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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Fender (malmsteen) Doesnt Stay In Tune
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 12 2017, 04:41 PM
Hi there:)
I bought a Fender (Malmsteen) for a couple of moths ago and i had some problems with the guitar. The high E-string laid to close to the edge and I decieded to let a luthier solve the problem. He replaced the nut and after that the space between the edge and the string became decent.
But Im having trouble with the tuning. I am replaceing the strings every other month, but regardless to this the tuning is just flying all over the place:). especially when Im using the tremolo. It feels like the nut is to tight and the strings kind of struggling in the nut. Beside to this I think the tremolo need some adjustments as well. Is this something that I can do by myself or does a luther need to check this out?
Regards
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 12 2017, 04:50 PM
Hi Anders, congrats on your guitar! I've tried it in the past and I've liked it.
In order to be sure that the guitar hasn't a problem, I wonder if you usually do this after changing strings:
Try stretching your string, then using tremolo, then tuning. Repeat this many times until you note that the guitar keeps in tune after using the tremolo.
Also, be sure that strings are correctly laid in the tuner. We have a new lesson that covers this topic: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/20-Beginner-Tips/
Please try it and let me know what happens.
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 12 2017, 05:12 PM
Thx Gab, Ill check this out and will return to you.
I do not lubricate the strings, parhaps i should try this??
In order to be sure that the guitar hasn't a problem, I wonder if you usually do this after changing strings:
Try stretching your string, then using tremolo, then tuning. Repeat this many times until you note that the guitar keeps in tune after using the tremolo.
Also, be sure that strings are correctly laid in the tuner. We have a new lesson that covers this topic: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/20-Beginner-Tips/
Please try it and let me know what happens.
Posted by: Mertay Feb 12 2017, 05:13 PM
Yeah, if its a bone/plastic nut then lubrication (as far as I heard) will help.
Such problems are usually caused by the nut holding the string too tight, good tunning stability needs a gliding nut. If that doesn't help, it probably might be about the changed string angle but try the lubrication thing first.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 12 2017, 08:24 PM
Whether you lube them or not, you gotta stretch them out quite a bit. Also, it's not a dual locking trem, so if you use too much whammy, tune may drift a bit. Also, the truss needs to be adjusted tight enough so that it doesn't allow the neck to flex and again drift the tune.
You mentioned giving it to a luthier so I'm assuming you had a full setup / intonation done? if not, your due for one 
Then stretch the crap out of your strings. Then it should stay in tune somewhat. Hopefully If I remember correctly, it doesn't even have locking tuners. So there is nothing to keep the tune from drifting to be honest. I'm amazed any strat without locking tuners stays in tune after touching the whammy. Of course, some folks claim their strats never drift. I've just never played one that didn't drift without benefit of locking tuners at a minimum.
You can always add locking tuners to help stabilize the tune. Then again, you could add an ever tune or double locking trem, but then it would be an entirely different guitar.
I"m a fan of double locking trems for this very reason. Once the strings are stretched, they are locked at both ends. But it's more complex and some folks hate them.
If you don't use the trem much you could always block it and make it more like a hard tail. There are several options, but you are working against technology that is half a century old to try to keep your guitar in tune. I've always wanted to try an yngwie strat so super congrats on scoring one!
Todd
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 13 2017, 07:27 AM
Hi there guys, i did lubricate nut and bridge and after that the tuning is much more stabil. I must agree with you Todd, my Ibanez is with locking screws is way more reliable regarding the tuning.
When I left it to a luthier he did a full setup, but Im not really satisfied with the tremolo setup. I will dive in to youtube and check some vids:)
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2017, 09:04 AM
I'd honestly suggest getting some locking tuners. It's an easy swap, not crazy expensive and they act sorta like lock nuts. you tune then turn a dial on the back off the tuner to lock it in place. The one guitar I have without a floyd has locking tuners and it's a big help.
Todd
When I left it to a luthier he did a full setup, but Im not really satisfied with the tremolo setup. I will dive in to youtube and check some vids:)
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 13 2017, 10:46 AM
I have to check this out, haven´t seen a Fender with this kind of setup:)
Posted by: Mertay Feb 13 2017, 12:24 PM
Give some time to see if the lube will work good enough before further modifications.
