DGT SE Tuning Stability

[tjstrat]

Hi

I just received a DGT SE gold top and am having issues with its tuning.

Even with newly installed SE locking tuners and no tremelo use the strings slip slightly out of tune within a song or two. I'm using Big Bends lube on the nut as well; could this be a potential cause of string slippage? It's not much but it's driving me crazy.

 

[Bobd]

Assuming you stretched the strings, the first thing I would look at is the nut and tremolo set up ...

 

[tjstrat]

Yeah, strings are well stretched. I would hope that the added teflon lube would keep the strings from hanging up. Hmmm.

 

[sick pickle]

Interesting. My DGT SE is one of the most stable guitars I own, believe it or not!

 

[Bogner]

Likely A Nut Issue. If The Nut Isn't Cut Properly There Is No Amount Of Big Bends That Will Cure It. Make Sure The Trem Is Set Up Properly And Those Two Things Are Likely The Issue. When You Use The Trem, Is The Tuning Issues The Same? Same Strings Going Out, Etc? You May Have To Really Work That Trem In A Bit Once It Right But All Things Considered, Tuning Should Not Be An Issue. Hope You Get It Sorted Easily. Let Us Know If We Can Be Of Further Help. Good Luck!

 

[dogrocketp]

I’d recommend vigorously working the trem before you play for about 2 weeks. Sometimes they need breaking in.

 

[lpplayer]

I’m a new SE DGT owner as well

I had to file the nut slots. I have a set of torch tip cleaners, which are actually little files (hardware store types should have them for a few bucks) perfect for filing nut slots.

Then I applied my home made lube (Vaseline thinned with Naptha and graphite powder mixed in). Worked like a charm

 

[Birdsofprey]

Did you change string gauge, if so nut first.

 

[bodia]

I’d recommend vigorously working the trem before you play for about 2 weeks. Sometimes they need breaking in.

I second this, tuning problems, or not.

 

[Glide-bpm]

After all the other stuff, I highly recommend an ESP Arming Adjuster/EVH TremEndus tremolo stabilizer or a clone!

It solves ALL my problems with tremolo guitars, and you can set it up as tight or loose as you prefer. You can even tighten the backspring to the point that it's a dive only block!

Improves sustain when not using the Tremolo bar.

 

[madmarcus1960]

After all the other stuff, I highly recommend an ESP Arming Adjuster/EVH TremEndus tremolo stabilizer or a clone!

It solves ALL my problems with tremolo guitars, and you can set it up as tight or loose as you prefer. You can even tighten the backspring to the point that it's a dive only block!

Improves sustain when not using the Tremolo bar.

I second the ESP trem stabilizer(or alternative), as I call them. I used them on all my trems, Floyds, Super Vees, PRS's. It's a preloaded spring plunger that sits against the trem block, in between the springs. (I only use 2 springs)

 

[Glide-bpm]

I second the ESP trem stabilizer(or alternative), as I call them. I used them on all my trems, Floyds, Super Vees, PRS's. It's a preloaded spring plunger that sits against the trem block, in between the springs. (I only use 2 springs)

I'm able to fit one with 4 tremolo springs without the strings rubbing on it at all. Just had to be a little more careful about centering it
during installation. Glad to see someone else knows how to set one up and utilizes it with success. I can see it being a little bit of a learning curve as well as some may not want to attach one in their tremolo cavity with the 4 tiny screws.

 

[madmarcus1960]

It's pretty easy as long as you don't overtighten the screws. Also the adventure is finding the right damping material, where the plunger engages the trem block. I use the fuzzy velcro(not hooks), but I am always looking for something that holds up and doesn't fall apart. Without something, I can hear the metal on metal when it goes "home" so to speak.

 

[tjstrat]

I bought a set of SE locking tuners and after a set or two of gigging the strings settled down. Stays in tune now.

 

[wamba]

I'm having the same tuning stability issue. I bought my SE DGT new and had it set up by Glaser Instruments in Nashville. I have historically used Elixir Optiweb strings—Light (10-46). I have the trem decked.

What is the standard gauge of strings that come from the factory?

 

[sick pickle]

I'm having the same tuning stability issue. I bought my SE DGT new and had it set up by Glaser Instruments in Nashville. I have historically used Elixir Optiweb strings—Light (10-46). I have the trem decked.

What is the standard gauge of strings that come from the factory?

SE is 10-46