Jackson js3v turner problem?

[Phantom4x4]

Hello I'm new here but I'm hopeing ysll can help
I just bought a jackson js3v and three of the tuners will not stay tuned for more then 20 mins,
Is this a factory problem or is this just a cheap bass an I should up grade the tuners.
Also looking into changing the pickups later if anyone has any suggestions of what might work also any videos with said pickups that I might hear the tune and voice.
Thanks. Phantom4x4. Sam

 

[Zooberwerx]

Appears that particular bass is using a GB7 knock-off (3/8"). By all rights, even the budget machine heads should be perfectly acceptable in terms of function & stability. In most instances, any instability or wonkiness can be traced to another deficit along the string path, including:

*Poorly cut nut slots which "bind" the string.

*Bad string install: inadequate wraps / break angle, lack of properly-set witness points.

Are the strings floating flat, sharp, or both? I'd be reluctant to drop $100 on hardware upgrades until these issues are addressed and remedied if necessary. Same holds true for the pups & elex...this bass may be a low-dough gem!

Riis

 

[Matt Liebenau]

What @Zooberwerx said. Also, do you only tune up to pitch or, if you overshoot and go sharp, do you drop the pitch until you hit your note or do you go below and tune up again?

 

[Phantom4x4]

Appears that particular bass is using a GB7 knock-off (3/8"). By all rights, even the budget machine heads should be perfectly acceptable in terms of function & stability. In most instances, any instability or wonkiness can be traced to another deficit along the string path, including:

*Poorly cut nut slots which "bind" the string.

*Bad string install: inadequate wraps / break angle, lack of properly-set witness points.

Are the strings floating flat, sharp, or both? I'd be reluctant to drop $100 on hardware upgrades until these issues are addressed and remedied if necessary. Same holds true for the pups & elex...this bass may be a low-dough gem!

Riis

Thanks bro. I'll check that out.

 

[Phantom4x4]

What @Zooberwerx said. Also, do you only tune up to pitch or, if you overshoot and go sharp, do you drop the pitch until you hit your note or do you go below and tune up again?

I always drop it way flat and tune back up
Thought that was the right way. Am I wrong?

 

[Zooberwerx]

I always drop it way flat and tune back up
Thought that was the right way. Am I wrong?

That is the correct...it compensates for the inherent lash (play) in a gear. Tune up to pitch. To repeat the question: do the strings go flat or sharp? If tuning up to pitch, does it suddenly "jump" beyond the desired target? This info may narrow our focus. Some pics may help as we don't want to overlook something glaringly obvious.

Riis

 

[Phantom4x4]

It goes flat. It's smooth tuning up. No jumps

 

[Zooberwerx]

Looks okay: you've got 2 wraps on each post, I prefer 3+ but if you have a decent break angle, you're good-to-go. Few ideas:

*Snug up the retainer screws on each machine head key if necessary...more of an OCD thing.

*Check the integrity of each nut slot including the angle. The string should pass back 'n forth smoothly.

*Set your witness points at the posts, both sides of the nut, both sides of the bridge saddle.

*Any chance the bridge saddle(s) is dropping?

Riis

 

[Phantom4x4]

Honestly I don't know alot abut guitars I'm still learning. I've always just picked up and played what ever after I tuned it but this is the worst bass I've played for staying in tune
I'll check out what ur saying. Might take me abit. Thanks for ur help.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

I always drop it way flat and tune back up
Thought that was the right way. Am I wrong?

You're doing it right. Always tune up to pitch. I have seen people tune down and the nut is pinching a string or something else is going on and when they start playing the string goes flat.

Not sure on your issue. I'd still suspect something with a nut slot. Tuners, even cheap ones, typically don't just spontaneously turn on their own and drop pitch.