Need tuning stability help with Boden Classic 6

Hey all - I have a new Boden Classic 6 Trem (Svarten) and the trem tuning stability seems to be all over the place. It's almost like there are 3 neutral points in place.

For example, lets say I bend the G string then release and tune it up. I can bend it again and end up in the same spot. If I pull the trem up, it ends up being anywhere from 5 - 20 cents sharp. It more-or less returns once I do a bend. When I push the trem down and release it will end up 5-10 cents out. Again, it more or less returns to where I want it if I do a bend.

I've owned many trem equipped guitars and I am used to the return from pulling up being out, but not the push down too. This means there is no real home base.

I've tried stretching the strings quit a bit now but that just keeps moving the goal post so to speak since the trem moves when you stretch a string. I've stretched them enough to where I'd have to believe they are done stretching. It still has the factory strings on it which look to be in good shape.

Since you have to touch the trem to tune the guitar, there is no way to consistently tune to one of the 3 neutral points.

Any ideas?

Posted Sep 16, 2021, 5:33 AM UTC · edited

23
AustinYun•

Make sure the string isn't slipping at either the nut or bridge. Check that the ball end is fully seated. String(s) could also be binding at the nut itself. Check how well the string is sliding in the nut.

1
sixstringmonkOP•

I'm guessing binding is a real possibility here but I can't see or hear anything obvious. Btw, this happens when I bend any string so it could be that just minor movements of the trem are causing one or more strings to bind.

1
sixstringmonkOP•

I'm wondering if I should try going down to 9s just to see if anything improves which might point at the nut grooves being too tight?

1