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Author Topic:  Tight tuning keys question
Jody Cameron

 

From:
Angleton, TX,, USA
Post  Posted 14 Mar 2024 10:30 pm    
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I have original Sperzel tuners on my Emmons p/p that are stiff and hard to turn. Any solution to this or do I need to replace them? Backing off on the top screw doesn’t seem to help. Thanks
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Charlie Hansen


From:
Halifax, NS Canada and Various Southern Towns.
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 6:35 am    
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There are lots of posts on this topic on the forum if you go to the search function. The grease that's in the tuner body has most likely hardened and made the tuners hard to turn.
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Jody Cameron

 

From:
Angleton, TX,, USA
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 11:03 am    
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Thank you Charlie. Lots of info
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Donny Hinson

 

From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 1:42 pm    
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The general consensus on this problem was usually “They can’t be fixed.”

That bothered me, and I never went along with that. I told people that I’d like to try a few things, and even offered to buy some stuck ones to play around with. (Nobody took me up on the offer.)

I’d try removing the buttons and boiling them for an hour or so, or soaking them in acetone for a few days. I’m confident that if it’s a hardened petroleum product that's gotten them stuck, there IS a fix!


(Yeah, I’m kinda hard-headed in that respect.)
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Jody Cameron

 

From:
Angleton, TX,, USA
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 3:33 pm    
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Thanks Donnie, should I boil them in water ya think? Or some other substance?
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Jon Light


From:
Saugerties, NY
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 3:43 pm    
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I've never tried this but this video has been in circulation for a few years.

https://www.stewmac.com/video-and-ideas/online-resources/guitar-tuning-machine-installation-and-repair-information/how-to-clean-and-lube-dirty-old-guitar-tuners/
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Mike DiAlesandro


From:
Kent, Ohio
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 4:19 pm    
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I believe Sperzels are manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio, and that they have a lifetime warranty.

My understanding is that they will refurbish or replace them if you send the tuners to them.

Never tried this. I do agree that the 40 year old sperzels tuners are prone to hardened grease and stiff operation.

Worth a try?
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Jody Cameron

 

From:
Angleton, TX,, USA
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 4:59 pm    
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For sure Mike! Thank you
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Mike DiAlesandro


From:
Kent, Ohio
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 5:16 pm    
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Jody Cameron wrote:
For sure Mike! Thank you


Sure thing Jody!



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Jody Cameron

 

From:
Angleton, TX,, USA
Post  Posted 15 Mar 2024 5:44 pm    
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Excellent!
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Ken Metcalf


From:
San Antonio Texas USA
Post  Posted 16 Mar 2024 6:02 am    
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I had a Carson Wells D-10 that sat for many years with same problem. After disassembly, cleaning the gears with parts cleaner, re-greasing, they were still tight. Spun them with a drill, still tight, contacted Sperzel and was told they were no longer on warranty.
It really seemed to defy common sense and the laws of physics. Confused
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Jerry Overstreet


From:
Louisville Ky
Post  Posted 16 Mar 2024 6:06 am    
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I had a Zum with these tuners for 5 or 6 years. I had 'em all apart, tried all the suggestions and tricks...none helped the condition a bit...still stiff and rough...like that when I sold it.
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Michael Yahl


From:
Troy, Texas!
Post  Posted 16 Mar 2024 7:23 am    
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Jody,

I have hundreds of Sperzels in stock in Chrome, Satin, and Gold.


https://www.psgparts.com/shop/category/tuning-machines-44

Michael

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Daniel Baston


From:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 16 Mar 2024 9:16 am    
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I had excellent results with this method. The old tuners in question were quite difficult to turn, and I was nervous to turn them, it felt like they were going to break. I followed the procedure from the video more or less, although I did not heat them at all. Now they work very well. YYMV of course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkeS8HDzCH0&pp=ygURc3R1Y2sgdHVuaW5nIGtleXM%3D
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