Epiphone Dot Tuning problems

dean111music

Hi

Any experience with having an epic dot and modding it so the guitar stays in tune perfectly? I used to think i will replace all hardware but i don't think that is always to blame!

I did read an interview with Simon Law (SVL Guitars) and he said the replacing or have a bone nut that has been cut really well is one of the most crucial part for the guitar to stay in tune.

So i was thinking about doing that... Anyone used a pre cut all parts bone nut? OR best to send to a top Luthier to get it cut?

Then a good setup with strings that have been put on well with lots of big bends nut sauce! 

richardhomer

Almost all tuning problems are attributable to the nut in my experience. Makers who get them right at the factory (PRS and Taylor are particularly good at this) seem to make guitars that players praise for excellent tuning stability.

Assuming you always tune 'up' to pitch (in other words if you end up sharp, you drop the pitch below the required note and tune back up to it), the machines are securely fitted and you properly stretch new strings, the nut is the likely culprit.

Cutting a nut properly is not that difficult - but you need specialist files which cost more than getting a pro to do it for you.

If you think you may fettle guitars in the future, the files are a worthwhile investment; if not - pay someone to do it for you.

Sambostar

And some engine oil.

GuitarMonkey

Even more than the nut, I find that people who don't know how to string the guitar properly are the biggest cause of tuning problems.

PRSi stay in tune more due to the straight string pull than the quality of the nut IMO.

johnonguitar

It's not possible to get any fretted instrument perfectly in tune whatsoever so for it to stay perfectly in tune is impossible from the outset. It's worth remembering that it's all just a compromise.

If, however, you are referring to your guitar going out of tune during bends etc. then yes a well cut and lubricated nut is a must. Stringing your guitar properly is also a must. Having relatively fresh strings on your instruments is also a biggy

stimpsonslostson

It's an obvious suggestion, but have you tried rubbing the nut slots with a soft pencil? this can lubricate your nuts :-O and dramatically improve matters.

ICBM

As the others have said it will be the nut, the hardware is pretty good on these. Even the nuts aren't bad if lubed - I prefer a tiny amount of clear grease (vaseline, or standard lithium-based car grease, or even chap-stick), just because it makes less of a mess than pencil lead on a white nut. But you do only need a *tiny* amount - too much dulls the tone... really.

You can't fit a pre-cut nut and expect it to work. Their only purpose is to give you the string spacing and reduce the amount of work needed to shape one from a plain blank - you still need to cut the grooves accurately with it on the guitar. The tolerances involved in getting the height right relative to the first fret are so fine that there's no other way. I would not change the nut unless you're sure that the existing one is soft plastic or cut too low.

Stringing is the other main culprit - if you're not doing it like this already, try it -

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/repair/acoustic-guitar/string-changing.php

(Obviously that's an acoustic but an electric is the same.)

I would try to end up with even less wrap on the post if possible - just enough that the winding goes under the bend and less than a full turn round the post if possible. If you stretch the string well that should stay in tune as well as a locking machinehead.

And always tune up to the note from below, never down to it. That will avoid backlash in the tuner gears and help to overcome friction at the nut.

rlw

My first proper guitar was a Dot and it never went out of tune by much, even living in a room subject to big temperature changes, direct sunlight and high humidity.  I was amazed to be honest.  Obviously, they can work well.

dean111music

Stringing a Gibson style guitar.... Have a look at these 2 vids. Which one is better? Any other suggestions? I like the Martin way as the headstock is similar to a Gibson and the way they re-string seems logical as it locks itself in place.

From a fender guy to now Gibson SG, epi dot user the way they string is a new thing to learn!

duflacci

I have learned a lot from this thread. I had issues keeping my Epiphone Dot Cherry in tune so I tried using a cotton swab soaked with WD/40 Silicone Lubricant and dabbed each slot of the nut, put the strings back in the nut slots and re-tuned and now have no more clicking sound tuning the G and B strings. and it stays in tune perfectly....