Loose Grover - the KEY SHAFT, not the cover!

[badeggs]

The D-Grover on my '74 is buzzy. But it isn't the cover that's loose - it's the shaft connected to the key. Playing an open string and lightly touching the key stops the buzz. The cover is rock-solid; however you can jiggle the key ever so slightly back-and-forth. The shaft is straight and doesn't look like it's suffered from being knocked around in the case.

I've read everything I could find here and at RIC on "exploding" Grovers, but it's all about loose covers and reswaging pins. How do I (or can I even) fix this? The buzz isn't being amplified, so I can still play it out. It's really a matter of making sure the thing's okay and that this isn't the first sign of it eventually popping.

Thanks for reading!

[jwr2]

Grovers fall apart ... that is what they do ... that is why Ric quit using them 20 years ago ...

[leftybass]

I have one on a bass that does the exact same thing. The D tuner, to be exact!

At some point the shaft was stressed to the point of being bent, and the keywind no longer has a tight fit in it's notch.

Other than taking the keywind out and crimping the notch tighter for more pressure against the winder/paddle and re-pin it, the only other alternative would be to replace it..

[wints]

The "D" string has the most tension on a 2/2 head I believe, which may be a factor here....

[leftybass]

The tuner on my own bass was actaully hit against something at some point, and it widened the gap that the paddle fits in....the actual operation of the tuner is fine. It (the paddle) buzzes on certain notes, so I guess one day I should replace it...just been lazy!

[badeggs]

That's what must have happened to mine, John - the gap the shaft passes through is a bit too wide and the paddle vibrates. Maybe it was bumped slightly at one time after all. I guess taking off the case would just make things worse, so I'll leave it/replace it someday.

Despite their dubious reputation, I really like the Grovers. They're really smooth tuners, no straining like with the reverse Schallers.

[rickenbrother]

It's possible that the tuner had come apart at some time and was put back together minus a washer that should be on the key shaft. Those washers are very small and very easy to drop and lose.

[badeggs]

Hmm...missing washer. Worth considering. But I haven't the guts to take it apart!