Downtuning on an Ibanez GSA

[EugeneSmasher]

Hi everyone,

Lately my band is seeking a heavier sound so I'm thinking of dropping to standard D. On my GSA60's non-locking, light synchronized tremolo, is it wise to just droptune? Or does it require set-up or string gauge change...

About the flappy strings, I might up the gauge to 10s to maintain similar tension. Other than that, anything I must do?

Thanks in advance!

 

[loathed]

it is definitely not recommended to downtune on a guitar with a tremolo bridge...but yea, you can still do it. just alot more hassle than a fixed bridge.

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Like what problems can I expect?

 

[Whitestrat]

Hi everyone,

Lately my band is seeking a heavier sound so I'm thinking of dropping to standard D. On my GSA60's non-locking, light synchronized tremolo, is it wise to just droptune? Or does it require set-up or string gauge change...

About the flappy strings, I might up the gauge to 10s to maintain similar tension. Other than that, anything I must do?

Thanks in advance!

The GSA60 isn't using a floating trem right? how did you have it set up? Floating? or flushed with the body? If it's flushed, then you have no problems downtuning. If it's floating, then you have to have it flushed, or blocked...

other than that, nothing much. BUT, what gauge are you on? if you're on 9s, then using 10s MIGHT be ok, or you'll have to have the nut refiled.

Or rather, why not just buy a 7 string?:twisted:

 

[EugeneSmasher]

I'd rather avoid 7-strings

Well, it floats. As in, it can move up and down.

How to flush the bridge?

 

[loathed]

if its a floating bridge, your strings will go out of tune if you attempt to downtune. very much a hassle. thats why i stick to fixed bridges.

 

[Whitestrat]

I'd rather avoid 7-strings

Well, it floats. As in, it can move up and down.

How to flush the bridge?

2 ways. EITHER you tighten the springs (or add more) to pull the bridge back and screw in the claw plate,

OR

you bring it to someone and have them block it for you...

 

[EugeneSmasher]

Would a Freelok or Tremol-no do the trick?

 

[Faizalhacker]

how about in a vintage type tremolo??(can ONLY whammy down tremolo).will i encounter problems?

 

[Whitestrat]

Would a Freelok or Tremol-no do the trick?

should be able to.

 

[billthegeek]

You can try getting a GOOD pitch shifter pedal. Saves you lots of trouble.