30th anniversary SE - tuning

[Nickerman]

Purchased a 30th anniversary SE 24 several months ago.
looks and feels fantastic - BUT
DEEPLY disappointed in the tuning stability.
I wanted to love this guitar. I researched like crazy before buying. Love the split coil pickups and switching. Seemed like the perfect guitar.
But it can’t hold tune for more than 15 minutes.
Deeply disappointed.
Not dive bombing the trem. Not using the trem at all.
it just can’t hold tune.
Advice welcome.
Currently pricing friggin Squires because at least you can play a whole song in tune.
Maybe I got a lemon.
But why do lemons exist in quality guitar companies?
Sad.
Disappointed.
Feeling ripped off by the PRS hype.

 

[SinSir]

Check the nut for binding. Try lubing it with some graphite. That's the first thing for stock nuts on a SE with tuning issue I'd do before anything else.

 

[alantig]

Make sure your strings are fully stretched. Make sure the locking tuners are tightened appropriately and that you don't have wraps around the posts. Maybe a new set of strings. And what SinSir said about the nut. Those are the most common ailments where tuning is concerned.

 

[ViggoP]

It’s almost certainly a problem with the nut. You should take it to a tech to get it filed/adjusted, it can be difficult to do if you lack experience and the right tools. I’m sure that will fix the issues with tuning stability.
If you want it to be super stable tuning wise you can change to a PRS Core nut, which is one of the best nuts available.
Anyway, your problem is very fixable so no need to feel sad.

 

[toothace]

*sigh*

 

[bodia]

*sigh*

Yes

 

[THAWK819]

Sorry to hear that. Where did you buy it? Sweetwater and Musician's Friend are pretty good about exchanging guitars having issues. If however, you haven't tried the string stretching and basic steps recommended by the PTC, I highly recommend trying that first. I have a Zach Myers SE from years ago (from before the SE line even had Paul's Signature on the headstock), and after a basic setup and string stretching it stays in tune like a champ; even better than my US made SG and Les Paul.