Double Bass How much should I expect to pay for replacing tuning pegs?

[leskjbass]

Hi so I have a bass where I would like to replace the tuning pegs. They are all backwards and loose and rattle. I would probably see a luthier since I don't want to purchase the wrong ones online or something. Thanks for your help

 

[Staccato]

Yes, to a luthier. You might get more responses if you have clear closeups of the tuning machines on the DB.

 

[Steven Ayres]

If you can share a photo of what you have now it'll be a lot simpler and quicker to estimate what you need. You're talking about upright bass, right?

 

[leskjbass]

Oh yes definitely upright bass

 

[leskjbass]

If you can share a photo of what you have now it'll be a lot simpler and quicker to estimate what you need. You're talking about upright bass, right?

oh yes definitely upright bass

 

[Steven Ayres]

With a quick search I'm finding Chinese plated sets starting under $50, individuals like yours starting around 60, and good Rubner individuals for around $350. So you've got choices.

Adapting a plated set to your bass could be very simple for a luthier, or not, depending on how the current ones are spaced.

A further question before making that decision, however, is what's specifically wrong with your current machines? These things are pretty simple, and yours don't look old enough to have worn out. (And wearing out is rare: I'm using machines that have been in continuous use for over 80 years, and they're not particularly old, as these things go.)

 

[leskjbass]

Well that's the thing is they are loose, rattle and are on backwards. I wasn't sure what would be more worth it - just having new ones put on or having someone adjust these

 

[Steven Ayres]

Your machines appear to be installed normally. What makes them seem backward? Are you thinking you'd prefer to adjust them in the opposite direction?

The only mechanical adjustment is the screw on the spur gear at the center, which should hold the spur firmly without binding. This is usually where you'll eliminate a rattle. Some graphite powder under the spur can help as well.

 

[turf3]

Other than the flat wing that you grab and twist, I can't think of anything in there that can be loose. The string tension tries to turn the center rod, which bears on the gear, which bears on the worm and drives it against one side of the bracket. Unless things are so gummed up that the machine isn't working properly, or you don't tune down by going below and coming back up, there shouldn't be anything to rattle.

 

[stefaniw80401]

I would R&R these machines,.

Lubricate the peg holes with solid bar soap or graphite.

For the spur gear I like to polish the back side on extra fine sandpaper (eg 400-600 grit). Also polish the plates. Lube with soap or graphite. Do they make graphite paste? That would be ideal.

For the worm, your machines have primitive tab bearings. You can possibly take out slop (rattle) by squeezing the tabs with pliers. I have found that most of the machine friction is in the worm bearings. You might also find underneath that the worm is digging into the scroll, with insufficient clearance. You can open up that clearance and/or pack it with graphite or soap.

Make sure you use the proper sized screw drivers!

If none of this works, still suck, take it to your luthier for replacements.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Huh? Mark Gollihur will sell you a set of Rubner individual machines for $129. That’s retail. A luthier may be able to get them for wholesale. Under an hour for installation should come in at $200 or less for a vastly superior set of gears. OP could do it themself if they’re handy and own a Dremel, a drill and bits, and a tube of lipstick.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Under an hour? Does it involve a drill, reamer, filler or varnish touch up?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

If I can install a set in just over an hour a pro could easily beat my time.

And why varnish touchup?

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

There’s no guarantee of a direct swap.

 

[james condino]

But Kungfu has the magic touch; the bass whisperer!

Those look like rock bottom Chinese tuner shaped objects. I've seen them and yes, they definitely suck! Is that a Cremona bass or something similar? Going from a small shaft up to a larger string shaft is fast and easy. If the holes are massive & oversize that need to have the cheeks bushed, it is a whole lot more work- tapered hole, tapered plug, drill, ream, et cetera.

Funny thing though: I have a $600 set of Sloan machines on my personal bass and I they sport a couple of rubber bands just like that to keep them from rattling! For the fancy gigs I switch to color coordinated hair ties....

 

[eh_train]

And why varnish touchup?

Unless the tuners fit the existing holes exactly, you'll need to do some drilling, filling, and touch ups...