Tuner issue

[alex1fly]

I don't know if this really an issue or if I'm just not used to it yet. But the tuners on my Player Telecaster are sensitive... Really sensitive. I struggle to get it tuned up because the smallest amount of turning seems to send the pitch a quarter step in that direction. I have 10 stringed instruments (guitars, basses, uke) currently and this is by far the most sensitive set of tuners out of the bunch. Has anyone else run into similar issues? Can anything be done or do I just need to get used to it?

 

[ehdwuld]

Does it also make a plink noise?
it may be binding in the nut

You turn it small amounts and nothing
Then plink
Jumps a bunch?

 

[beaubrummels]

Replace them with higher gear ratio tuners. They could be cheap 12:1 and maybe you need to move up to 14:1 or 16:1 or higher.

 

[idsnowdog]

A lot of tuning issues are binding at the nut and not an issue with the tuners. Although higher gear ratio tuners can make it a bit easier to stay in tune.

 

[Chris Pile]

Replace them with higher gear ratio tuners. They could be cheap 12:1 and maybe you need to move up to 14:1 or 16:1 or higher.

Agreed. Maybe even 18 to 1 ratio.

 

[alex1fly]

I don't think strings are binding at the nut. They still tune in a somewhat linear fashion... No jumps or pings. The tuner ratio sounds closer to what's going on, maybe these are the lowest ratio tuners I have.

Counted revolutions and it seems like my tuners are 14:1. Drop-in Fender replacements are all 16:1. Would this change be very noticeable?

 

[Bogner]

The two biggest problems I see like you made mention of is nut slot issue and OR too much string on the tuner or a weird winding that isn't proper. If those two issues are NOT issues then I would look to the gears and see about different ratio tuners. Do you have any big bends nut sauce you can throw on your nut to make sure it isn't binding anywhere. PINGING is a sure sign but they can still bind without pinging. Hopefully it is one of these things which is a simple fix.

 

[NegativeEase]

Doubt it's tuners. -it's a real Fender made Tele?

-More likely the nut or saddle -at least start there.

Does it happen on all 6 strings?

How many windings are you puting on the tuner on the wound strings?

also, you used the word up, but I have to ask -you are tuning "up" to the note for your final movement on the tuner right?

 

[ehdwuld]

14 to 16 probably not
14 to 18 or 19 I think so

 

[NegativeEase]

If the tuners end up being the issue -while higher ratio tuners are preferred by most (I like 16-18:1).-for dialing in smoothly on one turn up towards the note without missing and coming back.

As for effectiveness if you are used to the tuner - tuner ratio means little. -it's the tuner fitment machine precision between the pinion gear and worm drive that matters -that's what gives you accuracy without slippage or play in your intonation -that's what gives you a great tuner

Example, a classic Sperzel 13:1 machine head is superior to most contemporary brands at 16:1 or 18:1 and better than off brand ones touting >20:1 because they are focused on machine fitment quality as their offering -not ratio.

Grover 16 and 18:1s are is my favorite 3/3 tuners personally. And Sperzel and Schaeller lockers for 6/0 (Fender)

but in general CHOOSE QUALITY TUNER MAKE over GEAR RATIO when making purchase decisions.

 

[ErikH]

Those tuners on the Player series are at least 14:1. They are good solid tuners. Your description of it jumping is a classic binding issue. No more than 2-3 wraps on the wound strings and 3-5 on the plain (that’s what I aim for anyway).

 

[beaubrummels]

I don't think strings are binding at the nut. They still tune in a somewhat linear fashion... No jumps or pings. The tuner ratio sounds closer to what's going on, maybe these are the lowest ratio tuners I have.

Counted revolutions and it seems like my tuners are 14:1. Drop-in Fender replacements are all 16:1. Would this change be very noticeable?

Yes, it would be noticeable. Whether it would be 'very' to you, can't say. But you will feel the difference.

 

[NegativeEase]

I don't think strings are binding at the nut. They still tune in a somewhat linear fashion... No jumps or pings. The tuner ratio sounds closer to what's going on, maybe these are the lowest ratio tuners I have.

Counted revolutions and it seems like my tuners are 14:1. Drop-in Fender replacements are all 16:1. Would this change be very noticeable?

The drop in Fenders replacements are beyond excellent -maybe try the locking ones too. They are made by Ping in Taiwan and I can't say anything negative about them - I have them on 2 guitars I gig and travel with.

But even nicer if you want to splurge 2x the money (but unnecessary) are the made in Germany Schaller direct Fender replacements (Schaller used to make Tuners for Fender) or Made in USA Sperzels -you have to hide your chubby when you are tuning on stage with either of those.

 

[Wound_Up]

Does it also make a plink noise?
it may be binding in the nut

You turn it small amounts and nothing
Then plink
Jumps a bunch?

I never heard the plink noise on any of my Strats. Ever. And they cost less than $150. LP's are a different story, though.

 

[dystrust]

The drop in Fenders replacements are beyond excellent -maybe try the locking ones too. They are made by Ping in Taiwan and I can't say anything negative about them - I have them on 2 guitars I gig and travel with.

But even nicer if you want to splurge 2x the money (but unnecessary) are the made in Germany Schaller direct Fender replacements (Schaller used to make Tuners for Fender) or Made in USA Sperzels -you have to hide your chubby when you are tuning on stage with either of those.

I've run into a few sets of those Ping tuners that weren't great, though generally speaking they're decent. I'm just used to having Gotohs or Sperzels on all of my guitars, so they kind of pale in comparison. Those Schaller-made Fender replacements are amazing, but they sure cost a mint in the US.

 

[NegativeEase]

I've run into a few sets of those Ping tuners that weren't great, though generally speaking they're decent. I'm just used to having Gotohs or Sperzels on all of my guitars, so they kind of pale in comparison. Those Schaller-made Fender replacements are amazing, but they sure cost a mint in the US.

yes, actually let me further elaborate -The Ping Made Fender Schaller imitations I have a very good that I have -no issues -I have 2 sets -both are Fender authorized and OEM made ones for their American Standard series guitars. I've never had any other Pings to really speak in detail about them on the whole.

-BUT they are certainly NOT as good as the Schaller or Sperzell lockers I have on guitars, nor would I prefer them over my very favorite tuner -Grover Rotomatics 18:1s.... I like Gotohs too.

 

[Gtrjunior]

yes, actually let me further elaborate -The Ping Made Fender Schaller imitations I have a very good that I have -no issues -I have 2 sets but have never had any other ones.

-BUT they are certainly NOT as good as the Schaller or Sperzell lockers I have on guitars, nor would I prefer them over my very favorite tuner -Grover Rotomatics 18:1s.... I like Gotohs too.

I have those Rotomatics on 2 Les Pauls. They are indeed great tuners.

 

[NegativeEase]

I have those Rotomatics on 2 Les Pauls. They are indeed great tuners.

Yep -feel so good! I've never understood why people would choose Klusons over Grovers on their Gibbys other than to be period correct. I like avoiding Tuning issues

 

[Gtrjunior]

Yep -feel so good! I've never understood why people would choose Klusons over Grovers on their Gibbys other than to be period correct. I like avoiding Tuning issues

My Standard came with them from the factory and when I changed that damn robo-tuning system on my LP Special I went with the same. They are so smooth and keep tune great.
I’d recommend them to anyone.
I got that set for a great price too.

 

[beaubrummels]

Yep -feel so good! I've never understood why people would choose Klusons over Grovers on their Gibbys other than to be period correct. I like avoiding Tuning issues

The only argument for Klusons on a Gibson is to avoid neck dive on an SG. Other than that, they belong on toy guitars.