Tuning probs??

[Jamesemt]

Hi guys, I've got a Jackson C20 concert bass(which I think is highly under rated, especially for the $100 I paid for it...).

Anyways, it's not staying in tune too well. It doesn't leave the house, so I can't blame the weather.

Would changing the tuning pegs solve it? Do people change the bridge for the same reason? I've heard of badass bridges, but what tuning pegs are worth buying?

I'm going to get a pro setup first, and see if that solves it. But if it doesn't...

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Jamesemt

Hi guys, I've got a Jackson C20 concert bass(which I think is highly under rated, especially for the $100 I paid for it...).

Anyways, it's not staying in tune too well. It doesn't leave the house, so I can't blame the weather.

Would changing the tuning pegs solve it? Do people change the bridge for the same reason? I've heard of badass bridges, but what tuning pegs are worth buying?

I'm going to get a pro setup first, and see if that solves it. But if it doesn't...

In the main, tuners do not slip. In a worm gear and pinion, you cannot turn the worm gear by forcing the pinion.

[Scott in Dallas]

+1

Either the strings aren't completely stretched, or they aren't properly installed and are slipping.

[Jamesemt]

Thanks for that, so why do people change tuners? Just for feel?

What should I look at first for tuning instability?

[Asa Samuel]

+1000000

only thing i can think is that the strings are "bedded in"

first, tune up

pull them a couple of inches up away from the fretboard at about the 12th fret, then re-tune, repeat till they stop going out of tune.

repeat on all strings.

if that doesnt work then i have no idea.

[Scott in Dallas]

Originally Posted by Jamesemt

Thanks for that, so why do people change tuners? Just for feel?

There are a lot of folks that think that poor tuners will slip out of tune. Until proven otherwise, I'll tell you that's a myth. Sometimes people will change to lighter tuners to reduce neck-dive or to upgrade to tuners with a higher gear ratio or with smoother action.

Originally Posted by Jamesemt

What should I look at first for tuning instability?

First second and third, look at the strings. Bass_Junkie's advice is exactly what I'd recommend. String the bass up properly, stretch them until they stop stretching. When you tune the bass, start below the note and tune up, rather than tuning down. It helps to keep the strings wrapped tight. A tug on them from time to time when tuning can help as well; something guitar players don't typically do because their strings aren't as strong.

[Jamesemt]

Thanks for that, I'll give it a go