Why does this happen with machine head? and what can I do to fix it

[Langer93]

Hi to whoever may be reading this!!! First post YEAH!!!
If anyone knows what I am on about please help!!
The thing is kinda hanging rather than being firm and solid.

[testing1two]

A photo would be more helpful but from your drawing it looks like the tuner bushing has lifted. If it looks like a hex nut on top then just screw it back down and use a wrench to tighten it up (don't over-tighten or you can break your headstock). If the bushing doesn't look like a hex nut on top then it's just a press-fit and you should be able to tap it back down with something that won't mar the surface.

[skychief]

Originally Posted by testing1two

A photo would be more helpful but from your drawing it looks like the tuner bushing has lifted. If it looks like a hex nut on top then just screw it back down and use a wrench to tighten it up (don't over-tighten or you can break your headstock). If the bushing doesn't look like a hex nut on top then it's just a press-fit and you should be able to tap it back down with something that won't mar the surface.

+1 definitely a displaced bushing issue. Worst case scenario: the hole in the headstock has gotten out-of-round and wont hold the bushing. This can be remedied with a shim. But chances are good you can do the fix outlined by testing1two

[fhm555]

Originally Posted by testing1two

...you should be able to tap it back down with something that won't mar the surface...

Release the string tension first, it will be so much simpler.

[WilliamSandoval]

Yeah, just tap it down. It happens. But why?

[john grey]

Why it may have happened is that the bushing may have been a smaller size than the hole, the drilling could have been sloppy, the unit may have become out-of-round, through being mis-installed or struck in some manner. The diagram was nice but pictures always allow for more than possibilities in any discourse as well as determining if type or brand may have been inappropriate for model, etc.
For the unit to "stand" away from the head stock is odd as the stringing would create some pressure to hold in place. Several wrapping upon post & use of string tree would maintain some pressure.
This is not typical what so ever. - mistake in installation or a blow to the post might be responsible.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

+1 for the pic.

The hex barrel nut is a no-brainer, so I'll concentrate on the bushing style.

If You can determine that the ID of the hole is a good fit for the bushing, just drive it squarely back. If You can't determine that, please do some additional research.

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

Yeah, just tap it down. It happens. But why?

Just tapping or preferably driving it back may crack the headstock, IMHO not very advisable.

As the wood shrinks, the hole gets smaller (obviously) and either the headstock cracks or drives the bushing up.

Assuming obviously that the bushing was installed the proper way the first time around.

Regards
Sam

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by john grey

This is not typical what so ever. - mistake in installation or a blow to the post might be responsible.

Actually it is quite common, especially with press-fit bushings. Often they only lift a little, about the amount of the thickness of a matchbook cover, but some are worse.

If it's the press-fit type, I would remove the string and try to pull the bushing out just using my fingers. If it won't budge, then I would squeeze it back into place with a clamp - gently. If I could pull it out, I would remove the tuner completely, coat the hole in the headstock with a bit of glue and press the bushing into place. After the glue dried I would re-install the tuner and string her up again.

If it's the hex-type, as mentioned, it just needs to be tightened into the body of the tuner.

[charlie monroe]

All of the info above is spot on - especially fhm - release the string tension.

[Langer93]

Wow quick replies... My bad I don't have camera but everything everyone has said has been really helpful its USA jb-2 so its not hex but press.. Ill take it to my local tech when I'm no longer broke so at least I can blame him if all goes wrong :P
Thanks everyone!!!

[lowfreq33]

Originally Posted by Langer93

The thing is kinda hanging rather than being firm and solid.

Can't believe I'm the first to say this, but...

Maybe Viagra can help?

[Langer93]

@Lowfreq33 Lol you sir have a dirty mind! *sigh* I really walked into that one ...Thanks for the input!

[timonvh]

Sam (T-Bird) wrote:
As the wood shrinks, the hole gets smaller (obviously)

Am I completely wrong in thinking it's the other way around?

Timon

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Originally Posted by timonvh

Sam (T-Bird) wrote:
As the wood shrinks, the hole gets smaller (obviously)

Am I completely wrong in thinking it's the other way around?

Timon

Not completely.

In the percentages of moisture and grain orientation in the wood used for woodworking/instruments, the hole gets smaller if the moisture percentage drops. One of the reasons why inproperly or too fast dried wood cracks.

However, if we observe the behaviour of the wood with a different grain orientation and/or moisture content outside woodworking specs, there are areas where the hole gets smaller as the moisture content increases. That can be observed on the yard furniture through-wood pivot points after a long damp period for example.

Obviously, if one pours low viscosity permeable liquid onto the sometimes un-finished surface of the tuner hole, the swelling of the wood will make the hole smaller since the increased volume of the damp wood doesn't have enough strenght to push the dry wood outwards.

Regards
Sam

[JacksonAerodyne]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think he was serious about the wood specs. I think he was going in a different, more adult direction with that one. *wink*wink*