https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:08:32 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/paged/2/#post-299257 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:49:17 +0000 Slide and Alternate tunings Ricochet https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/paged/2/#post-299257 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-299130 Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:39:29 +0000 I went an bought a chromatic tuner because I didn't think of this.]]> Slide and Alternate tunings Raistx https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-299130 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298757 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:30:52 +0000 Slide and Alternate tunings sparky1ma https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298757 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298397 Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:55:43 +0000 Slide and Alternate tunings Ricochet https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298397 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298335 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:52:39 +0000
2 - As the trem is raised the action will also be higher. Again,- it all depends on how much the trem responds to the 011s combined with a lower tuning.

3 - Maybe. Do a check with a chromatic tuner; Play a harmonic at the 12th fret, then press the string down (at the 12th fret) and check with the tuner.

4 - If the pitch is too high when you press down the string you'll need to move the saddle longer back, if it's too low then you'll need to move the saddle forward. This is done by adjusting the screws for the individual saddles at the back of the bridge.

A few tips for improving tuning stability with a floating Strat trem:
Next time you change strings, remove all strings AND the tremolo springs, then raise the six screws in front of the trem. Lower the two outside screws (under the 1st and 6th string) until there's contact with the trem (you'll see the trem move a bit) - then back off just a hair. Leave the other four screws a little higher off the trem so there's no contact between the screw heads and the trem plate.
Avoid using the string tree(s) on the headstock if you can, usually it's enough to only use it for the first string. The point is to elminate any points where the string can get caught and go out of tune. Also use a soft pencil to lubricate the string slots in the nut with graphite. It looks a little messy, but it helps the strings move smoother at the nut.
When you put on the new strings, check if they move freely through the nut slots by dragging the strings back and forth. If you notice unwanted friction then you may need to have the nut slot widened by a pro repairman (it only takes 5 minutes for a pro to file a nut, but it's one of the most important parts regarding tuning stability so it's best to leave it to a pro). It probably won't be a problem, but the wound strings on a 011 set may be a bit more than the nut is originally filed for.

Hope this helps!

Steinar]]> Slide and Alternate tunings Steinar Gregertsen https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298335 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298258 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:54:34 +0000
I figured it would be a pain to retune and restring a floating trem. but that is just the nature of the beast, I have to deal with that in any tuning.

1. If I put 11's on it will the trem (for the most part) stay in position, with only small adjustments needed?

2. Will the action be effected?

3.I'm guessing that with bigger strings the intonation is going to be off, is that correct?

4. What's the proper way to get the correct intonation?

Thanks for your advice.]]> Slide and Alternate tunings sparky1ma https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298258 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298236 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 01:35:38 +0000
Should I put more springs on it I have 3 on there now, that's what it came with, and what is the advantage of having all the springs on there? Does it make the trem more stable there for stay in tune better? I only use all 5 springs if I want the bridge to rest flat on the body for max stability. You will need to decide on two issues:
1 - are you going to use the tremolo at all?
2 - will you stick with one tuning so the hassle of retuning with a floating trem isn't a problem?

Personally I've never had a problem keeping a Strat in tune with a floating trem, even when putting it through some pretty heavy abuse. My current Strat is set up with 3 springs and I can raise the 3rd string from a G to a Bb - I can put it through "3rd Stone From The Sun" and beyond and it stays pretty well in tune. The problem is if you need to retune or break a string, that's when a floating trem is murder.....

From what I understand you plan to stick to standard tuning a half step down, so see if the floating trem is for you (it may need some extra TLC to work poperly) - the way I see it God and Leo Fender invented the "synchronized tremolo" for us to use..... :cool:

Let me know if you need some help setting up the trem, I've had somewhere between 10 and 15 Strats since my first in '79 so I may be able to help you out.. :wink:]]> Slide and Alternate tunings Steinar Gregertsen https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298236 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298228 Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:59:43 +0000
Should I put more springs on it I have 3 on there now, that's what it came with, and what is the advantage of having all the springs on there? Does it make the trem more stable there for stay in tune better?

I tried to tune it at the first fret like ric suggested but I couldn't seem to get it right, I think that way is unreliable for me because my finger pressure and position is different every time I adjust the tension on the string. I got it real close by putting a capo on that fret (just for stable pressure), but I think I'll go and get a chromatic tuner, and then do it right. Besides after doing that I realized I deffinetly (sp) need bigger strings if that's the tuning I want to go with. I planned on keeping that guitar tuned that way indeffinetly (sp). On a side note you weren't kidding about the bridge as soon as I tune the third string I noticed my trem was down almost all the way.
Thank you all for your advice, you guys (& gals) are great. That's is exactly why I am always lurking around this site.]]> Slide and Alternate tunings sparky1ma https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-298228 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-297702 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:55:19 +0000 how do I adjust the bridge? Adjust the two big screws at the end of the tremolo cavity:



If you plan to use several different tunings perhaps you should consider putting in all 5 springs and block the tremolo completely, like this:

]]> Slide and Alternate tunings Steinar Gregertsen https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-297702 https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-297698 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:15:00 +0000 Slide and Alternate tunings Ricochet https://guitarnoise.forum/slide-and-alternate-tunings/tuning-down-a-half-step-2/#post-297698