kluson deluxe tuners

[steve reid]

I just got a cool old parlor guitar and had it partially restored, with the old Kluson deluxes' getting new buttons (there were no buttons on it). The A string tuner won't hold, and although I've read a lot about most of the problems being with the saddle or nut (by the way, I am not a luthier but am somewhat mechanical and handy), it seems to me that the problem is with the tuner -- I can see the post turn when it gets up to pitch. I am reluctant to try taking it apart to fix it without some roadmap and a lot of "watch out Doof!"s under my belt. So I am requesting assistance from those of you who can tell me what to look for, tell me how to proceed, tell me to forget it cause I don't have the proper tools or whatever.
I did read an article on the home page about cleaning and restoring mandolin (uncovered) tuners, and that gave me some clues, but I don't want to start taking this thing apart blind or if I don't have to. Thanks in advance.

[Ron Frazier]

The ones you have look like the open tuners. You have to pry the cap holders out and remove the cover. The little nubs that go through the plate are easy to brake and if this happens to you you can dodder the cap back on. The gears sometimes get worn out and need replaced. Oil and keep turning the knobs to free them and that is probably the trouble.

You can by new sets now if all else fails.

When putting new buttons I use a hair dryer to heat the button and stem and force the button on and when it cools it srinks and will hold. Be sure to get it all the away on. If you dont think they are tigh enoygh run some thin super gluein the crack.

If you cant find buttons you can remove them from some new ones. I use plyers to pull and replace them with.

Ron

[Len Biglin]

hi sometimes you can get end to end movement in the shaft that you turn (with the button on ) and you can reduce this by squashing the sides of the cover plate , around the shaft area . Hope that makes sense to you.Len

[steve reid]

Would this be a last resort or the first thing you'd try? I mean the squashing?

[steve reid]

The new buttons are already on and work fine. It's just that the shaft on the A string tuner won't hold.

[Tom Krebs]

As Ron stated, pulling and replacing the cover is very delicate. Once you have it off then you can inspect for wear and try tighten or replace things. It is a bit tedious. My solution is usually replacement with either old stock, or new with the same footprint. I buy lots of old parts on eBay. 'Kluson/Tone Pros' now has direct replacements with a higher gear ratio.

[steve reid]

Is there a website or link where it shows how to pull the cover or is it just a "look at it and go slow, it's fairly obvious" sort of thing?

[Tom Krebs]

I would be prepared to replace the whole unit. There are many different models. Look here and proceed:

http://www.doctorvintage.com/tuners/50s_klusons.html
Be careful bending those tabs. Good luck..

[steve reid]

Thanks, Tom, I like that site but it doesn't have a lot of step-by-step instructions. As I said, I'm mechanical and sort of handy so after I look over the situation for a while (a listen to some advice from you experts) I'll probably take the back off the A tuner, check it out, then if need be replace the side (saving the old tuners for spare parts).

[Tom Krebs]

If you cannot move on from here. I would replace the tuners. The guitar will then stay in tune. Save the old ones in the case. This type work is not worth it - unless you're dealing with a truly valuable and rare vintage guitar - or you're willing to just do it. I'm not sure a 'step by step' would be helpful because of all the different variables. Lift tabs with a small screw driver. remove housing, and fix the mechanical innards. You might need specific parts that will take more time and may not perform like simple retro replacements. Not even sure what you're dealing with? Pictures are helpful.

[steve reid]

I think that hits the nail on the head. That's exactly the way I plan to proceed. Thanks again.

[Paul Hostetter]

I have never seen a true parlor guitar that had Klusons on it, they simply didn't exist back then, but most people these days think anything that's smaller than a dreadnought is a parlor guitar.

In any case, the situation you describe, with the button turning backwards when the string is near pitch, is extremely rare, perhaps even mechanically impossible. There are very good repro Kluson tuners on the market for not much money - just get a new set and be done with it: http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Guitar,_solid_peghead_tuners/Vin... .

[steve reid]

Thanks.