Vibration from Tuners.

[GeoffByrne]

I have an annoying vibration when I play, which I *think* I've traced back to 'Elephant Ears' being slightly loose in the shaft of the tuner, thus allowing them to rattle.

Has anyone got any tips as how to tighten or generally secure the 'Ears'?

[WarriorJoe7]

I tighten all possible screws. SOmetimes it works sometimes it doesn't. on deluxe type tuners their is a crew on the edge of the tuning head. then their is the big screw on the back. i have tried taking a tuner aprt and switching parts around with mixed results.

I have an acoustic bass that this hasn't worked on, and because it's acoustic it is REALLY anoying so I could hear some other tips also.

[XylemBassGuitar]

Originally Posted by WarriorJoe7

I tighten all possible screws.

Also, tighten the nut-bushings on the top of the headstock (the nut that encircles the tuning post).

You've probably already checked this, but does your truss rod have any tension?

[Joebone]

Some old Yamahas rattle like crazy but still stay in tune pretty well - they have some kind of esoteric system intended to permit adjustment in some kind of gear ratio, but apparently just get loose over time. I've taken to looping rubber bands to bind the vibrating shaft to the next shaft over, just below the ear, which seems to solve the problem - inelegant, but effective. All thanks to John Carruthers for this tip.

[GeoffByrne]

Thanks for the tips.

The truss rod has some tension, and I don't think it's that, as the vibe stops when I touch the tuners lightly. I'll try the rubber band thing.

[spideyjg]

Had this happen twice and changed the tuners out.

One I could see where someone tried some kinda RTV or similar to no avail.

Know a welder?

Jim