Frozen sealed tuner question, possible repair or a must replace?

[Kirk Bryant]

Ive decided to put my Tobias KB 5 back into the rotation even though it's heavier than the 5 I've been using predominantly for the last couple of years. I immediately realized the A tuner would barely turn. In 50 yrs of playing I've never seen this before. These are sealed tuners, not sure of the brand. I tried loosening the screw on the paddle and nothing. No problems with any others. It's not just a matter of turning it a little harder it is frozen solid. Would heat do anything? I'm guessing there has to be a lubricant inside. They don't look like they can be disassembled, or can they? I haven't removed it from the bass yet. Looking for whether there any possible solutions before take it off and I replace it.

 

[MrBassman17]

Ive decided to put my Tobias KB 5 back into the rotation even though it's heavier than the 5 I've been using predominantly for the last couple of years. I immediately realized the A tuner would barely turn. In 50 yrs of playing I've never seen this before. These are sealed tuners, not sure of the brand. I tried loosening the screw on the paddle and nothing. No problems with any others. It's not just a matter of turning it a little harder it is frozen solid. Would heat do anything? I'm guessing there has to be a lubricant inside. They don't look like they can be disassembled, or can they? I haven't removed it from the bass yet. Looking for whether there any possible solutions before take it off and I replace it.

Picture?

 

[Jeff Scott]

My guess it is a Gotoh GB7 variant, right?

 

[MrLenny1]

I had one seize on my 23 year old Pedulla.
Replaced for approx. $15. DIY.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Jeff your probably on target, not sure they are unmarked. I know its not a big deal or a big expense.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

not mine but looks the same

 

[bobcruz]

Since it's a goner, if it was mine, I'd try to pry the sealed back off so I could fix it. It would probably leave a few marks from trying to insert a tiny eyeglass screwdriver to pry off the "lid" but so what? When something is a goner, it provides a great learning opportunity and who knows, you might get lucky and be able to repair it. Good luck, Bob

 

[bolophonic]

Why not get a drop of lubricant in there and fix it?

 

[jaybones]

If you can't open it and see what's going on inside, I'd take the tuner off, and use a soldering iron to heat the peg. That will let the heat make it's way down to the gear and lube inside without coming from the ears, needing more heat and possibly deforming the synthetic bushing that keeps the lube inside.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I love fixing stuff, but just replace it.

(Then, go ahead and rip the broken one apart and see if you can fix it.... if not, no problem.)

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Pretty much already planed what's been said here. Remove, replace, tear apart, fiddle, toss as necessary. Thanks all, we're done here. King, this case is closed. (Only old folks will get that last bit)

 

[KeithAlanK]

I would use a blow dryer to warm it up (off the bass).
While we're experimenting, put it in a vise and crank on it with pliers.

But first, I would order a replacement.

 

[fhm555]

Since it's a goner, if it was mine, I'd try to pry the sealed back off so I could fix it. It would probably leave a few marks from trying to insert a tiny eyeglass screwdriver to pry off the "lid" but so what? When something is a goner, it provides a great learning opportunity and who knows, you might get lucky and be able to repair it. Good luck, Bob

This; always and in all things.

What do you have to lose if it's already DOA?

 

[CGremlin]

While we're experimenting, put it in a vise and crank on it with pliers.

An example of Lowery's Law: "If it jams, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway."

 

[M.R. Ogle]

There's some GOOD advice here... and some really BAD advice.

Choose wisely.

 

[jmlee]

Pretty much already planed what's been said here. Remove, replace, tear apart, fiddle, toss as necessary. Thanks all, we're done here. King, this case is closed. (Only old folks will get that last bit)

The Mounties always get their peg!

 

[snarebear]

This

I love fixing stuff, but just replace it.

(Then, go ahead and rip the broken one apart and see if you can fix it.... if not, no problem.)

 

[Spidey2112]

Do they still have Mounties?

Lately, only on the weekends, it seems...

 

[Spidey2112]

Do they still dress like that?

Obviously, haven't been around me long enough...

Mounties... only on the weekends... stay with me Jeff...

 

[MrBassman17]

As Lenny said, just buy a single replacement, or better yet, replace all of them with Hipshot Ultralite tuning keys which are a much better product (IME) and they are a direct drop-in, no drilling, reaming, sawing, hammering, etc. required.

That would be my suggestion as well