If carlsberg did stupid questions.....

[billywilliams]

be prepared this is a shocking question.
I have just managed to produce a frankenstrat out of parts i've managed too accumulate recently, including sanding down neck pocket to get it fit perfectly, rewire the whole electronics with a bridge tone control, install US fender spec bridge and pickguard into a squier body (requiring redrilling) and yet after this baby is ready to go, i can't string my guitar up since i've never strung up A VINTAGE TUNER guitar. I've just busted 2 strings for sure and got 3 on but I cannot do this re stringing of vintage tuners for love nor money. The string keeps slipping out everytime I try to turn the tuning key, then when i apply any kind of sensible tension it tunes then slips back out. Am i being INCREDIBLY thick? I've managed to string many normal guitars in my time and have managed to set up a whole guitar for christ sake, and yet cannot manage this! What are tips and techniques? I have googled stuff and been on the fender website and yet i just haven't managed to do this. I'm using my fingers instead of a tuning whizzerrounderthingy will this make any difference cos it takes quicker time? I'm absolutely flummoxed.

[Sporky_McGuffin]

Are these the tuners with the slots on the top? If so you need to poke the string into the hole in the middle of the slot - that's what holds it in place.

[fatherjack]

What Sporky said.

I have them on my Telecaster, and I don't like them either, to the point of intending to replace them.

Someone will sonn be along to say something like 'Pfft! They're easy to use', just to make us feel better.

[stickyfiddle]

I love them meself.

Make sure you cut the string so it extends about 1.5 or 2 inches beyond the tuning post. I usually judge it by cutting 2 tuners up from the one I'm using. So the A string gets cut at the G string's machinehead, the D gets cut at the B etc.

Then poke the end into the hole and bend it firmly so the end stays in the hole and the string is coming out of the side gaps, rather than just poking out of the top.

I just changed a set at the weekend- I could've made a video...

[martinw]

I love them meself.

Make sure you cut the string so it extends about 1.5 or 2 inches beyond the tuning post. I usually judge it by cutting 2 tuners up from the one I'm using. So the A string gets cut at the G string's machinehead, the D gets cut at the B etc.

+1.
Best tuners ever.

[ianpdq]

+1.
Best tuners ever.

Yep no string ends showing looks a lot better

[sfocata]

Yeah, what stickyfiddle said... cut the string a couple of tuners beyond the one you're using, then poke the end into the hole.



I do what Chris Kinman (of pickups fame) recommends... make the first winding around just one of the "claws" on the tuner (i.e. round one side and back through the slot in the middle. Then do the other windings round the whole post as normal.

[billywilliams]

Cheers guys, all your input is appreciated! I have put the end of the string into the top of the tuner and made the sharp bend etc but the end seems to pop out all the time or not wind tightly onto the tuner, which ends up with the string seemingly "popping" loose (i think thats the most accurate way i can decribe it) I've managed to string three of them on but i just know there not as difficult to string as I'm making it!

[wilber]

sometimes they slip out on my baja tele
i find once you've put the end in *oo err* if you hold the string on to the headstock with your right hand index finger while you wind it on it tightens up much more effectively and stops it slipping

[stickyfiddle]

I always restring using a winder, so that shortens the time when it's tight-ish, but not tight enough to hold itself in place.

If you don't have one, I would suggest using your right thumb on the top of the peg to hold the string in place, then turn the key as quick as you can with your left. (assuming a regular Right-handed headstock).

Then, go to and get one of these http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/guitar...04050613534418