So what is Split Tuning ?

Pat Carlson · Post by **Pat Carlson** » 1 Mar 2007 7:36 pm

Could some one give me an idea of what it is to have a split tuning on the E-9th neck ? Thanks in advance.

Dan Beller-McKenna · Post by **Dan Beller-McKenna** » 1 Mar 2007 7:55 pm

Patrick,

here's my understanding of "split tuning":

If you have a raise and lower on one string, split tuning refers to the ability to tune the note you get when both are engaged.

Here's a common example: let's say you raise your fifth string a whole step (B-C#) with your first pedal and lower your fifth string a half step with a knee lever (B-A#). If both those changes are engaged at the same time you get a C-natural. Split tuning allows you to tune that C-natural independently of tuning the raise on pedal 1 and the lower on the knee lever. How you go about tuning the "split" (i.e., C-natural) depends on the guitar you have.

Hope I got this right (and that it makes sense).

Dan

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 2 Mar 2007 5:26 am

You got it right Dan
Hook

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 2 Mar 2007 5:58 am

There's a good explanation of split tuning on Mark Van Allen's site
http://www.markvanallen.com/tips.html

Patrick Laffrat · Post by **Patrick Laffrat** » 2 Mar 2007 12:47 pm

With tuning screws on the changer:

====================================================

Without tuning screws you need extra pull rod
>>>, See John Fabian's video about the split tuning

by Buddy Emmons

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 2 Mar 2007 2:51 pm

Wow Patrick,Great detail..I had some understanding of split tuning, but your graphics really make it all very clear.Thank you.PJ

Pat Carlson · Post by **Pat Carlson** » 2 Mar 2007 6:42 pm

Wow

Thank you all so much for the very detailed answers. I'm dreaming of getting a Mullen G-2 and see the split tuning is one of its features! I beleive this could be quite handy!

This forum is a great resource Thanks Captain B0b

Ken Williams · Post by **Ken Williams** » 5 Mar 2007 6:35 pm

I've never fooled around with the split tuning. The only time I'd ever used it was on a combination of the A pedal and the Bb lever. But the tuning was pretty close so I never tinkered with it.
Because of some recent change in my pedal setup, I can see a need for split tuning. Let me see if this is correct.
Let's say you want to split the B pedal raise from G# to A on the 6th string and a whole tone lower on the 6th string. Is this the correct procedure?
Tune the B pedal raise with the proper nylon nut.
Then tune the whole tone lower with the proper nylon nut.
Then press the B pedal and whole tone lower lever at the same time and tune the note in the middle(G) with metal hex screws that are just behind the changer.
If this is not correct, please advise. The steel is an 86 Emmons short keyhead Legrande.
Also, does anyone know what size Allen wrench I need for the row of screws just behind the changer?

Thanks,
Ken

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 5 Mar 2007 10:10 pm

Ken,
The screws in the changer are where you tune the lowest note.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 6 Mar 2007 11:38 am

Ken, if you look carefully at Patrick Laffrat's post, you'll notice there are two different ways to accomplish the split. One using rods, and the other using split tuning screws. Richard refers to the second, using the screws.

If you don't have split tuning screws, you have to use the rod method. Both reach the same result, but in different ways.

Michael Haselman · Post by **Michael Haselman** » 6 Mar 2007 12:32 pm

I used Patrick Laffrat's diagram to help install split tuner on my Mullen, and it works great. I had one (B-Bb with A pedal) on my old Pro I and for some reason it was just in tune, didn't need to worry. But now I can get perfect minors with AB pedals, or augs with A pedal. Thanks, man.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 7 Mar 2007 5:31 am

Patrick, I've tried to figure this one out before mentally, and your posting of Buddy's clear instruction does it.
I'm swapping pedals this morning and adding the G split.
Thanks a million.

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 7 Mar 2007 5:54 am

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 7 Mar 2007 5:57 am

oops again

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 7 Mar 2007 5:58 am

Tune the B pedal raise with the proper nylon nut.
Then tune the whole tone lower with the proper nylon nut.
Then press the B pedal and whole tone lower lever at the same time and tune the note in the middle(G) with metal hex screws that are just behind the changer.

Ken, let me correct you on this. First you tune the raise with the nylon nut, then you tune the SPLIT (i.e. combination of raise and lower) with the nylon nut for the lower, and then, the 3rd step, tune the lower using the metal hex screws.[/quote]

Ken Williams · Post by **Ken Williams** » 7 Mar 2007 6:54 am

Thanks Jeff and others. That's the info I needed.

Ken

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 7 Mar 2007 7:37 am

Ken, the physics of it is interesting. When you combine a raise and lower together, the amount of "pull" you need for the lower to be in tune with the raise is invariably greater then the amount of "pull" needed for the lower when it's alone. This means that when you play the lower by itself, there is too much "pull" and the note will always be too flat, so you use the split-tuning hex screw to provide a stop for the lower before it reaches the end of it's travel. Or you can simply use a raise rod on the same pedal with the lower to make the minor adjustment necessary to get the lower in tune.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 7 Mar 2007 10:28 am

Gentlemen - thanks for the info on the Legrande split tuning screws. They were mal-adjusted (by me), causing all kinds of tuning havoc that I thought was being caused by something else. Fixing those screws completely straightened it out.

Patrick Laffrat · Post by **Patrick Laffrat** » 9 Mar 2007 12:20 am

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 9 Mar 2007 3:23 am

Patrick, I accomplished the extra rod split and it works perfectly, tho I couldn't quite understand why.
So watching the new animation, I get it.
Thanks again.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 9 Mar 2007 4:28 am

Very cool graphics, Patrick. Thanks for the extra work. You can be sure this post will be referenced a lot in the future.

Steve Stallings · Post by **Steve Stallings** » 9 Apr 2007 12:12 pm

I would like to say that this post gets my award for "best description of split tuning".

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 9 Apr 2007 1:46 pm

Thank you Patrick..This is gonna help a lot of steelers,sure makes it clear for my feeble mind. PJ