Problem with Carter

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Jim Whitford
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Problem with Carter

Post by Jim Whitford »

I recently bought a Carter 2006 D10 which I've been using a lot for the last month or so. Plays great, stays in tune, etc until I changed strings yesterday.
Now the 3 string on the E9 neck won't stay in pitch. It keeps going flat. I've replaced it twice and still goes flat. Same gauge and brand of strings that I put on when I got it. Can't see any mechanical issue.
Anyone have an idea what's going on? Thanks
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Lane Gray
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Post by Lane Gray »

How many winds on the peg?
The most common cause for drifting flat is slipping on the peg. When I install them, I always run the first wind to the outside of the keyhead, and then all subsequent winds to the inside, and make sure there's enough winds to clear the string hole.
I can think of only two causes for strings drifting flat (after the initial stretching):
1) bad strings
2) CEBCAG (Cause exists between chair and guitar)
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Howard Parker
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Post by Howard Parker »

The nylon hex tuner may be stripped.

h
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Jim Whitford
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Post by Jim Whitford »

Lane, I can think of a lot of problems between the the guy sitting on the chair and the guitar, but I haven't had this particular problem before.
As I said, I've tried several strings.
Maybe Howard is on to something. I'll swap out a nylon tuner and see if that helps. Thank you both
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Lane Gray
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Post by Lane Gray »

If Jim means the B pedal, I agree with Howard.
I assumed he meant the G# is drifting.
If the A is drifting, try switching the nylon nut from another string, like the 5th string C pedal. If the problem moves to the 5th string, then you need another nut: they're available from nearly all steel-based stores (Palenscar, Bradshaw, Billy Cooper, Frenchy's, Scotty's).
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Howard Parker
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Post by Howard Parker »

I made an assumption it was returning flat and not going flat just sitting there.

You know what they say about assumptions! :D

If it has nothing to do with the B pedal I'd take a close look at the tuning post/wraps.

Can't think of anything else.

h
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Jim Eaton
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Post by Jim Eaton »

I don't remember if Carter has a slot for the string on the changer finger or a pin for the ball end.
If it has a pin, check it to see if it is starting to break and it's causing your de-tuning issue.
Saw this happen on an old Sho Bud once.
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Richard Sinkler
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Post by Richard Sinkler »

Carter uses a slot at the changer.
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Rick Barnhart
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Post by Rick Barnhart »

Give the 3rd string plenty of length before trimming and winding it. Leaving it short can cause premature breakage and tuning issues. Carter uses a slot, not a pin at the changer.
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Jim Eaton
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Post by Jim Eaton »

Note to self: Carter has slot, not pin on changer finger.:)
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Richard Sinkler
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Post by Richard Sinkler »

My rule of thumb is to cut the strings 2 tuning pegs past the one I am stringing up. Of course, the real heavy strings, like on the C6, I can't use that rule and usually just go a little more that 1 peg.
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Jim Whitford
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Post by Jim Whitford »

When I opened the case to work on the guitar the 3rd string was completely loose! I replaced the string again cutting the string a bit longer than usual. (I usually go two pegs past and never had a problem)
Working fine now. I'm thinking I might have had a run of a few bad strings?
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Howard Parker
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Post by Howard Parker »

Doubtful. I'd guess that you need to wind more wraps around that tuner.

That skinny string needs something to grip.

Glad the issue is resolved.

h
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Lane Gray
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Post by Lane Gray »

I wrap on both sides of the string so that string tension holds it tight.
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Jim Whitford
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Post by Jim Whitford »

Thank you all!
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Jon Light
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Post by Jon Light »

Just fwiw, directly from the mouth of John Fabian and what I do on all guitars--2 post lengths of extra for all strings except the 3rd string which gets 4 posts.
In addition to the extra winds for stability, you also walk the winds away from the hole in the post, protecting this little string from the abrasion of this disruption.
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Larry Bressington
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Post by Larry Bressington »

Cross the string over itself after the first wind pinching the string to the peg...this also slows down breakage as there is a cushion for the string to sit on. 4-6 winds on 3rd string really helps and alleviates breakage.
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Doug Garrick
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Post by Doug Garrick »

Jim, next time you replace that string check the roller for excess play. That hole may be washed out. I oil the roller axle every string change. Plus I rotate the rollers to new positions every string change to prevent any single roller from always being on one of the strings that gets a lot of pedal/knee lever action. This helps keep the wear on the rollers even and minimal.
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Lee Dassow
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Post by Lee Dassow »

Yes, I believe Jons right. It's not good to go wind
over the holes especially on those thin strings! Great information from John Fabian. Just my opinion. Tennessee Lee
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Donny Hinson
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Post by Donny Hinson »

I always do 7 or 8 wraps on the fine wires. :wink:
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Sonny Jenkins
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Post by Sonny Jenkins »

Another PLUS for keyless,,,,,,,,,,
Jim Whitford
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Post by Jim Whitford »

Been away from the computer for a while. Thanks for all the suggestions. I think Jon hit the nail on the head.
I've always cut the string two winds or so past the tuning key and it's always worked. I gave it a lot more with the 3rd string and it did the trick
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