PRS DGT tuning issues?

[kkendog21]

I recently bought a PRS DGT new. It was made in 2012 and I got it late 2013. I love this guitar and PRS makes great products, but the damn thing won't stay in tune! I can't get through 1 song without it going completely out of tune. This is my first time using any sort of locking tuners so maybe I'm doing something wrong?

 

[CowTipton]

Have you tried lubricating the nut and bridge?

It has really made a difference for me on all my guitars.

I use shaved pencil graphite mixed with a little bit of petroleum jelly and just apply a very small amount to each nut slot and bridge saddle so the strings don't bind.

 

[detroiter711]

That is strange. The PRS Trem system and Phase II locking tuners are a great combo for tuning stability. Maybe you could post a pic of how the strings are locked down at the tuner. Otherwise sounds like a nut issue. What gauge strings are you using? If I recall the correctly the DGT's nut is cut for 11s.

 

[jetydosa]

Something is definitely wrong, all the DGTs Ive tried have stayed in tune great.

Are you sure the tuners are locked down correctly?

 

[detroiter711]

As an FYI I have the same bridge and tuners on 5 of my PRS guitars and they stay in tune very well. I am thinking you may need the nut recut.

 

[kkendog21]

This is how it came strung, so I put new strings on the same way it came

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[Kelly]

Looks like it is strung correctly. Try retightening the lock screws and maybe some lube. Someone may have messed with the height of the trem. My Custom 22's bridge had been messed with (even though it was new...) and doesn't seem to stay in tune as well as it should. If you adjust the height with tension on the strings, it damages the knife edges.

 

[detroiter711]

Yeah it looks like it is strung fine. Kelly offered a good suggestion in slightly snugging up the locking screws on each tuner. How high off the body is the bridge?

 

[AaeCee]

Tuning issues = easily rectified nut issues 99% of the time, although even that would be unusual for a PRS. Still, have a tech take a look….the issue will be immediately obvious to the trained eye.

 

[kkendog21]

Detroiter - look ok to you?

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[detroiter711]

Yes, the bridge position and amount of float looks pretty much recommended spec. It really must be the nut that is binding things up.

 

[kkendog21]

any quick diy fixes?

 

[Lone Bear]

Judging from the picture I would say the nut is likely your problem.

 

[mslugano]

I don't change my strings without using a tiny(!!!) dab of Nut Sauce in each slot. Also, not bad to put an even tinier dab on the saddles. That said, I'm not sure you should need that with a PRS nut...I'm not a PRS expert. Did you happen to go to a larger string size?

 

[kkendog21]

mslugano. I didn't go to a larger string. The DGT takes 11's

 

[Trea]

Mine stays in tune great but you might try a tiny bit of 3 in 1 oil on the bridge screws for lubrication.


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[Gas-man]

Tuning issues = easily rectified nut issues 99% of the time, although even that would be unusual for a PRS. .

I hear this a lot on TGP but I'm not sure it is actually the case.

 

[Ape Factory]

I had a DGT, no tuning problems at all. Looking at the way yours is strung, there's no need for it to wrap around the post. Just pull the string tight through the hole and tighten the locking nut at the top 1/4 turn at most. I know it's obvious, but you are stretching your strings after installation? The trem requires giving each string a good tug. I use powdered graphite in the nut slots but honestly it probably isn't needed with the PRS nut.

Also, looking at how your trem is lower in the back (maybe it's the camera angle?) it looks like it's in need of adjusting via the spring claw in the back cavity. Did you go down a string size? That'll cause the trem to be out of spec.

This is how the string/locking tuner relationship should look:

 

[Wedge]

I agree with last poster that you have way too much string around the tuning posts. Pull the string through tight, clamp it down, and then a half a turn should bring it to pitch. DGT's are rocks, something simple is wrong I would think.

 

[MapleLeaf-Trem]

Yes, there is too much string wrap-around on those tuners. PRS trems are very touchy but as they say, if they're setup correctly they work beautifully.

I searched extensively to keep the trems maintained when I was going through issues, maybe a couple will help you:

http://www.prsguitars.com/csc/bridges.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XylPbPh2JsM

They say the trem should have enough pull back to go a full-step higher. Basically, your "E" should be an "F#" when you pull the trem back (in or about, the actual height the bridge should float is 1/16"). I found I let it go a little more than a full-step and it corrects the issue with the G-string going flat after bending and returning sharp after using the trem - at least on my two CU24's it did.