ABM single-string tuners... WHAT IS THE SECRET TRICK??

[mikewalker]

I just got a nice brand-new bass that comes with these machines installed.


I am changing out the strings, and these tuners are not being cooperative AT ALL.

I cannot find any instructional data on the ABM site for them!

The problem is that they seem to have a mystical way of working their main thumbscrew loose out the back as you tighten them, and apart from that being ugly, it also seems to jam up the strings. I have tried various different ways of lining up the screw - starting it with a few more threads in, or out. Can't seem to find that OBVIOUS RIGHT WAY, though!

With some great difficulty I managed to get the E string changed ( albeit with a bit of the screw protruding out the back) but the A string SIMPLY WILL NOT TUNE UP TO PITCH. It gets to be painful to turn starting at about G, and absolutely bottoms out and stops moving at G#. These are Labella Low Tension flats... I feel I am doing something really simple wrong, just can't get these figured!!

Anybody know the magic trick??

Thanks in advance!!

 

[David Jayne]

How do the strings attach at the other end? There must be a way to pull all the slack out before you begin tuning up.

 

[mikewalker]

Ah... THANK YOU!!

I should never start changing strings AT MIDNIGHT. I just pulled out 'maximum slack' (with the ball-end holder part of the bridge at its fullest extension) - and after fastening the clamp like that (pretty much zero slack) - they magically work now! I guess that is the SECRET...