Newport tuning issue

[Sugartune]

Hey y'all!

I've been loving this Newport, except it doesn't seem to want to stay in tune.

I've always had an aversion towards non-fixed bridges, especially Bigsby because I just don't trust their stability. That's based on real experience and assumptions, (as is/was the case of Bigsbys). I'm starting to believe it's true!

Are there any tricks (or products) to keep it stable and in tune. I don't use the Bigsby, as that instantly pulls it out, and I'm not shredding or undertaking crazy bends. Just some slight bends and vibrato is all she gets from me, and the slightest amount of either pulls me out. Drives me batty!

I always block trems, even on my Charvel (a big part of the reason I sold it. Wasn't being used the way it should), but that's not an option here.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[rugby1970]

Mine will stay in tune but periodically the low E and the D strings buzz.

[Montelovesco]

No probs so far with mine, but that won't help since she hasn't a Bigsby... But the tuner were changed AFAIK...

[RobB]

I use the bar on my Newport goldtop to annoying stupidness, and it rarely goes out of tune.

Things I've Done (YMMV):

Make sure the nut and bridge saddles are cut properly for your string gauge and lubed. I finally settled (after using stupidly-expensive Big Bend's Nut Sauce) on BCRGreg's recommendation and use unscented Chapstick on both string slots and bridge saddles.

3-in-1 or sewing machine oil on ALL moving parts of the Bigsby. Lube it up with the strings off and use sparingly.

Consider swapping out the string-anchor bar with the Callaham version. Much cheaper/easier than having your repair guy pulling the pins and counter-sinking the holes.

A locking bridge is a useful option, but not necessary. TonePros, Callaham, FaberUSA; they're all great. Probably the least of your worries, but I like the extra insurance. I have a FaberUSA on my Newport.

Locking tuners? Maybe, but not necessary, IMO. *VERY IMPORTANT!!!* If you stretch out your strings properly and tie them onto the tuners with proper, locking wraps, this should suffice. I use the stock, Grover Imperials on my Newport, FWIW. Try to keep the wraps at 3 on the wound strings, 4/5 on the plain. I use D'Addario Brite Chromes .010's w/wound G. Bigsby's tend to like heavier gauges, so experiment.

When you tune up, GENTLY stretch your strings and use the bar, as hard as you do, to find a "center" for each string's tuning. It's a pain in the ass at first, but pays great benefits as you play on.

[Sugartune]

Thanks Rob!

Good tip on the nut sauce!. I have been using that, but chapstick sounds good too!

I have the callaham rollers and string shaft. Have a Babicz full contact bridge. Use 10 to 46 ghs boomers.

I guess I need to do some lubing!

I'll run through everything else, perhaps guage up to 10-52s as well.

Cheers!

[gorch]

A roller bridge was the door opener on mine.

[it's me HHB]

Make sure you don't have even the slightest backbow in the truss rod

[Sugartune]

Ok, I've gone through most of that, except replacing the bridge and it's a whole lot better.

There must be some slight slips, no matter what you do with a Bigsby, so I'll have to learn to accept that.

Daniel, have we seen your Newport yet? I don't recall a NGD for that one...

[Montelovesco]

Ok, I've gone through most of that, except replacing the bridge and it's a whole lot better.

There must be some slight slips, no matter what you do with a Bigsby, so I'll have to learn to accept that.

Daniel, have we seen your Newport yet? I don't recall a NGD for that one...

You have - maybe the modding was too much...? :-)

Here you go:

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/67308-double-ngd-kind-of/

[Sugartune]

^^^oh yeah! Very nice one. I was thinking those were both Artists, for some reason.

[Singlecoiler]

I have similar issues with mine. Have you noticed if your bridge actually pivots back and forth ( slightly) when you engage the bigsby?

I have read that replacing the bridge posts has helped other Newport owners.

[cmatthes]

Ever try a drop-in Schaller Roller bridge?

[gorch]

Cmatthes says it best!

[Caddie]

Bigsbys have very fragile souls. Your Mr. Bigs can sense that you don't trust him to stay in tune. He needs a shot of self esteem. There are millions of unemployed dog psychologists who could counsel your Bigs back to health. Pfizer is also working on a medication for this. Its in the final stage of NAMM certification so we should see it readily available in 7-10 years by prescription only from your guitar tech.

Cheers!

caddie

ps - Why did the big Pharm companies create Cialis/Viagra/levitra in pill form. Woodn't an ointment form that wood be rubbed on the patient's flacid weenie (yes, that's a clinical term) wood increase the effectiveness? damn subliminal auto spellcheck & correct Apply the remedy directly to the problem area rather than the long route thru the digestive system. What are they doing? Trying to make your esophagus stiff?

[Sugartune]

Roller bridge, you say? First search brought me to GFS. Any thoughts on their version ($21.95)?

http://www.guitarfetish.com/Roller-Bridge-Chrome-plated-fits-Les-Paul_p_661.html

[Sugartune]

Caddie, you're right. I don't trust it. Thinking about guaging up again too. Any recommendations?

[burningyen]

Some institutional memory for ya:

http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/topic/44470-newport-roller-bridge/

[Gino]

Locking tuners did the job for me. Grover Rotogrips fit the existing screw holes.

[Sugartune]

Well, I gauged up from 10-46s up to 10-52s and it holds, much, much better. Not enough to bother with the Bigsby, but everything else seems to be good.