Tuning discrepancies when returning from pedals/levers

Jon Voth · From: Virginia, USA

I have a GFI expo D10, which I feel has always held it's tune well.

For almost three years since I've had it, I'll tune up the notes and call it a day.

Lately I'll tune each note, then work the pedals/levers then notice: If I raise it and release, the note is slightly sharp (and vice versa). This is pretty consistent on every string/raise-lower.

I can tell by the slight roll of the Peterson tuner ring (y'all know what I refer to). Audibly, it's hard to notice if at all. I can't really hear it, but can see it in the ring.

I don't lube my GFI, didn't think I had to. Is this normal? Expecting perfection from the mechanics?

Thanks

richard burton · From: Britain

If it has nut rollers, lubricate them.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

I have owned four different brand PS guitars. I now have an Infinity. I have to say the guitar has little to no hysteresis. I suspect the reason is the roller nut design. Compared to the previous guitars, the nuts are bigger in diameter, 0.375", yet the axle is smaller, 0.062". Both combine to raise the mechanical advantage which I hypothesize overcomes that last bit of stiction.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Sounds like you are "overtuned". See the thread at:

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=326460
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting.

Jon Voth · From: Virginia, USA

Thanks for replies-

Respectfully, I don't think I am overtuned. I've done nothing to the guitar-bone stock-same brand of strings every time (& only 3 years old).

I might entertain lube on the nut. Thanks Richard for the GFI picture.

Do I remove/knock out the pin (shaft) and oil that? It seems logical but scary to me to do that.

Again, it is so slight, I only noticed it after I looked at the tuner after working a lever. Haven't determined how many "cents" it changes-I think I could hear 2 or 3. I really don't hear any change & I'm supposedly a professional musician.

Let me know if I'm paranoid-maybe I need that.

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

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A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

If you have not maintained and lubed the nut rollers in 3 years, This would be a good place to start.

IF YOU REMOVE THE NUT ROLLERS, KEEP IN ORDER AND REPLACE IN ORDER.

Since it has been at least 3 years, I would suggest you remove the rod and check all the slots the rollers set in for drag sign, Most shafts in the nut rollers are drill rod, Which can rust from sweat, Or spilled Coca-Cola. Polish the rod with 0000 steel wool, Replace and lube.

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

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A broken heart + † = a new heart.

Jim Pitman · From: Waterbury Ctr. VT 05677 USA

Not to dis GFI, they are fine guitars, but that roller nut design looks quite frictional. Most other guitars don't extend the bridge metal between the roller nuts up to the full height of the roller nut.
Friction is the enemy on a PSG. It can only be reduced at best.

Ron Pruter · From: Arizona, USA

Jon, Don't take the nut apart unless the rollers are seized up and not spinning freely. Just a small drop on each side of the roller then spin it. I use Tri-flow I purchase from a bike shop. RP
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Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112.

Jon Voth · From: Virginia, USA

Thanks Ron Pruter,

I'm about to do this as I'm about to change strings, and I like to change strings one at a time (a guitar player who doesn't like to take all the tension off the neck at once). Maybe that isn't a worry for a PSG?

I was thinking a grease on the shaft, but I will try your method. Try my best to not have gunk remain on all that mechanism.

Gene Tani · From: Pac NW

I bought some teflon lube from Mullen or Williams or maybe psgparts.com w/needle applicator or apply with a piece of .010 string. Whatever you do don't use triflow w/paraffin

http://www.lutherie.net/tuner.maintenance.html
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- keyless Sonny Jenkins laps stay in tune forever!; Carter PSG
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