Ibanez RG action adjusts when tuning down

[m***@yahoo.com]

I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).

The setup was great from the factory. I tuned down half step and the
bottom 3 strings fret out past 12th fret. Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb? My other guitars
are not that sensitive.
Is there some sort of trick I can do? Set up action higher while in E
maybe?

I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever. I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(

Thanks
Mark

[s***@gmail.com]

makes sense in a way?
when you tune down, you loosen the strings, allowing them to vibrate
more freely and hence easier bang against the frets

i suppose youll have to adjust the action for whatever works with the
lower tuning

[Steve Robinson]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb?

It's not so much the action as the balance of the tremolo.

With any floating tremolo there is an equilibrium between the string tension
and the springs. If you tune down, you lessen the string tension so the
bridge raises. You need to adjust the springs to compensate.

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(

When you fit new strings you should block the bridge to stop it moving and
slacken the tremolo springs. Get the guitar in tune then tighten the springs
until your block slips out - then you'll have a guitar in tune and the
springs at the correct tension.

In my opinion you're really on a loser trying to switch between tunings on
this kind of guitar. Either

1. use one of your other guitars for Eb and keep this one in E (or vice
versa) or
2. If you don't use the tremolo block it permanently.
http://www.jemsite.com/tech/3other.htm#tremblock

Steve.

[Dave Turner]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).

awesome bro! I just got me an RG Prestige, here she is - the 2550E Prestige
model:
http://www.ibanez.co.jp/eg_page.php?AREA_ID=2&PAGE_ID=358&COLOR=CL01&MODEL_NO=RG2550E

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever.

The Edge Pro bridge through me off too - I had never seen with my own eyes a
Floyd Rose before and it took a little getting used to! But really, once
you get it set up it stays in tune really well

Basically you use the regular tuning knobs to try to get it approximately in
tune, and then use the small black fine-tune tuning knobs on the bridge to
fine-tune it. Once youve got each string in tune you'll find it'll stay in
tune a lot longer than a regular bridge, thanks to the locking nuts at the
neck. Be careful not to tighten those too tightly though, especially on the
1st/2nd strings or you could snap the string.

Anyway have a play around with it, youll figure it out before too long.
Enjoy the new axe - i think you'll love the bridge pickup!

[Keith Adams]

Dont tune down half a step.Is it really needed? Put a real bridge on
your guitar. Youll have a better playing,better sounding guitar with
more sustain . Does the whammy bar actually add to the music? How often
is it put to practical use?If you've got to have a whammy bar then use
a Bigsby.

<***@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:***@z34g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).

The setup was great from the factory. I tuned down half step and the
bottom 3 strings fret out past 12th fret. Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb? My other guitars
are not that sensitive.
Is there some sort of trick I can do? Set up action higher while in E
maybe?

I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever. I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(

Thanks
Mark

[Nil]

Post by Keith Adams
Dont tune down half a step.

Folderol. Why not, if he wants to?

Post by Keith Adams
Put a real bridge on your guitar. Youll have a better
playing,better sounding guitar with more sustain .

Applesauce. You don't just "put a real bridge" on a guitar that's
already got a vibrato. Is your brain on?

Post by Keith Adams
If you've got to have a whammy bar then use a Bigsby.

Trumpery. Like a Bigsby is any more stable. Ha!

[Keith Adams]

Why not tune down half a step? Because he's creating problems for his
self. I know that you cant just put a hardtail bridge on most guitars
factory equipped with a vibrato Nil. I think those who arent looking
for an argument would see that the point I was trying to make was dont
buy a guitar with a childs toy for a bridge to begin with.. Yes I
think a Bigsby is more stable than other vibrato types. Due mostly to
its simplicity and its limited range of motion. Get back to me if you
can find anymore fault in what I say Nil. Your thoughts are always
welcome.

Post by Keith Adams
Dont tune down half a step.

Folderol. Why not, if he wants to?

Post by Keith Adams
Put a real bridge on your guitar. Youll have a better
playing,better sounding guitar with more sustain .

Applesauce. You don't just "put a real bridge" on a guitar that's
already got a vibrato. Is your brain on?

Post by Keith Adams
If you've got to have a whammy bar then use a Bigsby.

Trumpery. Like a Bigsby is any more stable. Ha!

