Cirrus Hipshot tuner problem

zuma · #1 08-01-2011, 11:47 PM

I have this super annoying rattle on the A string tuner on my Cirrus bolt-on 5. These are the ones with a brushed gold finish. They say "Hipshot Lic" on them. They attach to the back of the neck with one single screw. In an attempt to tighten all screws I discovered exactly where the problem is.

If you wiggle the actual D shaped tuner handle, there is a quite a bit of play. If I strike an open string and make it buzz I simply hold this part of the tuner and the buzz disappears. The wiggle is right where the D shape meets the shaft NOT the side where the screw is. Is there any thing I can do here? I can't see how to get to that part of the tuner.

I figured a replacement was best. I called Peavey and they said it is over $50 for just ONE tuning key. I could try to warranty it but I would rather not deal with the service centers if I don't have to.

96tbird · #2 08-02-2011, 12:57 AM

You have the type of handle (button or peg) as you say, that is inserted between the two halves of the stem? Better known as a lollipop, based on your D shape description. If so, get a vice grip on both sides of the stem and squeeze those puppies tight. Use some thick leather to protect the metal. This worked on an old set of Schallers I have. A tiny drop of super glue might work too.

zuma · #3 08-02-2011, 01:34 AM

Yes, lollipop I suppose...except, there are no two halves to the stem. It is a cylinder shape with no breaks.

zuma · #4 08-02-2011, 02:01 AM

Where the lollipop meets the shaft there is a wiggle. It seems to be loose in one plane only. It moves "up and down." It doesn't seem to move "side to side."

96tbird · #5 08-02-2011, 08:34 AM

Oh OK, I thought it was this http://hipshotproducts.com/img/mids/...hi_cropped.jpg

Contact Hipshot and tell them you have Ultralight tuners and the problem they may be able to help. Since I don't have ultralights on any of mine, I can't help more.

TreeTheStudly · #6 08-02-2011, 11:25 AM

This doesn't seem like an easy fix. I believe that I've seen other tuners (that have the Schaller-style knob) with a screw that fastens the handle onto the stem but Hipshot makes them differently. Unfortunately, I don't know how to fix this problem and I don't have any similar tuners to study/experiment on.
However, Hipshot has always struck me as a good American company and I believe it would be best to contact them about it. I'm not sure if they are a "Lifetime Warranty" type of company, but I bet if you butter 'em up, they'll send you a replacement piece or pay for you to send it in and get it fixed. Either that or they'll tell you how to do it yourself.
Best of luck to you.

zuma · #7 08-02-2011, 11:42 AM

Thanks all. I contacted Hipshot and I am awaiting a response.

One UltraLight on their website costs $40 and I assume that's without shipping. This makes Peavey's $50+ price a little bit more reasonable as they usually don't charge shipping on these small items. I am thinking the brushed gold finish is custom for Peavey as the gold on the Hipshot website looks pretty shiny.

I'll update here as soon as I hear anything. I can't wait to get rid of this annoying rattle in an otherwise impeccable instrument.

96tbird · #8 08-02-2011, 11:53 AM

HMMM, all I can figure is that they thread right on to the shaft. Then it would be a matter of removing it, putting some loctite on the threads and threading it back on. Cant wait to hear how this works out!

zuma · #9 08-02-2011, 11:59 AM

That would be awesome. I didn't want to mar the finish/dent the shaft by trying to this and just guessing. Anybody have an exploded view of this tuner? I know people around here are good at searching the patent archives.

Zooberwerx · #10 08-03-2011, 05:29 PM

May I assume that tightening the tensioner screw on the opposite side has no effect? Just grasping at straws, mind you. I've been through more than a handful of Hipshot products and never encountered this problem. OTOH, they do have a bad habit of putting an overly-generous gob of Loctite on the tensioner screw during the manufacturing process and then fail to tighten them to spec. leaving a lot of play in the shaft.

Riis

zuma · #11 08-03-2011, 05:44 PM

Yes, definitely tried the tensioner screw. I certainly made the tuner a lot tighter but the problem remained. I actually received this from Hipshot today:

The Y part of the key is simply pressed on. If you can move the key to make a gap for the glue, that would be perfect. I recommend a thin slow set glue for this and it should only require a drop into the gap. The thin slow set will allow it to creep into the gap and will set-up from there.

They went on to say that if it didn't work that they would replace the key no problem. I am going to give it a shot. This is a player and I just want it it to work without buzzing. I just bought some thin glue and I will report back as soon as the glue dries!

zuma · #12 08-03-2011, 06:48 PM

Sweet! That worked like a charm. I just hope it doesn't loosen up over time. Quick follow-up question...I used the smallest extension tube I could find but I still managed to overflow a TINY bit of glue at the seam. I have the CA removal fluid. I am just afraid if I use it that some of the gold plating will come off along with the CA. Think it will? What if I just used some of the Micro Mesh type of sanding pads?

96tbird · #13 08-03-2011, 06:53 PM

The remover likely will hurt the finish. Sanding will probably make it more noticeable, making it look whiter, you see?

zuma · #14 08-03-2011, 07:24 PM

I'll just leave it then. We're talking a very small, faint half circle here. I'm just going to string it back up and get on with playing. Thanks!