D-Tuna throwing off the tuning...

[Evmeister]

Put on some fresh strings and installed my d-tuna yesterday. I figured I would need to wait until at least today to be able to use the d-tuna effectively (string stetching), however that doesn't seem to be the case. I can get the E-string tuned to D just fine, with enough room for the d-tuna to get in and out. Then I push in the d-tuna and tune it to E, then when I go back my D dropped about 20 cents. At which point I use the fine tuner to tune it to pitch, then push in the D-tuna (Which at this point is a very tight fit), then retune it to E (Now its a really friggin tight fit), then when I pull out the D-Tuna, same deal. Rinsed and repeated this for about a half hour and got pissed.

I tried the obvious stuff, stretching the strings manually (What I did notice is that the E string is the only one going out of tune; I did some crazy whammy stuff, stretched all the other strings manually, and they're just fine), tuning the E string so it will end up just about at D when I tighten the nut (So I don't have to use much of the fine tuner, which cramps space like a bitch very quickly). Can't seem to get the damn thing to stay in tune for some reason. I figure I'll give the strings a little while longer to stretch, but still, if I put on new strings I don't wanna have to wait half a week for my guitar to stay in tune. I figure at least one of you d-tuna users has found a solution to this problem.

[nast2112]

Put on some fresh strings and installed my d-tuna yesterday. I figured I would need to wait until at least today to be able to use the d-tuna effectively (string stetching), however that doesn't seem to be the case. I can get the E-string tuned to D just fine, with enough room for the d-tuna to get in and out. Then I push in the d-tuna and tune it to E, then when I go back my D dropped about 20 cents. At which point I use the fine tuner to tune it to pitch, then push in the D-tuna (Which at this point is a very tight fit), then retune it to E (Now its a really friggin tight fit), then when I pull out the D-Tuna, same deal. Rinsed and repeated this for about a half hour and got pissed.

I tried the obvious stuff, stretching the strings manually (What I did notice is that the E string is the only one going out of tune; I did some crazy whammy stuff, stretched all the other strings manually, and they're just fine), tuning the E string so it will end up just about at D when I tighten the nut (So I don't have to use much of the fine tuner, which cramps space like a bitch very quickly). Can't seem to get the damn thing to stay in tune for some reason. I figure I'll give the strings a little while longer to stretch, but still, if I put on new strings I don't wanna have to wait half a week for my guitar to stay in tune. I figure at least one of you d-tuna users has found a solution to this problem.

Let me help :-) First, the floyd has to be resting on the back of the guitar body (it cannot be floating). Starting with the fine tuner backed out almost all the way is right. Tune to D. When you push it in, you don't use the fine tuner again to fine tune to 'E' but the little allen screw on the knurled chrome part that says (EVH).

There is another post below that goes into this.

Thanks
Chris

[Evmeister]

Yeah, I'm doing everything how I'm supposed to, was just wondering whether it is common for the D to be out of tune when you switch it back the first few times.

[h*bunter]

Yeah, I'm doing everything how I'm supposed to, was just wondering whether it is common for the D to be out of tune when you switch it back the first few times.

I would say it's more common than not. Just some times it's less noticeable. It does the same thing for me too. Not sure why. Maybe it's only supposed to be used a couple times throughout the night. I don't think it's meant for constant switching.

[bcgvh]

when I use the d-tuna on my Wolfgang every string goes flat, and then when I push it back in, they all go back to standard tuning. so every time I pull it out to play in drop D I have to retune.

[Mikey Metalhead]

when I use the d-tuna on my Wolfgang every string goes flat, and then when I push it back in, they all go back to standard tuning. so every time I pull it out to play in drop D I have to retune.

that would beleive me to think you have a floating bridge... which is what is going to happen unless you block it

[Geeper]

I always had the same problem as well. NO one else could hear it at all but just being out a few cents drove me NUTS. I think it has to do with the slight change in tension on the neck but who knows. I always ended up taking the D-tuna off all my guitars cause it bothered me so much. If it doesn't bother you that's awesome, or if you're half in the bag you'd never notice it.

[sixstring]

Yeah, I'm doing everything how I'm supposed to, was just wondering whether it is common for the D to be out of tune when you switch it back the first few times.

Also, you might want to check the low E string saddle to make sure it's moving up & down freely when you engage the D-Tuna. I have this problem a bit when my Floyd gets dirty. A lot of crud can get in between the saddles of the A and E strings, causing it to not move freely when I engage the drop D. Try cleaning it and see if that makes any difference...



-B

[AT]

A Floyd Rose--and thus the D-Tuna device--is by no means a perfectly engineered piece of equipment. So there's going to be some slight changes when the D-Tuna is employed. I've found if everything else is in proper adjustment, it can be counted on reliably. But, like with everything on your guitar, all needs to be maintained fairly regularly.

I've wrestled with the change in pitch on other strings when using the D-Tuna. For no specific reason that I can understand, the problem seems to be more pronounced on the flat top Wolfgangs (the Special) than the arch top Wolfgangs. Nonetheless, several things need to be kept up to keep the D-Tuna functioning as decently as possible.

1. Your guitar should be intonated properly for the gauge of strings you use. If you change gauges, the tension will change and the guitar will need to be set up again.

2. The bridge should be set flat against the body, and the pivot screws should be set to keep the bridge even (not screwed in too much or up too much).

3. Spring tension should be properly set to give an even "pull" again the tension of the strings. (A good test: Do several hard string bends on various strings. If the bridge is coming up at all, the spring claw should be tightened into the body.) Springs will lose strength over time and should be replaced.

4. Make sure the torsion rod on your neck is set right. (There should be a very, very slight bow upward.)

5. Don't overtighten the locking nuts. Screw them in just enough to feel resistance, then give them an extra, very (very) slight turn.

6. Keep the FR fine tuners mostly out. The D-Tuna functions better when there's more room for it move.

7. Follow all of the instructions to keep the D-Tuna adjusted (tune and intonate to 'D' and only use the adjustment screw in the 'E' position).

8. Keep the bridge (and all parts) clean. Windex works wonders.

If you're unsure how to do any of these adjustments, bring your guitar to a music shop with a good reputation for repairs and ask them to do a "full adjust" on your guitar. Make sure they know what strings (gauge and brand) you prefer, and perhaps remind them that the D-Tuna should be in the 'Out' ('D') position when intonating. In general it's good to have your guitar set up at least twice a year--spring and fall after the weather changes.

[VHF]

I always had the same problem as well. NO one else could hear it at all but just being out a few cents drove me NUTS. I think it has to do with the slight change in tension on the neck but who knows. I always ended up taking the D-tuna off all my guitars cause it bothered me so much. If it doesn't bother you that's awesome, or if you're half in the bag you'd never notice it.

Basically even if you have it blocked...you still have to crank down the spring tension really tight to keep it in tune when activating the d-tuna.

I have several of them and how Ed keeps the Floyd so loose and easy to move with the d-tuna is beyond me.

[Steven B]

Yep, I pulled the D-tunas off of my guitars because of the same thing.
When I pulled them out to drop to D, the tuning of the other strings became just a hair off. Drove me nuts. I tightened springs, checked the neck, adjusted this, adjusted that, blah blah blah..........I just said "F" it.