Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuners
Posted by Ross on Thu, 09/13/01 - 21:36:19.
after having test driven several brand new and used Firebird guitars I have come to the conclusion that the banjo style tuners are incapable of keeping the strings (especially the "G") in tune. Anybody know of a fix (Gibson or aftermarket) to this unacceptable problem? I want the sound and feel but NOT at the cost of a tuning nightmare.
p.s. am I the only one amazed that a $2000+ guitar won't stay in tune>?
Re: Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuners
: after having test driven several brand new and used Firebird guitars I have come to the conclusion that the banjo style tuners are incapable of keeping the strings (especially the "G") in tune. Anybody know of a fix (Gibson or aftermarket) to this unacceptable problem? I want the sound and feel but NOT at the cost of a tuning nightmare.
: p.s. am I the only one amazed that a $2000+ guitar won't stay in tune>?
Mightn't be the tuners.
Check stuff like strings catching in the nut.
What gauge strings are you using? Try heavier gauge.
I had a similar problem with my old Guild S-100 (I was using 008's), as soon as I went up to 009-042 it stayed in tune.
Re: Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuners
: : after having test driven several brand new and used Firebird guitars I have come to the conclusion that the banjo style tuners are incapable of keeping the strings (especially the "G") in tune. Anybody know of a fix (Gibson or aftermarket) to this unacceptable problem? I want the sound and feel but NOT at the cost of a tuning nightmare.
: : p.s. am I the only one amazed that a $2000+ guitar won't stay in tune>?
: Mightn't be the tuners.
: Check stuff like strings catching in the nut.
: What gauge strings are you using? Try heavier gauge.
: I had a similar problem with my old Guild S-100 (I was using 008's), as soon as I went up to 009-042 it stayed in tune.
Re: Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuners
: : : after having test driven several brand new and used Firebird guitars I have come to the conclusion that the banjo style tuners are incapable of keeping the strings (especially the "G") in tune. Anybody know of a fix (Gibson or aftermarket) to this unacceptable problem? I want the sound and feel but NOT at the cost of a tuning nightmare.
: : : p.s. am I the only one amazed that a $2000+ guitar won't stay in tune>?
: : Mightn't be the tuners.
: : Check stuff like strings catching in the nut.
: : What gauge strings are you using? Try heavier gauge.
: : I had a similar problem with my old Guild S-100 (I was using 008's), as soon as I went up to 009-042 it stayed in tune.
I got a Firebird about a month ago. I just put on regular slinkys (10-46) hoping that this would help.
I'm inclined to agree with you up to a point. It's possible that I'll have to lightly file the nut to accomodate slightly heavier strings. I use the same size on my other guitar anyway. I don't know that it's the tuning machines. Usually it is some other thing. Anyway, I'm still working on it. If I figure it out, I'll try and remember to post something. The guitar I've got is a '92 reissue.
Re: Gibson Firebird Banjo Tuners
I would suggest looking at other factors which affect tuning, and be absolutely sure that the guitar's intonation is set up properly. I own an original 1963 Firebird I, and it tunes up perfectly, and stays in tune almost indefinitely. Using heavier strings is a great suggestion for any guitar, but any such change will require that the intonation be adjusted. I don't believe that the banjo-style tuners are a problem. : after having test driven several brand new and used Firebird guitars I have come to the conclusion that the banjo style tuners are incapable of keeping the strings (especially the "G") in tune. Anybody know of a fix (Gibson or aftermarket) to this unacceptable problem? I want the sound and feel but NOT at the cost of a tuning nightmare.
: : p.s. am I the only one amazed that a $2000+ guitar won't stay in tune>?
: Mightn't be the tuners.
: Check stuff like strings catching in the nut.
: What gauge strings are you using? Try heavier gauge.
: I had a similar problem with my old Guild S-100 (I was using 008's), as soon as I went up to 009-042 it stayed in tune.
Post new comment