Double Bass Tuner/Machine Maintanence

[phangtonpower]

I just got an old student model suzuki bass from 1985. The strings, it has dark blue silks on both ends (anyone know what they are?), are old and pretty high tension for me at this stage. The tuning keys are pretty hard to turn when tuning up to pitch. I want to take them apart and wax the pegs, clean the machines with WD40 and lubricate them with liquid graphite if I can find it.

I'm thinking about changing the strings soon to Innovation Supersilvers. Really want that gut sound, but living in Japan where it's super humid and hot in the summer, snowy in the winter, and living in a non-insulated house, I'm hesitant to try them. Plus I'm poor.

Anyway I'm thinking about taking the tuners apart when I replace the strings. My question is that if I replace the E and D first, take that side apart, would there be enough tension on the G and D side to keep the sound post up? And vice versa on the G and D side, will there be enough tension with just the E and A strings?

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Apply a small amount of number 10 machine oil to the gears and rotate them before you go through all the trouble of disassembling them.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

I just got an old student model suzuki bass from 1985. The strings, it has dark blue silks on both ends (anyone know what they are?), are old and pretty high tension for me at this stage. The tuning keys are pretty hard to turn when tuning up to pitch. I want to take them apart and wax the pegs, clean the machines with WD40 and lubricate them with liquid graphite if I can find it.

I'm thinking about changing the strings soon to Innovation Supersilvers. Really want that gut sound, but living in Japan where it's super humid and hot in the summer, snowy in the winter, and living in a non-insulated house, I'm hesitant to try them. Plus I'm poor.

Anyway I'm thinking about taking the tuners apart when I replace the strings. My question is that if I replace the E and D first, take that side apart, would there be enough tension on the G and D side to keep the sound post up? And vice versa on the G and D side, will there be enough tension with just the E and A strings?

That should be enough tension to hold the soundpost.
Be extra careful with the bridge as the asymmetrical pressure will make it want to scoot to the other side. Maybe slacken the remaining pair a tone to lessen that effect.

When you re-assemble the tuners, go with KAPOW's suggestion and use machine oil or 3-in-1 for lubrication.

 

[misterbadger]

I'd stay away from WD40 or any oil that'll attract dust and gunk. During my last string change I worked a little bit of locksmith's dry graphite powder into the mechanisms as I was unwinding - worked wonders!
Super Silvers are a great choice.

 

[csrund]

I tried some of this stuff, and it has worked quite well: http://www.rosetteguitarproducts.com/new-products-1/key-tone-line-tuning-machine-lubricant

Takes more to do upright bass machines, but still, just a little dab'll do ya. Whatever you end up using, crank the machines through a couple of complete cycles to evenly distribute the stuff.

 

[phangtonpower]

Thanks for the help you guys!

@misterbadger I was just gonna use the WD40 to clean any rust and loosen any dirt. After I would have wiped it down pretty good to get most of it off. Then lubricate with something.

As with other oils mentioned. do you apply and wipe down as well so you don't get anything on the wood, or do you let sit and soak of course with a small amount?