I suspect since the strings angle from headstock changed, it developed a force to the side of the nut as to why lube worked. Unless a floyd type locking nut, locking tuners would not help for such situation.
Posted by: ChrisGLP Feb 13 2017, 01:26 PM
Hi Anders,
I think here is a very good video how to adjust the tremolo....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CkrKdQR6_g
I had the same problem at my YWM Strat with the g-string.... but with a little bit grease with teflon (PTFE) the problem was solved...
Chris
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 13 2017, 05:26 PM
Thx for the response guys . Ill try to adjust the tremolo, its a little bit to far from the guitar body imho.
Very good instruction video Chris
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2017, 10:35 PM
Here is an entire thread of folks talking about adding locking tuners to their Yngwie Strat to try to cope with the tune drift. It's from way back in 2009, but it's the same issues and they suggest some specific locking tuners and and such.
I hope your tuning stabilizes and whatever you are trying now works so that you can keep the guitar stock I believe the American built strats come with locking tuners don't they? Always stretch your strings a LOT after changing to a new set. That one thing can make a wad of difference
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=32268
Posted by: ChrisGLP Feb 14 2017, 06:34 AM
... and the best way (IMO) is to install a zero glide nut as I have already done at my les paul.... I will do this at my strat also....
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=56337
For the locking tuners you have to drill some holes because the YWM Strat has Vintage Tuners.... 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 16 2017, 06:59 PM
Hopefully the nut will help . Though I can't imagine it being as effective as tuners that actually lock. But there is good news!!!!
it looks like they make locking tuners to replace the "Vintage" set and they are made by fender, just for this purpose. So if just the nut doesn't do it, you still have options
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-0990818100-Locking-Tuners-Chrome/dp/B000L6GD04/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=56337
For the locking tuners you have to drill some holes because the YWM Strat has Vintage Tuners....
Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 16 2017, 07:57 PM
. Though I can't imagine it being as effective as tuners that actually lock. But there is good news!!!! it looks like they make locking tuners to replace the "Vintage" set and they are made by fender, just for this purpose. So if just the nut doesn't do it, you still have options
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-0990818100-Locking-Tuners-Chrome/dp/B000L6GD04/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
As you saying Todd, those locking tuners looks very nice. If I still have problems with tuning, after lubricate, this would proably be a good options:)
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 17 2017, 02:53 AM
Hope you don't need them But good to know there are always options eh?
Todd
Posted by: ChrisGLP Feb 17 2017, 06:54 AM
@Todd: These tuners are really great... but after the replacement you can see these holes... Do you have a tip what to do with these holes?
@Anders: Can you take a photo when you have removed the vintage tuners and share it with us? Thx.... 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 18 2017, 04:53 AM
From the picture, it looks like that guy just left them there? Personally, I'm not a "Strat Guy" really. More of a Ibanez guy and a fan of Double Locking Trems. However, I do have one guitar with locking tuners so I've had experience with them and they do a good job of locking a tune. Which is why I suggested them Then I found that fender makes locking versions off the original in line tuners so I thought I'd share that.
A luthier, one that works on strats, would be the best option to ask about installation. Unless somebody here has experience installing these types of tuners?
Todd
@Anders: Can you take a photo when you have removed the vintage tuners and share it with us? Thx....
Posted by: klasaine Feb 18 2017, 04:11 PM
1) You don't have to do anything. It's on the back of the headstock. No one but you will ever notice.
2) Or get some 'wood filler' - it comes in many colors - push it in with a toothpick or an unfolded paper clip, wipe smooth the surface, let dry ... voila!
Posted by: PosterBoy Feb 18 2017, 08:13 PM
Try these as well https://store.hipshotproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=394
Posted by: Chris S. Feb 18 2017, 09:25 PM
Trying this re-stringing method - I don't use any other method when using traditional non-locking tuning machines:
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 19 2017, 03:50 AM
Good point You don't "Have to" do anything, or you could do the diy fix mentioned and save a trip to the luthier and spend the money on more guitar bits Good post!
Todd
2) Or get some 'wood filler' - it comes in many colors - push it in with a toothpick or an unfolded paper clip, wipe smooth the surface, let dry ... voila!
There ya go!! IT's got than handy plate the covers the holes. So yea, plenty of options.
Todd
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