The Steel Guitar Forum

My 5th string is a 017 and for some reason I cant tune the harmonics out, I tune untill there gone, but when I play a song, it comes back, I am useing GHS Super stainless steel strings, If I switch to a bigger string would that take care of the problem?I tune every string to the Newman cents tunning, but that 5th is a stinker
thanks
Billy..Emmons LeGrande III

Clearly not an expert here..but two thoughts come to mind..

Have you tried a different brand string which is maybe Nickel steel ?

Also have you checked the roller and bridge to be certain the the roller is actually rolling smoothly without dirt or grit in the groove and the bridge has been checked for a good clean burrless ( is that even a word ) ccontact with the string..?

Every now and then I come up with strange tones on the Tele' and usually a new or different string resolves the weirdness...

IF you have already thought of these things and done them, then you can totally disregard this message..

And hoipe someone else has encounterred ths same thing and resolved it..and posted ithe solution..

tp

Billy,

Exactly what do you mean by 'tuning the harmonics out'? Do you mean that the string does not return to pitch? As far as nickel/stainless; only the wound ones are 'nickel or stainless'. All the plain strings are, well, plain steel. If your string is not returning to pitch, first replace the strings. Make sure the rollers are lubricated and the tuning keys are tight (both the screws that hold it to the body and the hex nut on the inside of the keyhead).

The LeGrande III with the compensator is specifically designed to counteract the 'return flat' problems on strings that are both raised and lowered. If you still have the problem with new strings and a good lube and tighten, you should let a qualified tech look at the adjustment of the compensators.

I too would like to know what you mean when you say "tuning the harmonics out".

Also, 'tis true the term "stainless steel verses nickle" ONLY applies to the wound strings.

carl

Overtones ? That is what I assumed ...

But you know what happens when you assume....

T<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 08 April 2003 at 08:30 AM.]</p></FONT>

I don't think he'd be using a wound 5th.

.017 is standard for the fifth, B string.
If you can't tune it there's other problems that need to be resolved. Changing string guage isn't the answer, even if it solves the problem.

We need more info Billy. Please explain the problem again.

I wonder if he meant he was having trouble tuning the "beats" out.

Could be Hysterisis...

If you tune the note, then lower it, it may return to a different pitch (sharp), then it does when returning from a raise.

Is this a keyed steel?

check your tuningkey,is it still screwed tight enough to the aluminum? Had this problem after bad airporthandling...

Johan - Is there such a thing as "good" airport handling?

------------------
Lee, from South Texas
Down On The Rio Grande

I didnt think I was wording it correctly, I am tuning the beats out, or at least trying to, And the 5th string the 017 is the only one that wont stay put when I tune it.
I'll try the string change, and see if that works,
thanks again fellows
Billy....Emmons LeGrande III<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by B.Jenkins on 08 April 2003 at 04:56 PM.]</p></FONT>

Here's some things to try...

Oil the roller nut, and make sure it spins freely.

When you put the new string on, make sure it's pulling in a straight line. You don't want it going left or right where it comes off the roller nut. Whether the string comes off the inside or outside of the tuning peg is not important.

Make sure you have enough wraps around the peg...at least 5, and preferably 7.

"Seat" the string by pressing the string down with your finger where it comes over the bridge, and on both sides of the roller-nut.

Make sure you have some "slack" in the pull rod.

Billy: You might try tuning everything straight up 440. I used to use the Newman tempered tuning method but I find with the LeGrande it is not necessary. In my humble opinion it doesn't work well with the mechanics of this instrument.Also what Donny said.

Thanks, I will try these ideas out and I'll let you know the outcome....
Billy....