate it when my nut locks. ;^{)

Sorry, someone had to say it.

Seriously, be careful when getting your truss rod adjusted. I've known too many techs who believe you can turn it like a top. Remember you are bending wood and any adjustments must come slowly. Make sure the techs won't turn the rod more than, say 1/4 turn at a time. Maybe everyone here already knows that, but I'm amazed at the number of people who don't.

Mikedog
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top