Hi guys,
I'm currently using an Ibanez Zero point tremolo. With ernie ball 'not even slinky' 12's on it. I tune to C F A# D# G C. Should i be using a different gauge? Also the G (D#) string sounds like its not vibrating freely and its touching something. I've looked at the nut and had a look at the frets - they seem fine. The sound where its touching seems to be coming from the saddle in the trem. Is there anyway I could fix that or are there any sites that teach me how to setup my tremolo properly?
Thanks
A non-slinky set of .012's down tuned to C(3 half steps down). And your G string is a wound .018 or .020?
I would think that your G string saddle's height could be raised to accomodate that fat G string.
I also suspect that the heavier gauge is chewing up your saddles at a bit more accelerated rate.
I imagine the string tension isn't so bad since you're down tuned so much but all those fat strings on a skinny Ibanez neck which are mainly designed for .009's or .010's, is a bit out of place. I think this is what I might call a design conflict with your choice of string gauge.
Maybe what you need is a baritone guitar with fatter frets and a longer neck scale but, try raising the saddle height and, maybe at this time, your g string saddle could be a bit worn out and need replacing. When I play lead, I think my G string works the hardest because I bend it the most. That has got to chew up the saddle. Have a closer look at it.