Why Does Your Guitar Go Out of Tune? And Does Quality Really Matter?
Guitar enthusiasts often ponder why their guitars go out of tune, despite frequent tuning sessions. While the myth persists that expensive guitars hold their tune better, there are various reasons why any guitar can lose its harmony, including the age and type of strings, humidity and temperature variations, and even design flaws. Let's dive into these factors to better understand the mysteries of guitar tuning.Understanding String Stretch and Breakage
Contrary to popular belief, guitar strings do not go out of tune simply because they are cheap or expensive. When under tension, strings can stretch and go flat over time. This process can be accelerated if the guitar and its strings are exposed to constant tension and wear.
Most new strings will stretch noticeably for the first day they are used, and this process diminishes over time. While the initial stretch is inevitable, you can speed it up by applying a bit of force when installing the new strings. However, it requires a delicate balance to avoid breaking the strings.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which your guitar is stored plays a significant role in its tuning stability. Temperature fluctuations can cause the guitar strings to go out of tune, especially in extreme climates. For instance, if the temperature in your home fluctuates, it can lead to your guitar going flat or sharp, depending on the season. This is particularly common if you store your guitar in a place where the temperature changes rapidly, such as a car or outdoor conditions.
It's crucial to let your guitar acclimate to a new environment before tuning it. Waiting for the guitar to adjust to the new temperature and humidity can help maintain its tuning. Always carry a tuner with you, especially if you are frequently moving between different environments. This ensures you can quickly tune your guitar whenever needed.
Design Flaws and Quality Issues
Some guitars are more prone to tuning issues due to their design. For example, wide 33 headstocks, while visually appealing, can cause problems with string alignment. The strings often break at the nut due to the sideways break angle, which can be mitigated with better design. Many modern guitars use 33 headstocks with better string retention features to improve tuning stability.
Additionally, poorly designed tremolo systems can cause tuning issues. Tremolo systems like whammy bars can be finicky and affect the guitar's tuning. Floyd Rose and locking tuners are popular solutions for guitarists who value stability and ease of tuning. Investing in a reliable tuning system can significantly reduce the likelihood of tuning problems.
Quality and Maintenance
While some budget guitars may have issues with intonation and structural integrity, it's not accurate to say that they always go out of tune more frequently. However, these guitars often lack the quality components that prevent tuning issues. Cheap nuts, bridge saddles, and wobbly bridges can contribute to tuning instability, but with some care and upgrades, many of these issues can be addressed.
For instance, an Evette bridge or a posture-putty nut can improve tuning stability and intonation. Some guitars, however, are simply too cheap to fix. My Warlock, for example, is visually striking but remains cheap. Despite my efforts to upgrade its components, it will always have limited tuning stability due to its construction. However, it works well as a showpiece and sounds great with its growly pickups.
Conclusion
While some guitars are more prone to tuning issues due to environmental factors, design flaws, and low-quality materials, it's not necessarily true that cheap guitars always go out of tune more. By understanding the causes of tuning instability, you can take steps to mitigate these issues and ensure your guitar stays in tune. Always keep a tuner nearby and consider investing in a better tuning system or high-quality components to improve your guitar's performance and stability.