Playing In The Sun:

Inspector #20

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I love my Les Paul's, but I gotta tell you, outdoors in the sun, I find myself adjusting tuning after every song. The two Faux Paul's are better than the Genuine Gibson, but still bothersome.

In the studio, I seldom, if ever, need to check tuning.

During Saturday's outdoor performance, the 2016 Gibson had to be pulled out of rotation and replaced because it just wouldn't behave.

Funny...the old 1987 Squirecaster stayed in rock-solid tune, and it was almost uncomfortably hot to the touch.

I wonder if it's a mahogany vs. maple issue???
 
That's a tough one but I doubt seriously it has anything to do with the wood. Definitely in the setup somewhere IMO. When I've had to play in direct sunlight I've typically had a little tuning instability at first but once the temp stabilizes so does the tuning.
 
I had an EVH Wolfgang Stealth in matte black and an ebony finger board. Played 2 gigs in the direct sun with it. The tuning stability was pretty darn solid both times. Maybe the carbon fibre rods in the neck are to thank for that?

I have heard the carbon fiber rods in these necks have a big effect on rigidity....
 
That's a tough one but I doubt seriously it has anything to do with the wood. Definitely in the setup somewhere IMO. When I've had to play in direct sunlight I've typically had a little tuning instability at first but once the temp stabilizes so does the tuning.

I considered that, but found so many discussions on the topic, to include many of my studio colleagues. If they are in the studio, my guitars go months without needing retuning...
 
I'm a bit of a picky, picky perfectionist when it comes to my instrument being in tune....that said, I HAVE noticed that this happens in the sun, or anywhere there are temp fluctuations. Best I've figured out is to let the guitar acclimate for a bit and THEN tune it. As long as there are no wild speedy temp fluctuations from there, it's usually okay. I just make it a point to do this with all my guitars, ESPECIALLY if I am playing with others.
 
I'm a bit of a picky, picky perfectionist when it comes to my instrument being in tune....that said, I HAVE noticed that this happens in the sun, or anywhere there are temp fluctuations. Best I've figured out is to let the guitar acclimate for a bit and THEN tune it. As long as there are no wild speedy temp fluctuations from there, it's usually okay. I just make it a point to do this with all my guitars, ESPECIALLY if I am playing with others.

Me too....Totally!!!!
 
I've been called an poop shoot and some other choice words, but I just cannot tolerate a bunch of guys trying to play music together with instruments that aren't in tune, and in tune with each other.....it's less critical if I'm just playing by myself, but (my) rule #1 when jammin with dudes is get your $hit in tune!!

PREACH IT BROTHER!!!!
 
I've been called an poop shoot and some other choice words, but I just cannot tolerate a bunch of guys trying to play music together with instruments that aren't in tune, and in tune with each other.....it's less critical if I'm just playing by myself, but (my) rule #1 when jammin with dudes is get your $hit in tune!!
"Poop shoot" lol! Hilarious. That's not what I typed...but y'all already knew that.

I'd like to take the opportunity to point out that it should be spelled "poop chute" though
 
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