09 LP Custom tuning issue

[derek1977]

Hey fellas, lately i've been noticing a tuning issue with my 08 LP Custom. It is noticeable when I play an A5 with the open A string and the 5th on the D string 2nd fret. The D string sounds flat. My tuner (boss TU2) reads that both strings are in tune and even when i play the chord, the A and the 2nd fret D string are in tune, according to the tuner.

My strings are always fresh and my guitar is intonated well.This is driving me absolutely nuts and i'm wondering if this has happened to anyone or if anyone can tell me why this might be. Thanks

[blackie2]

Get a better tuner (or borrow one) and check your neck relief too.

[CapeRR]

Put new strings on...I've gotten the odd bad string over the years out of the package. Try another brand.

[derek1977]

The tuner is fine. I get the same result tuning with harmonics. Its not the strings as I've tried different brands and I didn't think that neck relief can affect one string(I may be wrong on that). But thanks just the same guys.

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by derek1977

The tuner is fine. I get the same result tuning with harmonics. Its not the strings as I've tried different brands and I didn't think that neck relief can affect one string(I may be wrong on that). But thanks just the same guys.

Take a read of this. May help you in some way:

Stagepass.com - How To Tune The Guitar to perfection

[derek1977]

This is amazing John. What a great read..It doesn't cover my problem but it sure makes alot of things more clear. I was beginning to think it was just me that was always having the same tuning issues...wow man..this is mindblowing.. Thank you very much!!

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by derek1977

This is amazing John. What a great read..It doesn't cover my problem but it sure makes alot of things more clear. I was beginning to think it was just me that was always having the same tuning issues...wow man..this is mindblowing.. Thank you very much!!

derek,

Thanks. I think that, or something like that, should be mandatory reading for people who want to play the guitar. It explains the imperfections in tuning, and guides to the best way to tune the guitar, given its limitations.

Another couple of things to bear in mind:
1. Make sure your tuner is calibrated to A-440. Some tuners will allow you to adjust away from A-440, so if you have accidentally moved it, move it back; and
2. After tuning with a tuner, then check the tuning through the amp, and do any further small adjustments. I still do that after gigging electrics since 1969...!

[TKOjams]

put a capo on the first fret and play the chord a 1/2 step up. if it's in tune check the string hight at the nut. then check the intonation.

[AngryHatter]

.

[derek1977]

Great advice..Thanks again John..Checked out Splinter on youtube. Sounded good..Hope I will be able to play for as long as you have..

[derek1977]

Thanks man..Thats exactly what I need to do..makes sense to me.

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by derek1977

Great advice..Thanks again John..Checked out Splinter on youtube. Sounded good..Hope I will be able to play for as long as you have..

Thank you for your kind words.

That Youtube clip shows the third time we had got together since splitting up 33 years previously. We had met up and played 6 months before, but for the Cavern gig, we met on the night (no rehearsal) and just got up and played. Four numbers: Honky Tonk Women/Summertime Blues/The Hunter/Brown Sugar (Stoes, not ZZ).

Here's some dressing room views of the Cavern:
Drummer Steve, bassist Billy (back to camera) & me, just as we arrived (still got our coats on!)


Steve Wright (of another Liverpool group) - he has been a pro muso all his life, and among his many credits are that he wrote the theme and incidental music for the British soap seies 'Brookside' and 'Hollyoaks', unknown, me, drummer Stev, and our old roadie, Alan Lynch:


Billy, Alan Lynch admiring his bass, and me. After we split, Alan Lynch continued roadying, and ultimately became personal roadie to Bill Nelson of Be Bop Deluxe, doing world tours, including a 6-month US tour that also featured Rory Gallagher and Boston on the bill. He later worked with Slade also.


A sparse view of the dressing room of me with Steve Wright. Not the best looking of places!

[derek1977]

Great pics...Must have been a good time gettin together with the old band.

[John Vasco]

Originally Posted by derek1977

Great pics...Must have been a good time gettin together with the old band.

It was. I'll be up in Liverpool again at the end of August and will be seeing them again. Don't know if we'll be getting together to play, or just a social gathering. One of the things that will happen is that I will meet the first bass player of Splinter, who I haven't seen since he quit in April 1972. So we will not have seen each other for just over 40 years. We're both looking forward to it - might be quite emotional!

Are you any further down the road of solving your tuning issue...?

[derek1977]

wow..thats a long time. Hopefully you guys will get to jam..

I am close to solving the mystery..I still can't believe that 7th fret harmonics aren't accurate..that really through me for a loop..lol

[kenmarkat]

John, thanks for those great pix - I love seeing pix of the forum folks out and about.

I was able to get together this past Sunday with the lead guitarist of the southern gospel band I traveled with back in the 90's. First time I'd seen him in years and brought back some great memories. Glad to see you're having some as well.