Machine Heads/tuning problems.

Dazed and Confused · July 16th, 2006, 08:41 AM

Hi

I have a 1994 MIM Telecaster. I will admit, I do use bends and tremolo quite a bit, but I just thought this might help.

I still have the stock MIM machine heads and was thinking about upgrading to some $50 AUS chrome Gotoh ones. Its not like my guitar goes 3 steps out of tune, its juse quarter steps or half steps and it really annoys me.

Does anyone have any exp. with Gotoh?

chickenpicker · July 16th, 2006, 09:54 AM

Have you checkedwhether the strings are binding in the nut, before you go spending money on tuners?

And (not wishing to be patronising), are you sure your technique for winding strings onto the tuners ensures a tight wind?

thebisch · July 16th, 2006, 10:13 AM

IME, tuners are almost never the cause of tuning problems.

TELEkinetic · July 16th, 2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebisch

tuners are almost never the cause of tuning problems.

Exactly... You are using trem on your tele? If not a tele, what? What gauge strings?

It most likely has to be binding at the nut due to an incorrect cut or lack of lubrication, or incorrect string installation.

You can use a dry teflon or graphite lube at ALL string touch points (nut, saddles, string tree) to minimize binding and drag. Go to a local hardware store.

Make sure you use this technique when installing strings:

http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/stringing.htm

New tuners will probably NOT resolve your problem.

SteveY · July 16th, 2006, 04:16 PM

The best tuners on earth will still have some lash in them.
That's why we always come UP to pitch when tuning, never down.
If you're too sharp, go below pitch and come up to it. This sets the lash of the mechanical advantage of the gear set against the string pull.

Dazed and Confused · July 16th, 2006, 07:48 PM

Wow, thanks. You guys just saved me $50!

I'll get some of that graphite lube and btw, im using extra light 9-42 (I think). I don't have a trem, just a modern 6-saddle chrome bridge.

I'll post back soon.

--D & Z

Dazed and Confused · July 16th, 2006, 08:04 PM

Double Post

bug music · July 16th, 2006, 10:57 PM

Another thing that gets overlooked, even by experienced guitar techs, are the screws on the tuning knobs. They not only hold the knobs on, but also provide tension against the plastic friction washers to help keep the tuners tight. Make sure all the screws are all tight, but be careful not to over tighten, since these are usually pretty soft metal and you would hate to snap one off. Hopefully this helps.
- Jay

endzone · July 16th, 2006, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dazed and Confused

Wow, thanks. You guys just saved me $50!

I'll get some of that graphite lube and btw, im using extra light 9-42 (I think). I don't have a trem, just a modern 6-saddle chrome bridge.

I'll post back soon.

--D & Z

I use .09's and 10's. Whenever I have tuning problems with a guitar that I put 9's on, it will generally always fix the problem if I switch to 10's. Some guitars just can't play 9's.

Sarge · July 17th, 2006, 08:42 AM

For what it's worth...I have many guitars of different origins with Gotoh tuners and have NEVER had a tuning issue or problem with them. To me..they are very reliable and stable.

July 16th, 2006, 08:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dazed and Confused Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 113 6 Photos	Machine Heads/tuning problems. Hi I have a 1994 MIM Telecaster. I will admit, I do use bends and tremolo quite a bit, but I just thought this might help. I still have the stock MIM machine heads and was thinking about upgrading to some $50 AUS chrome Gotoh ones. Its not like my guitar goes 3 steps out of tune, its juse quarter steps or half steps and it really annoys me. Does anyone have any exp. with Gotoh? __________________ Everyone knows Muddy Waters invented electricity!

July 16th, 2006, 07:48 PM	#6 (permalink)
Dazed and Confused Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 113 6 Photos	Wow, thanks. You guys just saved me $50! I'll get some of that graphite lube and btw, im using extra light 9-42 (I think). I don't have a trem, just a modern 6-saddle chrome bridge. I'll post back soon. --D & Z __________________ Everyone knows Muddy Waters invented electricity!

July 16th, 2006, 08:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dazed and Confused Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 113 6 Photos	Double Post __________________ Everyone knows Muddy Waters invented electricity!

July 16th, 2006, 10:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
bug music Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2004 Location: Taxachusetts Posts: 735 3 Photos	Another thing that gets overlooked, even by experienced guitar techs, are the screws on the tuning knobs. They not only hold the knobs on, but also provide tension against the plastic friction washers to help keep the tuners tight. Make sure all the screws are all tight, but be careful not to over tighten, since these are usually pretty soft metal and you would hate to snap one off. Hopefully this helps. - Jay __________________ "When I die they're gonna say He couldn't play sh*t, but he sure made it sound good" - Hound Dog Taylor

July 16th, 2006, 09:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
chickenpicker Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: UK Posts: 3,060 14 Photos	Have you checkedwhether the strings are binding in the nut, before you go spending money on tuners? And (not wishing to be patronising), are you sure your technique for winding strings onto the tuners ensures a tight wind?

July 16th, 2006, 10:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
thebisch TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 33	IME, tuners are almost never the cause of tuning problems.

July 16th, 2006, 04:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
SteveY Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Age: 58 Posts: 1,422	The best tuners on earth will still have some lash in them. That's why we always come UP to pitch when tuning, never down. If you're too sharp, go below pitch and come up to it. This sets the lash of the mechanical advantage of the gear set against the string pull.

July 17th, 2006, 08:42 AM	#10 (permalink)
Sarge Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pgh,Pa Age: 53 Posts: 3,549	For what it's worth...I have many guitars of different origins with Gotoh tuners and have NEVER had a tuning issue or problem with them. To me..they are very reliable and stable.