tuners feel tight when i turn them

[PunkRockBassist]

my tuners feel really tight when iam tuning my bass is that ok do they need something like oil or something please help

[Rodent]

what kind of tuners are you referring to?

if it's Hipshot Ultralights, you can easily adjust the turning resistance if you have the proper sized allen wrench

all the best,

R

[PunkRockBassist]

its theese kinda of tuners not my bass got this pic froom google images

[Matt R.]

My 74 Jazz has the same issue. Mine has these type tuners, but they're closed on the back, unlike the Schallers in the photo.

[PunkRockBassist]

matt can you do anything about that problem ? and is it ok to keep going when the tuners are tight

[Matt R.]

matt can you do anything about that problem ? and is it ok to keep going when the tuners are tight

You know, I'm not 100% sure what to lubricate them with. I think gun oil may work but I'm not positive. I'm just very careful when I restring mine. I'm sure Rod will chime in and be able to be of more help (to both of us)

[PunkRockBassist]

yeah my friend told me to try a liltle bit of WD-40 on them but iam kinda affraid

[Rodent]

sorry for being a little slow to reply. since I usually utilize Hipshot tuners, I wanted to do a little research before answering

here's what the Schaller website has to say about stiff tuners

(since it's difficult to read, the Q is: After several years of use my machine heads are hard to turn; what can I do?)


you can also reference the tuner schematic parts drawing here:
http://bass-machine-heads.com/download/ ... 3aff42X3a7

if you look at the bottom and top views on the pdf you can see the plastic washer between the mounting/retaining plate and the threaded gear nut (though it's not directly called out with any text)


my initial thoughts were to add a minute amount of lubricating oil to the tuner, and the Schaller on-line FAQ confirms this. I would avoid WD-40 (or any other kind of silicone containing lubricant) as it will contaminate your bass in a way that causes significant issues should you (or a future owner) ever decide that there is need to refinish the neck

all the best,

R

[AzWhoFan]

Those frickin wave washers caused me no end of grief many (30) years ago. One of them got worn out and at the time you could not just buy the washers, you had to buy a replacement set of tuners. Which naturally I could not afford at the time as I was your typical starving musician.