diff --git a/.git-buildpackagerc b/.git-buildpackagerc
index 48e1d67..b11c783 100644
--- a/.git-buildpackagerc
+++ b/.git-buildpackagerc
@@ -23,8 +23,8 @@ debian-branch = debian
 # Merge upstream changes
 merge = True
 
-# Use pristine-tar
-pristine-tar = True
+# Use pristine-tar (disabled for initial setup)
+pristine-tar = False
 
 [export-dir]
 # Export location