[m***@yahoo.com]

Well I have 3 other electrics (Tele, Strat, LP) and just wanted to try
one of these Steve Vai whammy wanker specials. Honestly, after two days
with this pretty decent speed axe I'm already bored. Too bad I probably
can't bring it back to Sam Ash without taking a big hit..... My son
though may like it, he is going through the EVH phase and this is a
good axe for all the fancy tapping and other crap. As for me, the Tele
is somehow still more fun to play.........

The point of Eb tuning is just to play along with recordings. I always
keep at least one electric and one acoustics tuned down. With this RG,
it looks like I have to take a course in Advanced Whammy Maintenance
first :-).

[Nil]

Post by Keith Adams
Why not tune down half a step? Because he's creating problems for
his self.

Well, all kinds of adjustments create "problems". The guitar can be
adjusted to accomodate a variety of strings and tuning. There's no
reason to avoid it. SRV and Hendrix seemed to be able to deal with
it.

Post by Keith Adams
I know that you cant just put a hardtail bridge on most guitars
factory equipped with a vibrato Nil. I think those who arent
looking for an argument would see that the point I was trying to
make was dont buy a guitar with a childs toy for a bridge to
begin with..

That's not what you said or implied. How is your "advice" helpful to
a guy who already owns the guitar in question? Besides, many people
have found ways to be musical with their "child's toy", including a
few famous guys.

Post by Keith Adams
Yes I think a Bigsby is more stable than other vibrato types. Due
mostly to its simplicity and its limited range of motion.

The Bigsby's I've tried were clunky, noisy, and the strings tended
to hang on the bridge pieces. I'm sure they can be adjusted to
minimize those problems, and so can a Fender vibrato. They both have
flaws, and you learn to deal with them if you want to express musical
ideas that involve the effect.

Post by Keith Adams
Get back to me if you can find anymore fault in what I say Nil.
Your thoughts are always welcome.

Don't act like you weren't trolling for such a reaction.

[LULU]

Mark . . .

. . . have you tried adding a spring or two (or heavier springs) to the
whammy bar? The added tension might help clear up the problems you've
encountered when tuning down.

Just a thought,
Lulu : )

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).
The setup was great from the factory. I tuned down half step and the
bottom 3 strings fret out past 12th fret. Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb? My other guitars
are not that sensitive.
Is there some sort of trick I can do? Set up action higher while in E
maybe?
I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever. I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(
Thanks
Mark

[Patrick Keenan]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).
The setup was great from the factory. I tuned down half step and the
bottom 3 strings fret out past 12th fret. Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb? My other guitars
are not that sensitive.
Is there some sort of trick I can do? Set up action higher while in E
maybe?

Guitars with thin necks will react more to changes in tension than guitars
with thicker (stronger) necks. However, the reaction is in the bow -
don't change the action height, loosen the trussrod slightly. The action
should go to the same place.

As the tension lowers, the neck straightens and the action appears to come
down. Adding bow will bring the action back up.

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever. I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(

Take multiple passes and don't bother trying to get exact pitch on the first
few. Get close and move on - in fact, you may need to tune sharp (or flat)
slightly (a few cents).

You may ultimately find that the design of that guitar simply isn't suited
to changing tunings like this. If that's the case, consider another
guitar for the alternate tuning.

HTH
-pk

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Thanks
Mark

[Patrick Keenan]

Post by m***@yahoo.com
I just got a brand new RG1570
(http://www.ibanez.com/guitars/guitar.asp?model=RG1570).
The setup was great from the factory. I tuned down half step and the
bottom 3 strings fret out past 12th fret. Do I really need to play with
action height each time I need to go between E and Eb? My other guitars
are not that sensitive.

... also, the trem spring tension is set to a balance at E. You'd also
need to reduce the spring tension slighty - loosen the claw screws.

-pk

Post by m***@yahoo.com
Is there some sort of trick I can do? Set up action higher while in E
maybe?
I also can't keep this thing in tune (it has an Edge Pro
bridge/whammy). I loosen the lock ofcourse, but by the time I'm done
tuning the last string, the first is half step off. This just goes on
forever. I did stretch the strings and still can't seem to even get
close to proper tuning.... :-(
Thanks
Mark