software

I play a 57 reissue strat...feels great, and plays great. But my high E and B are always going out of tune. Even something as small as a full step bend will make them go flat. The guitar tech at my local store suggested that the string tree was the problem. Which makes complete sense, because when the strings go flat, I hear a high pitch creak.

Can this problem be fixed??? The rest of the strings are usually fine...I really don't think the tremelo has anything to do with it, because it's as tight as you can get it. I need a guitar that stays in tune!!!

rub some graphite (like from a pencil) on the tree.

It doesn't really help that much...Can I just get a new tree put on? I don't want to, but if it will make the problem go away, then I'll probably just replace the neck.

Did you check the screws on the ends of the tuning keys? They might need tightening.

Or you might need new tuners.

That quot;creakingquot; is Your strings getting Pinched By either the Groove in the Nut (quite likely), Or The string tree (less likely). Its quite common, and also Very easy to fix. And NO you won't need a new neck. haha.

If you know how to slot the nut yourself, Then I'de suggest widening the nut slot for the E and B strings (Not much though). Odds are Takeing a Peice of super fine grit sandpaper and Running it through the slot a few times would do the trick (for both strings). But if you don't know anything about nut slotting, Then I'de suggest takeing it to a tech and haveing Him/her do it. It Shouldn't cost very much, And a good tech can Have it fixed and ready to pickup In probably less than a day. Some will even do it while you wait (provided they're not too busy).

Now if after getting the Nut slots widened and Smoothed theres still a Problem with the tuneing stability, Then There may verywell be a problem with the string tree. Which can Be replaced (with an Identical one), For less than Ten Dollars. They're quite easy to replace, and you can (and should) do it yourself. You simply Unscrew the screw that is in it (screwed into the head stock), And then put the New one In the exact same spot useing the same hole. Possibly even useing the same Old screw if you want to. Its quite simple.

If after doing Both of those things you still have the Creaking, and bad tuneing stability, Then it might be time to Have it looked at by a Really good tech. But I'm fairly sure that Either the Nut slot widening, or the String tree replacement will solve your problem. And I'de Almost gauruntee That Theres nothing wrong with your tuneing machines. I've owned some guitars with some Pretty ****ty tuners on them, And Never had a problem with tuneing stability be Because of the tuners.

Good luck,
Edward


Originally Posted by Low_fidelity2100That quot;creakingquot; is Your strings getting Pinched By either the Groove in the Nut (quite likely), Or The string tree (less likely). Its quite common, and also Very easy to fix. And NO you won't need a new neck. haha.

Echo that, bro...

you might also want to take a look at my post here

from : localhost//forum/s...t=54001amp;page=2

which has some useful info about the shape of nut slots.

I use dry soap rather than graphite to lube nuts, it's not as messy..