DGT Core won't stay in tune

[aamefford]

If you have the Black Composite Nut , then nut sauce will cause sticking issue from my experience.
I would first clean the nut slots
also check the collars on the tuners.
after that give the guitar a good flog , do some dive bombs and wiggles , tune up to pitch repeat your tuning will get better

I'd like to know a bit more about this, and what would be a good alternate lubricant? I'm using the D'Adarrio (sure I spelled that wrong) nut lube. I'm pretty sure that stuff is $15/gram vasaline. It seems to be less good as time goes on. I could:
1) Clean my nuts and reapply at each string change (insert nut joke here)
2) Clean my nuts and use something else (insert product name and nut joke here)
3) Clean my nuts and use nothing, thereby engaging in "risky behavior." (Insert original and inventive sexual innuendo here)

Despite the tongue in cheek fun, it is a serious question!

 

[dogrocketp]

I use Vaseline and a toothpick in the nut slots at each string change. Got that from someone who used to work at the factory.

 

[Markcarl]

I agree. It’s the nut. My first DGT was an SE that came with a synthetic nut. I then bought two core DGTs - both of which came with bone nuts. I noticed my SE stayed in tune better than the cores. I had the bone nut on one of the cores replaced with a synthetic nut and the tuning stability improved. You can order a synthetic nut that fits the DGT from PRS.

I just got a special edition semi-hollow DGT and am pleased that it came with a synthetic nut. One of my core DGTs still has the bone nut. It works fine / stays in tune pretty good but not as good as the guitars with synthetic nuts. Nut sauce helps the guitars stay in tune. I use it on all my guitars - whether they have synthetic nuts or not. IMHO I think PRS should use synthetic nuts on guitars with tremolos.

 

[Markcarl]

FYI, in case you’re interested here’s a PRS link where you can order the synthetic nuts. You’ll want to choose the regular nut for the DGT.

String Nuts (Set of 2) – PRS Guitars West Street East Accessory Store

Made from PRS designed proprietary materials that captures many of the tonal qualities of bone. This self-lubricating nut is compatible with tremolo and stop-tail models. Only available in black color. Set of 2. Be sure to select the appropriate nut for your neck shape.

us.prsaccessories.com

 

[Alnus Rubra]

You can’t beat Paul’s jingly nuts.

Must be the season of goodwill.

 

[JTB]

Who would've thought sauceless nuts would be a thing?

 

[aamefford]

Who would've thought sauceless nuts would be a thing?

It happens as one gets older sometimes.

 

[Intentionally Blank]

Yes, it's almost always binding at the nut (and not even almost). Sure, there are edge cases where it can be a burr in the saddle or REALLY old strings or something wonky with the trem mechanism, but those are pretty rare exceptions.

As wise people have already posted above - it's the nut .

On a side note, and this doesn't apply to the Core DGT, I always cringe a bit when I see a tuning issues thread and locking tuners are recommended. They don't help either.

 

[bluemoon]

PRS wants it back to check. Great CS as usual. Spoke to my tech. He suggested stretching the strings out more before bringing it up and paying to have him work on it. Tried that, but same issue. Then spoke to PRS and they said send it in. Though I hate to mail back a guitar--figured it was the best way to get this checked out and doesn't cost me a dime.

 

[Torvald]

80% of the time, it's the nut everytime.

80% everytime?

 

[alantig]

80% everytime?

80% of the time, it's the nut 100% of the time.

Of course, 83.1% of all statistics are made up on the spot, so your kilometerage may vary.

 

[Abe]

Very.

 

[Alnus Rubra]

80% of the time, it's the nut 100% of the time.

Of course, 83.1% of all statistics are made up on the spot, so your kilometerage may vary.

80% of nuttin’?!

 

[Simon Says]

You can’t beat Paul’s jingly nuts.

Must be the season of goodwill.

...it's what she said

 

[Revelation]

PRS wants it back to check. Great CS as usual. Spoke to my tech. He suggested stretching the strings out more before bringing it up and paying to have him work on it. Tried that, but same issue. Then spoke to PRS and they said send it in. Though I hate to mail back a guitar--figured it was the best way to get this checked out and doesn't cost me a dime.

I think we all would be interested in what PRS does to correct it and if it stays corrected. Hoping for the best for you.

 

[Glide-bpm]

If you have those newer tuners with the little set screws and tensioning collars, I would suggest getting the strange sized
Allen wrench for the set screws. Almost every guitar I've purchased with those tuners, the tuners are way
too loose. When I re-tension the collars, stiffening the tuner action, my tuning instabilities go right away!

I also usually have an EVH Tremendus/ESP Arming Adjuster type trem stabilizer on all my tremolo guitars as well.
However, the loose tuners have caused tuning instability even with the tremolo stabilizer!

 

[Bogner]

PRS Needs To Ditch The Bone Nuts And Go Back To The Original Black Synthetic Nuts. Almost Every Tuning Issue I Hear About On A PRS Involves A Bone Nut. The Original Synthetic Nut Was Perfection, PRS Should Have Left It Alone. If Something Isn't Broke, Don't Go Trying To Fix It.

Now I Am Waiting For All The Bone Nut Lovers To Talk About How Much Better The Tone Is And That It Is Paul's Company And He Can Do Whatever He Wants, Etc. To Chime In.

 

[Whackmaster]

PRS Needs To Ditch The Bone Nuts And Go Back To The Original Black Synthetic Nuts. Almost Every Tuning Issue I Hear About On A PRS Involves A Bone Nut. The Original Synthetic Nut Was Perfection, PRS Should Have Left It Alone. If Something Isn't Broke, Don't Go Trying To Fix It.

Now I Am Waiting For All The Bone Nut Lovers To Talk About How Much Better The Tone Is And That It Is Paul's Company And He Can Do Whatever He Wants, Etc. To Chime In.

They switched to the synthetic on the 2024 DGT. Lesson learned.

 

[JTB]

They switched to the synthetic on the 2024 DGT. Lesson learned.

That seems to be the case with my 2024, and it stays in tune pretty consistently.

 

[Johnnykuz]

I have two core DGT's (one maple capped and one standard all mahogany) and no tuning issues. My suggestion would be to check and lubricate the nut and make sure your floating trem bridge is set up parallel to the top of the body.