Tuning issues...switched to 11's

[TRawker]

So I've recently switched to 11's on my 52 AVRI tele. The G and B strings go out of tune pretty quickly since I've done it. I have it as intonated as I can get it considering the frets (which I hate btw...I want bigger ones). So anyway, I adjusted my truss rod, but I was wondering if there's anything else I should do...still goes out of tune.

I can also hear something in my neck squeak whenever I'm bending my strings...wtf?

Lend me your knowledge oh wise ones! :-)

[Stratobuc]

Sounds like your strings may be binding in the nut slots. Check them for width - then lubricate with chapstick or something similar.

[lowbrow]

Nut slots for sure.

[TRawker]

I just took my neck off and adjusted the truss rod...seems to have worked.

I'll take care of em nut slots next. Just put a dap of chapstick down in the slot?

[Robert1950]

Nut slots for sure.

Use a soft lead pencil. The graphite should lubricate the nut slots.

[dspellman]

You may have to widen your nut slots slightly to accommodate the thicker strings.

[Robert1950]

You may have to widen your nut slots slightly to accommodate the thicker strings.

That's what I was thinking earlier, but I was suffering from a "Duh" moment and couldn't think of the word "widen". :o

[revgsmall]

if its the nut they would be going sharp. If they are consistently going flat then its your tuners. I had a brand new Jimmie Vaughn strat some years ago. As soon as I put 11's on it the extra tension kept pulling the guitar flat. Which gave me an indication of just how high a quality the stock tuners were in the first place.

[sixstring531]

I use pencil lead(graphite) in my nut slots :)

[TRawker]

You may have to widen your nut slots slightly to accommodate the thicker strings.

I've thought about that. It probably wouldn't hurt to have a new nut cut for it anyway.

[cherrick]

Lubricating the slots will help but won't fix the problem.

You need to have the slots enlarged.

If it's not a bone nut, get a new nut.

[Boris Bubbanov]

if its the nut they would be going sharp. If they are consistently going flat then its your tuners. I had a brand new Jimmie Vaughn strat some years ago. As soon as I put 11's on it the extra tension kept pulling the guitar flat. Which gave me an indication of just how high a quality the stock tuners were in the first place.

These Gotoh splits are my favorite, but they make gazillions of them and I would say they're not all identical. Considering the fact that they cost me about $ 4.00 apiece I can't find the inclination to complain.

I just got a batch of 10 sets and this batch has almost all stiff ones. Thinking about applying some lube which I otherwise would never do. Otherwise these have to go back.

++


Back to the original post: I've got 8 AV52s and almost all have 11-49s on them. They're all doing fine; nuts are all cut real nice - some have even had 12s on them with no issues. What brand of strings are you using? Is that a wound G?

[recordist]

I enjoy 11s quite more than 10s...I've even considered 12s but haven't tried it yet

[TRawker]

Back to the original post: I've got 8 AV52s and almost all have 11-49s on them. They're all doing fine; nuts are all cut real nice - some have even had 12s on them with no issues. What brand of strings are you using? Is that a wound G?

Nah the G isn't wound. I'm using Daddarios. I used ernie balls, and them curt mangans. It's only the G and B strings really going flat, and thats because I bend on those the most, you know. I stretch the hell out of strings when I put a new set on, so that isn't the case. I'm talking...the entire life of the string they're still going outta tune. It may need a new nut though. I think it's a 2001...could stand to reason right?

[tjmicsak]

If your going flat on bends then it is haging up at the nut. Stew Mac has nut files in various widths, but if you do it yourself remember that the slot has to "lean" down slightly towards the headstock so that the main point of string contact in the slot is maintained at the fretboard side of the nut.
You don't want to deepen the slots, just widen them.
Stretch the new strings several times by pulling them away from the guitar. You will notice they start maintaining pitch after a few "stretches" and will level out, then be sure to only tune up to the note so that there is no bound up slack between the post and the nut.
Next Lube the nut and if that doesn't fix it then widen the two slots.
Or take it in for a pro set up for that size.

[mad dog]

I had this happen with an Orville LP Special. Soon as it arrived, I put on .11s. Instant tuning problems. Assuming it was the tuners, I had them replaced. The guitar tech told me it was in fact the nut, so he recut it. I do like the new tuners better, which is the good news.
MD

[XmasTree]

I'd get a new nut.
Most nuts are barely capable of fully allowing 11-52 to pass through smoothly.
..get a new nut, have your local tech file it for your strings.


Don't be afraid of the 11s. ..they will make you stronger.

[TRawker]

If your going flat on bends then it is haging up at the nut. Stew Mac has nut files in various widths, but if you do it yourself remember that the slot has to "lean" down slightly towards the headstock so that the main point of string contact in the slot is maintained at the fretboard side of the nut.
You don't want to deepen the slots, just widen them.
Stretch the new strings several times by pulling them away from the guitar. You will notice they start maintaining pitch after a few "stretches" and will level out, then be sure to only tune up to the note so that there is no bound up slack between the post and the nut.
Next Lube the nut and if that doesn't fix it then widen the two slots.
Or take it in for a pro set up for that size.

Cool, thanks! I'll have a new nut cut for er'!

[TRawker]

I'd get a new nut.
Most nuts are barely capable of fully allowing 11-52 to pass through smoothly.
..get a new nut, have your local tech file it for your strings.


Don't be afraid of the 11s. ..they will make you stronger.

I do like the 11s. My hands are like steel now! 10's feel like 9s.