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Topic: Symptoms of tuners going bad on a PP? |
forrest klott
From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2019 6:14 pm |
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Howdy,
Can anyone tell me the symptoms I should look out for as far as the Kluson tuners going kaput on my push pull? Would stiffness or tuning that seems to float indicate it may be time to change them out? I believe they’re about 49 years old, so I certainly don’t think they owe anyone anything at this point. I already have replacements from Billy Knowles, perhaps I should just bit the bullet and get it over with.
Thanks!
Skeeter |
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Jack Hanson
From:
San Luis Valley, USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2019 6:57 pm
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If you already have a new set of proper replacement tuners, might as well install 'em, in my opinion.
It's worth noting that old Kluson Deluxe tuners can often (but not always) be brought back to life by flushing the 49 year-old gunk out of the casing and repacking with fresh lube. I always do this when re-buttoning old plastic-buttoned Klusons, which is almost a cottage industry unto itself.
Remove the tuner(s) from the instrument, and submerge overnight in naptha (Ronsonol). Flush repeatedly with a pipette or syringe inserted in the hole of the casing with fresh, clear naptha, until it flows clear. Turn the knob constantly, allowing the naptha to penetrate the gears and wash the old lube away. It may take multiple soak/flush sessions to get all the gunk out. Once it runs clear, let it dry out for a few minutes, then fill the casing with a dollop of fresh lubricant. Turn the knob -- get the gears moving -- and give it another small dollop of lube. Chances are it'll be good for another 40-50 years. |
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Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2019 7:48 pm
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If you decide to replace them, make sure you have the proper keyhead, depending on which replacements you choose.
Been there, done that.
Billy Knowles will know!!!
All the best, Pat |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 25 Nov 2019 8:58 pm
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This may be a dumb question, but have you ever oiled them  being "stiff" can mean there's excessive wear, but it can also mean they're simply dry. |
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forrest klott
From:
Grand Rapids Mi USA
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Posted 26 Nov 2019 12:54 pm
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Hi guys,
Thanks for all of your input. Since I already have replacement tuners, I don’t see myself going through the cleaning and re-packing with grease process. As to oiling them, I hadn’t thought of that. When I was tinkering with tuning earlier today, I noticed that some had what to me is a great deal of slop. So I’m at the point of deciding whether I try a new set of stings first because I’m ashamed to say they’re well past their prime or save the new stings for after I’ve replaced the tuners.
Thanks fellas!
Skeeter |
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Ron Funk
From:
Ballwin, Missouri
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Posted 26 Nov 2019 2:00 pm
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Forrest -
I think you're on the right track to simply (first) change strings,
and then re-evaluate
The "tuning that seems to float" that you mentioned may be result of dead string(s).
Ron |
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Bill C. Buntin
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Posted 30 Nov 2019 7:22 am
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Skeeter
I had this problem myself not only with kluson but with old grover tuners.
I did have some luck packing them with grease but ultimately ended up replacing them one at a time as they failed.
Bill |
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Eric Philippsen
From:
Central Florida USA
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Posted 30 Nov 2019 8:13 am
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| This might be somewhat off-topic but, regarding tuner performance, one thing I rarely see mentioned is to lube each keyhead hole. A tuner’s post is held against the keyhead hole with the full amount of its string pressure and binding can occur at that point. A drop of oil or lube helps. |
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