Tight tuners-CV Squire

[Rogerblair]

I picked up a CV Tele thinline and absolutely love it. However, the tuners are very tight, with the high e being almost impossible to turn.

Is there a fix (I’m not afraid to take things apart), or should I just replace them?

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Roger

[Chickee]

Is there a screw at the outside edge of the button? If yes try to loosen it very slightly. The smallest movement of the screw should give you a result. Also a picture of the tuning machine would help.

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Chickee

Is there a screw at the outside edge of the button? If yes try to loosen it very slightly. The smallest movement of the screw should give you a result. Also a picture of the tuning machine would help.

+1 on both accounts.

Roger, congrats on the Classic Vibe Tele. Let us know if there's a screw on the edge of the button which resolves the issue.

[Rogerblair]

Thanks for the responses to my issue, guys. There is no screw on the button. These are vintage-style (Kluson like) butter bean tuners.
There is an oil hole in the stamped back cover. I tried a drop of oil in the hole and on the tuner post, to no avail.

Roger

[Chickee]

Is there a “nut” type ferrule around the post? If yes, try loosing it and see if you get any free play or ease of movement in the tuner.

The only other thing I can think of is gently popping open the back cover and look for grime mucking up the gear and pinion.

[Rogerblair]

Chickee, the ferrules are round, press in type. No hex shape and not threaded. It is not appreciative easier to turn when there is no string tension on the tuner.

I’ll probably remove the tuners and see if the string post is binding in the hole, causing undue tension. Otherwise, I’ll probably order an upgraded set from Stewmac..
Thanks again,
Roger

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

...I’ll probably order an upgraded set from Stewmac...

Best idea so far...

[SalFromChatham]

Roger I put these on a CV Strat... they work great.

https://www.amazon.com/Gotoh-Locking...dp/B0751LW1WL/

[Rogerblair]

Thanks folks. Sal, I may jump on that option.

I did, however, remove the tuners and gently pry open the little tabs (just slightly) that secure the cover to the base plate on each. This took some pressure off the worm/pinion assembly and allowed them to turn much easier. Still not perfect, but a good interim fix.

Roger

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

Thanks folks. Sal, I may jump on that option.

I did, however, remove the tuners and gently pry open the little tabs (just slightly) that secure the cover to the base plate on each. This took some pressure off the worm/pinion assembly and allowed them to turn much easier. Still not perfect, but a good interim fix.

Roger

That's interesting but glad it worked Roger. Something I'll keep in consideration if I ever encounter that.