Re: Hard to tune Gretsch


chezestake@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I have a Gretsch 6120, an old single cut '60. It has a floating
bridge. How in the world did people play these things
professionally? I tend to rest my hand on the bridge so I can mute as
I play. it is really easy to bump and slide it out of place. I put a
piece of 2 sided tape under it to keep it still. I'd drill a hole and
mount it if it weren't for the vintage value. BUT, this guitar just
doesn't stay in tune, aside from the bridge issue. Is it the
tuners, the neck, or what? The tuners don't seem to be slipping. I
hardly play it because it is such a pain in the ass. It's a shame
because it has some wonderful tones.

Aside, I think that an overlooked tone is the neck pick up fairly
heavily distorted...talk about milky. Any one out there a Gretsch
fan? Leo had the better product in those days, IMO.

Tom Paul


The one thing that you are probably not using is a set of strings like
those used in the '60's.
You don't have to go to Ebay to get the correct strings, and vintage
strings won't give a vintage sound.

What you will need is a set gauged from .013 to .056. with a wound G
string. Some were as heavy as 014-058 or the really heavy flatwounds.
Oh yes, you could get Gibson or Fender strings and a few stores
carried Black Diamond. ( Cheaper, lasted a long time, but were
brittle)

The heavier strings will hold the bridge down and prevent it from
moving all over the place.

Some companies used a piece of approx 80 grit sandpaper under the
bridge contact points to keep them from moving around. With a vintage
guitar, I might consider using either small blobs of mastic or even
low temp hot glue.

The Bigsby also makes tuning a little more difficult. Some players who
don't use it will just take off the arm and remove the spring to make
a solid tailpiece.

As far as the Leo Fender comment, the only guitars that really made
the switch to lighter strings without too much bother were the
Stratocaster and the Mustang. Tele's need the later six saddle
adjustable bridge to play in tune and Jazzmaster whammies with the
floating vibrato lock won't work correctly with light strings.

.

Relevant Pages

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