B-string tuning issues.

[Scotti]

Hi all, I recently got a Legacy Deluxe hss strat and I love it. I use the trem a fair bit and the b string always comes back sharp after a decent bend on the bar.
Its not the string tree as I tried it without the string tree and it still happened. I widened the b slot a little with a nut file and applied some graphite in the slot but it still does it.
Its not as bad as it was but still significant, any ideas how to get rid of this problem?

Thanks,
Scotti

[blargfromouterspace]

Sounds like you've tried everything I would have done. A couple of the other guys on this site were raving about something called 'Big Bends Nut Sauce' a couple of months back.

What about locking tuners? Expensive, yes, but worth every dollar.

How are you finding that guitar anyway? Are you happy with it?

[biggziff]

I've got a Squier 51 that I had this issue with. I used one of these super zoot nuts and it corrected the issue. YMMV

http://www.earvana.com/

[darwinohm]

I would also check the saddle to see if it is level in the 90 degree position to the string. On a deep dive it is possible that the string is climbing the side of the saddle groove on return. This would be more pronounced if the saddle had a groove worn in it. I suspect a saddle. I would put a drop of lube on the string at the saddle contact point and see if it changes any. Both saddle adjustment screws should be set approximately level or to match the radius. It is important that both screws are in contact with the bridge plate. If it were a nut or string tree binding issue, it would most likely return flat after a deep dive-- Darwin

[Philby]

Hi Scotti,

My S-500 did the same thing on the B and G strings. The S-500 came stock with locking tuners so I knew it wasn't those. I had a luthier make a new bone nut (much expense!!) and added graphite but the only thing that fixed it was a Graph Tech nut.

No problems since. Case closed.

[standards guy]

Any troubles I've had with trem equipped guitars staying sharp after bending or using the trem has been the nut slot on the affected string.

That's why they make serrated steak knives and pencil lead. Sometimes it has taken me two treatments.

[Scotti]

Thanks gents for all your ideas and advice! In general I am loving the guitar and once I get this problem fixed I can see it being a real long term workhorse for me.
I have a set of nut files so I will spend a bit more time on the slots and see how that goes!
I will also try lubing the saddles but they seem to be pretty flat and well setup so I am not sure if its that.
Failing all those it might be a TUSQ upgrade on the nut!
Cheers,
Scotti

[Scotti]

Well I had another go with the nut file and the pencil and the problem is gone!

I musn't have given it enough first time!

Anyway, thanks again. I hope to do a demo on it soon on you tube!
(I could only find one or two others on there so its inspired me to do a video.)

Cheers,

Scotti

[Scotti]

Well after a bit of time the b&g strings were coming back sharp again so I replaced the nut with a TUSQ black XL nut and it is good as gold!

I have a set of string saver saddles I am thinking about putting on as well but I might leave it for now!

Thanks again to all for your help!

[Philby]

Glad you got it sorted Scotti.

Those Graph Tech nuts are miracle products IMHO. Now you can finally enjoy playing (hopefully)