Fender tuners

[tramp]

I have a '77 Fender Precision. Two of the origional tuners a starting to slip. Where can I find origional replacement parts. Thanks in advance.

[LowBSix]

try www.fender.com to find a dealer near you... probably "the perfect bass" will be able to get them for you....

[walterw]

what do you mean, "slip"? the strings in question aren't staying in tune? if so, that's likely not because of the tuners.

[LowBSix]

Originally Posted by walterw

what do you mean, "slip"? the strings in question aren't staying in tune? if so, that's likely not because of the tuners.

not the point... he asked where to get replacement tuners...

I figure slipping means the gears are wearing out... don't matta... he wants replacements...
done

[walterw]

Originally Posted by LowBSix

not the point... he asked where to get replacement tuners...

I figure slipping means the gears are wearing out... don't matta... he wants replacements...
done

if he goes through the hassle of ordering and replacing keys and it doesn't fix the problem, then i would say it does matter.

it just seems unlikely that something as mechanically robust as a big ol' fender bass key would "slip" unless gear teeth were literally broken off or the keyed shaft that locks the post onto the gear was somehow stripped out.

you'd have to take a hammer and a chisel to it to cause things like that.

tuning problems (if that's what it is) are far more likely to be from set-up issues.

[LowBSix]

Originally Posted by walterw

if he goes through the hassle of ordering and replacing keys and it doesn't fix the problem, then i would say it does matter.

it just seems unlikely that something as mechanically robust as a big ol' fender bass key would "slip" unless gear teeth were literally broken off or the keyed shaft that locks the post onto the gear was somehow stripped out.

you'd have to take a hammer and a chisel to it to cause things like that.

tuning problems (if that's what it is) are far more likely to be from set-up issues.

and that's not my biz... he asked and I answered... let it be...

[tramp]

The problem is that when I am tuning, and my string is sharp, say 5 cents, I turn it slowley and my tuner stays at 5 cents sharp. Than I might have to turn it 1/2 turn and all of a sudden, the string is flat. Than I can tighten is up slowley until it is in tune. It will than stay in tune. I was able to tighten the gear screw in the tuners some. That did not fix the problem.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by tramp

The problem is that when I am tuning, and my string is sharp, say 5 cents, I turn it slowley and my tuner stays at 5 cents sharp. Than I might have to turn it 1/2 turn and all of a sudden, the string is flat. Than I can tighten is up slowley until it is in tune. It will than stay in tune. I was able to tighten the gear screw in the tuners some. That did not fix the problem.

unless you can obviously see the post not turning while you turn the key, that's probably not the tuners, then. you may have a little slack in the gearing, but your problem is more likely that the strings are pinching in the nut slots and/or snagging under the string tree. a proper setup will cure that, and other things as well.

besides, it's always correct procedure when tuning a string instrument to tune it flat, then bring it up to the note. this removes any stored slack in the gears that even new keys sometimes have.

[tplyons]

Originally Posted by walterw

unless you can obviously see the post not turning while you turn the key, that's probably not the tuners, then. you may have a little slack in the gearing, but your problem is more likely that the strings are pinching in the nut slots and/or snagging under the string tree. a proper setup will cure that, and other things as well.

besides, it's always correct procedure when tuning a string instrument to tune it flat, then bring it up to the note. this removes any stored slack in the gears that even new keys sometimes have.

I agree 100% with this. Chances are it's binding in the nut or somewhere else, but you should tune flat then tune up, not the other way around.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by tplyons

you should tune flat then tune up, not the other way around.

+1

[PJSShearer]

As said above - always tune flat then come back up to pitch. Furthermore:

* Try a little WD40 on the gears - did wonders for my 73!!.

* Use a pencil to coat the slots in the nut with graphite to lubricate the strings and prevent them binding.

[tramp]

Thanks for the info. I will try some WD40 and Graphite tonight

[tramp]

I found the problem. Looking at the gears of the tuner when I am turning a string, the worm gear on the tuner has some play in it before it hits the gear that tightens or loosens the string. Am I explaining this right. When I turn the tuner to loosen the string, the worm travels about 1/2 turn before it engages the gear to loosen the string. The same thing happens when I tighten the string. It has a play in it. I don't know if the worm or the gear is worn. Can you change these parts?

[Pilgrim]

Good question - and a much better informed and accurate one.

For the short term, the answer is outlined above - start tuning flat, and then bring the string UP to pitch. Don't tune down to pitch for this exact reason.

I'm not sure about parts - but someone will be along with an answer soon. Sounds like those tuners have gotten a workout since 1977.

[walterw]

Originally Posted by tramp

I found the problem...When I turn the tuner to loosen the string, the worm travels about 1/2 turn before it engages the gear to loosen the string...

aha, we have the culprit!

always tuning up to the pitch is your best practice regardless, but sometimes the keys can be tightened; if they've gotten slightly bent over the decades to where the worm is not tight against the gear like it should be, you may be able to carefully press or tap with a small hammer the components to where things are tight together again.

otherwise, allparts has some nice bass keys. the trick is to find the ones that match exactly so you're not cutting holes in that old bass. don't go too cheap, but the gotoh-made versions should be pretty nice.