Double Bass lubricating tuning machines

[misterbadger]

In a moment of inspiration yesterday, I applied paste wax to the worm gear repeatedly as I moved through a complete revolution of the post. It dries quickly and leaves an incredibly smooth action. Also great for lubricating the posts where they go through the holes of the scroll cheeks.

 

[Selim]

Are these lubricant methods achieved with the strings in place?

 

[misterbadger]

Either way. I was changing strings so decided to pull the tuners off completely, but the gears can be lubed with strings on.

 

[Grant the Canuk]

Paraffin. Light a candle and let it drip over the gears and then work it in by tightening/loosening. Any blobs that are left can be removed easily with a stir stick or pencil. Works for bridge adjusters too.

 

[wathaet]

Windplayers will have the perfect oil. I used my wifes (clarinettist) oil, it has a very thin pipe and I put in one or max two tiny drops. Works wonders and lasts forever. Only had to do once on each bass and never again.

 

[Selim]

Windplayers will have the perfect oil. I used my wifes (clarinettist) oil, it has a very thin pipe and I put in one or max two tiny drops. Works wonders and lasts forever. Only had to do once on each bass and never again.

Bore oil?
light-medium-heavy "key lubricant"?

 

[wathaet]

Bore oil?
light-medium-heavy "key lubricant"?

 

[turf3]

Hey, I have a neighbor who changes the oil on his own truck; should I invite him over to lubricate the tuning machines on my bass? He said he's always wanted to change the oil on a bass.

 

[Rnr..........4]

Bacon grease. Cooled.


Kidding.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Most anything will do. WD-40 isn’t a long term fix because it evaporates over time. Don’t overthink it.

 

[misterbadger]

WD-40 also attracts dirt like nobody's business. Dry silicone, graphite, wax.

 

[Selim]

A luthier here in the NY area uses lithium grease. He “injects” it into the appropriate places with an ordinary medical syringe.

Worked well on my Rubners.

 

[Janos Boldog]

Prolong engine treatment = NO MORE WEAR. PROLONG PROLONG PROLONG ;} that’s what I use to lubricate on my double bass