Problems after string change

ClaytonMUSE · #1 08-04-2010, 06:51 AM

I changed my strings last week on my Peavey Millenium AC from the stock ones to a set of Stadium Elites standard gauge, the E and A string keeps going out of tune and the first and second frets are way off, but after that it gradually gets better and it's fine at 6th/7th fret.

Anything I can do to solve this on my own or will it need to be taken to a guitar shop or whatever?

hover · #2 08-04-2010, 06:55 AM

adjust your intonation, and make sure you created your witness points correctly at the nut and bridge. also, did you gradually bring to pitch or just wind it up quick? The former is preferable, with the occasional stretch up at the 12th fret, to settle in the string's core, and seat the windings at the tuner posts.

MNAirHead · #3 08-04-2010, 07:44 AM

I've been told stretching the strings is not necessary and prematurely ages them

hover · #4 08-04-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

I've been told stretching the strings is not necessary and prematurely ages them

I'm not suggesting tuning them 3 steps sharp or anything, just a slight stretch to help things along...like 1/2-3/4" above the 12th fret. Hardly abuse.

Pilgrim · #5 08-04-2010, 09:39 AM

1) Make sure you installed the strings correctly. (Hint, hint.)
2) Don't bother stretching them - they'll do it themselves.
3) Check the intonation - adjust if needed.

mulchor · #6 08-04-2010, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

1) Make sure you installed the strings correctly. (Hint, hint.)

Yes, please check this. I bought a bass from a player whom I've seen actually play paying gigs. He had it strung up all windy mess up like a kid learning to tie shoelaces.

See this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtCqNfEDSB4

That said, if a new brand of strings doesn't stay in tune, especially on the fat ones (E and A), it's usually binding at the nut.

ClaytonMUSE · #7 08-04-2010, 12:18 PM

Hey guys, I think I've done it totally wrong, I've changed strings more than once before though, I must have just gotten lucky haha. I think I might need to buy new strings... again; I cut the E string way too short because when I was wrapping it around the tuning peg I wasn't holding it down or anything else that guy said to do and it just kept popping off so I thought OK it must just be too long or something so I cut it, way too short and it's right at the top of the tuning peg, it really looks like it will just pop off. Theres a bit of rattle at the nut aswell from the E which I just noticed.