My tuning pegs (probly noob question)

puddin tame · #1 08-18-2010, 01:03 AM

Hey guys, this is probably nothing but I want to make 100% sure by bass is in the best possible condition.

I was changing the strings on my corvette yesterday and noticed that with the strings off, one of the tuning pegs would sort of wobble around in the headstock like something holding it in was a little loose, but with the strings on they're all rigidly in place. (the A, it's a 5 string). Is this a problem at all or just natural? Or does something need tightening?

Just making 100% there's not something that needs tightening that might be damaging my bass somehow, as i'd rather look like an idiot on the internet than risk it.

Cheers

T-Bird · #2 08-18-2010, 01:10 AM

Hi.

Can You move the post up and down?

If You can, there's a strong possibility that the screw that fastens the wheel onto the post has come loose.

The only way to retighten it is to remove the round cover on the back, which is very difficult task to say the least.

A new tuner may be needed in the near future.

Regards
Sam

puddin tame · #3 08-18-2010, 01:12 AM

Not so much up and down as sort of wobbling it in circles, 'it' being the top part the string wraps around (like in the motion you'd move the stick on an xbox controller around with your thumb)

bassteban · #4 08-18-2010, 01:15 AM

I've noticed this on several basses/tuners- if it seems to work(when strung up)I wouldn't trip.

Evil Undead · #5 08-18-2010, 01:27 AM

I've noticed it on my bass (and all my previous ones, and my guitars!) so I always assumed it's nothing to worry about...

puddin tame · #6 08-18-2010, 01:35 AM

Thanks guys, i'll sleep easy tonight!

Mtheory · #7 08-18-2010, 02:14 AM

i have had that happen to me as well.
when you look at the back of the headstock ( on my basses) there is a small screw on all of the tuning machines that screws them into the headstock so they don't wobble around. Maybe that's what needs tightening.

Zooberwerx · #8 08-18-2010, 06:59 AM

The back 'n forth wobble is quite normal when dealing with an "unloaded" string post. You may check the screw on an exposed gear machine but I would not pry the cover off a sealed unit. If there was no play, the tuner would be very difficult, maybe impossible, to turn. This is why you should always tune up to pitch and never down.

Riis