D# / D-C# knee lever tuning technique.

[Joe Krumel]

What is the proper way to tune the second string half/full step lever . where does the ninth D string fit in?

[Richard Sinkler]

where does the ninth D string fit in?

??? It is the dom 7th tone of the E scale. That 9th string is real important. Some get rid of it but either lower 8 to D or raise 10 to D. I couldn't live without it and don't like the idea of having to use a lever to get it. Uni players usually have that D on a lever though.

The second string tuning of the half stop varies due to the different guitars, different ways to get the added resistance at the D note. My Carter has an 11th finger that is used to add resistance at the D note. Some guitars use the 9th string or a string on the C6th neck to do this, but that requires balancing the other string to start pulling at the moment you want it to and still have the other string pull to it's lowered (or raised)note. I don't like that method. Some guitars have physical units under the guitar that add the tension, and you have to tune the D note from under the guitar. I would prefer this method myself. Probably more precise and a more positive half stop.

Actually tuning the string, I tune the D# open. Then the C# and lastly the half stop.

[Joe Krumel]

Thanks for the help Richard. My guitar uses the 9th string for the extra spring tension . tuning all this is frustrating

[Lane Gray]

ok. Tune the two strings open.
Tune the 2nd string C# with 2nd string nylon nut.
Then adjust the 2nd string D with the 9th string nylon nut.
Then adjust the 9th string C# with the set screw on string 9.

[Richard Sinkler]

What set screw?

[Lane Gray]

If no set screw, then the raise rod on string 9?

[Ken Pippus]

This discussion might make a lot more sense if we knew the model of guitar in question.

KP

[Richard Sinkler]

Precisely Ken. Half stops on a Sho~Bud are different than a PP, which are different than a Carter, etc...

[Joe Krumel]

sorry guys for no mention of brand. Its a GFI ultra.

[Wayne Simpson]

Hi folks. I have the same issue on my Sierra Artist. I've looked at a number of posts about this that mention set screws but as far as I can see my changer doesn't have 'em. I got as far as figuring out that the 2nd string 1/2-stop position is tuned by the 9th string rod hex nut, but that throws either the 9th or the 2nd C# out of whack. Any thoughts?