Will A Clip On Tuner Damage Nitro?

OPJ77 · #1 05-17-2022, 04:14 AM

Is this a no-no with nitro lacquer?

rokdog49 · #2 05-17-2022, 05:15 AM

Depends on the rubber compound on the tuner. The more common after effect is the tuner leaving an indentation in the lacquer. That can happen and be visible with some dark or black head stocks.

The Bard Rocks · #3 05-17-2022, 05:18 AM

Depends. It shouldn't, as the manufacturers surely know that a nitro finish is common and reactive with certain substances. I have always made a practice of not leaving one on. I put it on, tune, then take it right off. And then I know there will be no problems.

I said "depends" as I have heard of problems with this. You could call the manufacturer and ask if you feel you must leave it attached.

EZK123 · #4 05-17-2022, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPJ77

Is this a no-no with nitro lacquer?

I can say without a doubt that the D'Addario micro tuner (the soundhole mount model) WILL mar a nitro finish if left on over time.

dnf777 · #5 05-17-2022, 05:47 AM

Why chance it, no matter who says what? Its too easy to take it off. I’ve seen nitro imprinted by things left in contact that *shouldnt* have had any issues.

Brucebubs · #6 05-17-2022, 05:52 AM

I'm so paranoid with my SJ-200 that I clip the tuner on the keystone tuner button of 4D - tune 6E and 5A then clip it on tuner button 6E and tune all the rest.
It doesn't touch the headstock - I'm not taking any chances!
I take it off immediately when tuned up.

rmp · #7 05-17-2022, 06:27 AM

I wouldn't chance it, once you find out the answer is yes, there's no goin back

I know for sure Snarks will, don't know about others, I have a peterson clip but I never leave any on long enough to know which ones wont.

jmjohnson · #8 05-17-2022, 06:57 AM

I did note that my clip-on did leave marks when used on my martin dread (with glossy rear/headstock finish), even for just a normal tuning time.

The marks will rub out eventually, but I stopped using it on that guitar.

rstaight · #9 05-17-2022, 08:27 AM

I don't really care for clip on tuners. Even if they don't react with the finish you still risk scratching the finish.

I use a phone app that I have really good luck with, Guitar Tuna. The low E is a little touchy but have gotten used to it.

On my Takamine acoustic/electrics I use the built in tuner that is in the pre-amp.

jaymarsch · #10 05-17-2022, 09:01 AM

I have used a variety of clip on tuners over the past 18 years on all of my nitro finish guitars - Intellitouch, Intelli, Snarks, Polytunes - I have left them on for as long as an hour or so and have experienced no lasting damage to the headstocks of any of my guitars. But, erring on the side of caution makes the most sense. Not all nitro finishes are created equal. A friend of mine left her headstock tuner on an older Taylor and it reacted badly.
Best,
Jayne

6L6 · #11 05-17-2022, 09:06 AM

I've been using a Snark tuner since they first appeared and never had a problem.

However... I hate the look of ANY tuner on the headstock of someone performing. Ruins the look of the guitar IMO! SO... I tune and immediately remove the tuner.

I also always wipe down my guitar, including the headstock, after every play. Only takes a few seconds, but pays dividends.

dnf777 · #12 05-17-2022, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Not all nitro finishes are created equal.

Therein lies the TRUTH!

ljguitar · #13 05-17-2022, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPJ77

Is this a no-no with nitro lacquer?

Hi OPJ77…
Has not in 30 yrs of use on my Olson.

Nor has it on my Bashkin, nor Kronbauer.

The clip on tuners I use have a rubber bumper, and I remove them as soon as the rehearsal or gig is over. They might affect the finish if left on for weeks/months.

b1j · #14 05-17-2022, 05:43 PM

I have (and love) the clip-on tuner nobody on this forum likes: Kala Klipz rechargeable. (I can never elicit a comment about that great product — it just gets ignored here, as if I’ve committed some obvious unfortunate faux pas and everyone looks at their shoes or something.)

Anyway, I’ve left it overnight a few times on my J-45 (built in October 2021, so is the nitro 100% cured? I don’t know) with no marks forming. It goes on the upper left corner of the headstock when viewed from the front.

Oddly enough, there is a fingerprint smudge in the nitrocellulose in the upper right corner! It won’t come out with Gibson polish, which works like magic on new hand marks. I can only conclude it’s a factory artifact in the finish (horrors! Cue the Gibson QC rants.). It’s smaller than a dime and I don’t mind it one bit.

This suggests that even if the tuner did leave a mark, I’d be able to deal with it. No one will ever buy this guitar from me, so does it matter? Apologies to all the guitar day-traders here.

To put my seeming lack of concern into perspective, I keep the other 99.999% of the guitar’s surface pristine. The only parts my body touches are the strings, neck, and tuning pegs. Never an exposed belt buckle or a button on my shirt. I wear a cut-out sock over my right arm to prevent haze on the lower bout, and I polish regularly.

Humans: go figure.

jaymarsch · #15 05-17-2022, 05:52 PM

I haven’t used the tuner that you mention, b1j, since the Polytune works so well for my needs. Glad that you found something that you like. The rechargeable aspect is certainly a plus. I feel as you do about these minor scars that come from a guitar being well used. We can take very good care of them and the fact that life makes its mark as both player and guitar pass through time is inevitable.
Best,
Jayne