Return problems

Jamie Lennon · Post by **Jamie Lennon** » 4 Jun 2021 10:14 pm

HELP!

So an issue started outta the blue tonight during the show.

The E string...when I hit the C pedal raise to F# it returns 8 cents sharp. Then I tune it back then when I lower it...it returns 8 cents flat?

This happened after a complete string change before soundcheck..it was fine during soundcheck then showtime...let me down....very frustrating as I couldn't play my show properly.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Dave Magram · Post by **Dave Magram** » 4 Jun 2021 11:09 pm

Jamie,

The first thing I would check is the roller-nut for your E string. Loosen your E string so you can lift it off the roller-nut, and see if the roller-nut can spin freely.

You may have only a .003 or so sideways clearance on either side of the roller-nut, so a bit of gunk or no lubrication on the roller-nut could be causing your problems.

What kind of guitar do you have?

- Dave

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 5 Jun 2021 6:58 am

I guess this is obvious but sometimes the problem might be the e string is pulling at a angle over the roller nut::: Loosen an rewind for a straight pull.
I'm sure Jamie knows this but it might help someone else that don't know.

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 5 Jun 2021 7:03 am

I guess this is obvious but sometimes the problem might be the e string is pulling at a angle. Loosen an rewind for a straight pull.
I'm sure Jamie knows this but it might help someone else that don't no.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 5 Jun 2021 7:21 am

First thing I would do is add a tiny amount of lubricant to the changer fingers and operate the mechanism well to work it in.

Then, while playing, feel the lowering scissors with your finger underneath when the lower returns and make sure it's coming all the way back to the stop. If you can pull it back with your finger, the lower return spring needs more tension.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 5 Jun 2021 7:47 am

Since this was right after a string change, maybe wrong string installed. Easy to do with D'Addario and their color coding.

Pat Moore · Post by **Pat Moore** » 5 Jun 2021 6:50 pm

Hmmm, Jamie,
Check your ball end to make sure it didn't slip into the finger instead of being on the finger pin or slot, depending on the guitar.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 5 Jun 2021 7:15 pm

All good suggestions. Keep in mind that if you change a string and things go bonkers, then it's either the string or how you installed it that is the source of the problem! Don't go making changes, adjusting linkages, or cranking endlessly on the tuning nut. That's NOT where the problem is.

If you fill up your car with gas, and it immediately starts to run like crap, the problem isn't the engine. (It's the gas you just put in.)