D-Tuna Install Problems

**chim15** · 03.02.07, 11:29 AM

Hello everyone,

So I feel silly even asking this, because I'm usually pretty competent with figuring stuff out in regard to my axes, but I'm stumped.

I own a Peavey HP Special and wanted to install a D-Tuna for some of the songs I play with my band. So I bought one and started the install yesterday.

Since the HP has a trem stop, I locked that in to prevent any floating trem issues. I removed the strings, cleaned the nexk etc. Then I replaced the locking bolt in the back of the Floyd with the D-Tuna piece. I replaced the strings, stretched them out, etc, and retuned the strings to standard with the exception of the low E, which I tuned to D, as directed. I locked the tuning in and checked the tune on the low E (now D). It was a perfect D. However, when I push down and get it into the "E" position, it always goes too sharp. It ends up in the vicinity of almost F. So while D is in, the E is now F with no good way to readjust.

I made sure the fine tuner wasn't holding any tension against the D-Tuna bolt and I'm working the D-Tuna correctly.

Does anyone know of anything that I'm overlooking? I tried both the supplied locking bolts, just in case. And still the same thing.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed

**rolsguitars** · 03.02.07, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by chim15

Hello everyone,

So I feel silly even asking this, because I'm usually pretty competent with figuring stuff out in regard to my axes, but I'm stumped.

I own a Peavey HP Special and wanted to install a D-Tuna for some of the songs I play with my band. So I bought one and started the install yesterday.

Since the HP has a trem stop, I locked that in to prevent any floating trem issues. I removed the strings, cleaned the nexk etc. Then I replaced the locking bolt in the back of the Floyd with the D-Tuna piece. I replaced the strings, stretched them out, etc, and retuned the strings to standard with the exception of the low E, which I tuned to D, as directed. I locked the tuning in and checked the tune on the low E (now D). It was a perfect D. However, when I push down and get it into the "E" position, it always goes too sharp. It ends up in the vicinity of almost F. So while D is in, the E is now F with no good way to readjust.

I made sure the fine tuner wasn't holding any tension against the D-Tuna bolt and I'm working the D-Tuna correctly.

Does anyone know of anything that I'm overlooking? I tried both the supplied locking bolts, just in case. And still the same thing.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ed

If I'm not missing anything here you didn't adjust the wee wee tiny fine tuner set screw on the D tuner ?? you have to adjust that so your string is at E when engaged.

**smithtone** · 03.02.07, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by rolsguitars

If I'm not missing anything here you didn't adjust the wee wee tiny fine tuner set screw on the D tuner ?? you have to adjust that so your string is at E when engaged.

exactly - that's how you fine-tune the thing when it is pushed in to an E...

**chim15** · 03.02.07, 12:48 PM

I started with the fine tuner set at about a halfway point when installed, but it still won't go far enough to compensate.

**rolsguitars** · 03.02.07, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by chim15

I started with the fine tuner set at about a halfway point when installed, but it still won't go far enough to compensate.

okay are you talking about the fine tuner on the Floyd or the fine tuner that is a little tiny set screw bolted in the D Tuner it self ??

**chim15** · 03.02.07, 01:00 PM

the fine tuner on the D-Tuna. The Floyd fine tuner is backed out.

**s6275** · 03.02.07, 01:45 PM

I don't know if this helps, but I have 3 Dtunas: one that came on my USA Wolfgang Special, and two of the "aftermarket" ones.

NEITHER of the aftermarket Dtunas worked properly. Fortunately, I had the stock (working) Peavey-made one to use for comparison. The Dtuna has a U-shaped channel (see it?) that is SUPPOSED to ride/ fit perfectly over the threaded portion/ shaft of the locking bolt. On the Peavey-made one, this worked like it was supposed to, but on BOTH of the aftermarket ones, there was simply TOO MUCH chrome inside this channel for it to work properly.

And yes: the "aftermarket" ones are both genuine "EVH" Dtunas.

One of these took some minor work with the Dremel tool to get it working on my Axis. The other took some SERIOUS grinding with the Dremel to get it to work (along with some grinding on the low-E saddle with a bench grinder, but that's another story).

Without the U-shaped channel fitting over the locking bolt shaft properly, there is no way the Dtuna WON'T be sharp in the E-position. Seems like it would be simple for someone at the factory to test this before shipping (on both of mine, the Dtunas CLEARLY didn't fit properly over the locking bolt shaft, and this would've been just as easy for someone else to tell as it was for me). I guess EVH has more than one "quality control problem" on this hands?

**chim15** · 03.02.07, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the tip. That sounds like something to try.

**s6275** · 03.03.07, 08:04 AM

So was that the problem? Did the u-shaped channel not fit over the locking bolt?

**chim15** · 03.05.07, 06:34 AM

Yep. That sure was the problem. I gave it a light touch with the old Dremel and viola, problem fixed. Thanks for the input.

AT · 03.05.07, 06:50 AM

This is starting to be disappointing to hear that specific problem is occurring so often.

**s6275** · 03.05.07, 06:27 PM

Andrew, like I said, it would be very simple to check at the factory. Notice that the manufacturer is called AP INTERNATIONAL. I guess I wouldn't be too surprised if the device isn't actually made in China, or somewhere like that.

AT · 03.05.07, 08:47 PM

Originally Posted by s6275

Andrew, like I said, it would be very simple to check at the factory. Notice that the manufacturer is called AP INTERNATIONAL. I guess I wouldn't be too surprised if the device isn't actually made in China, or somewhere like that.

Well one way or the other it seems they might be lacking something called "quality control." I've had two new packaged D-Tunas standing by for whenever they're needed. I'll have to wait and see if they're okay.

**s6275** · 03.07.07, 07:09 PM

I purchased those two Dtunas close to 4 YEARS APART. You'd think some complaints would've come in in that period of time and the manufacturer could have applied a fix. What the hell?

**FastRedPonyCar** · 03.09.07, 09:36 AM

Wow how ironic that I'm reading this as last night I was struggling with this very same issue. I installed my Dtuna on a Carvin C66 with an original floyd.

I followed the instructions to the letter and when the D is in perfect pitch, I press the dtuna in and the E is flat.

I tighten the tiny dtuna screw to the point where the E is in perfect pitch but what happens is that it is now locked in place and can't slide along the long bolt.

Any suggestions?

BTW, my tremolo is blocked to dive only, is perfectly flat with the body, I'm using DR 10's and the claw is relatively tight so it takes a little effort do dive but not a whole lot.

I have a dremel and a few little attachments (mainly used for computer case modding) so if I need a certain attachment to do whatever extra work on the dtuna is necessary, let me know which piece/part number.

Also, one thing I noticed is that during assembly of the Dtuna, that U groove at the end of the Dtuna, it was too tight for the bolt to simply slide down into. I had to basically thread the bolt straight through the back of the Dtuna straight through the U groove. I assumed it was supposed to be this way for some reason so that the Dtuna wouldn't wobble around or something and the long bolt would be held into that U groove.