obscure highly important Wavy Grover ID question

[Sir Ricardo]

There is a single bass side flat grover on the 'Bay right now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0543483164

Grovers can be disassembled (like Schallers) and reversed to fit either side.

Paul, does the reversal process entail the same "staking" procedure? I checked out staking on the 'net and it seemed non-technical, but at the same time, something that one would get better at over time. In other words, the first time you'd do it you might goof up the tuner. What do you think?

Also, how do you get the housing off to begin with (I take it you must do that in order to reverse the shaft?).

cheers -

Richard

[jingle_jangle]

There is a single bass side flat grover on the 'Bay right now

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0543483164

Grovers can be disassembled (like Schallers) and reversed to fit either side.

Paul, does the reversal process entail the same "staking" procedure? I checked out staking on the 'net and it seemed non-technical, but at the same time, something that one would get better at over time. In other words, the first time you'd do it you might goof up the tuner. What do you think?

Also, how do you get the housing off to begin with (I take it you must do that in order to reverse the shaft?).

cheers -

Richard

You're correct on both counts, Richard. From the tenor of your response, I'd have to say that I wouldn't feel entirely comforatble telling you to attempt this. It comes down to a matter of "feel", and I wouldn't want you to wreck a good tuner.

I'd recommend that you take this to a luthier, watchmaker, or jewelry repair shop. They are all experienced in staking.

[rickaddict]

i re-punched the wavys on my MD-1252 so many times, i put schaller m4 tuners on it. i could not take it anymore. a tuner failure during a night after night gig is unacceptable. those tuners were made for playing around the house or occasional gig. the kluson style was a more meat and potato tuner. never seen one of those fail, unless you dropped a gear screw, but that was cause someone did not use loktite or perform basic preventative maintenance !

+1

http://www.rickresource.com/register/us ... llsize.jpg

I didn't put these Grover Titans on my '73 4001, but they're so good that I'm not gonna take them off and go back to the exploding Grovers.

And the cool thing is that they're still Wavy Grovers! Just...different wavy Grovers!

[jingle_jangle]

All so true and well-put, gentlemen.

Remember, though, once they're tapped and fitted with screws with just a dab of LocTite, they're virtually bulletproof, and authentic, too.

Working musicians and dilettante collectors do have different ways of looking at things, eh?

[egosheep]

Paul, can you do up a whole set like this(tapping and putting screws)? As a paid service, I mean.

I had to rephrase that several times, heheh.

Does it work the same with the slimline guitar tuners?

[jingle_jangle]

Yes, I've done this for customers. Write me off-list for pricing, delivery, etc.

I've had generally good success with repairing both Grover and Kluson square-cased vintage tuners.

[johnallg]

Paul, can you address the OP's question about lubricating the Grover before reassembly - what grease to use? I think that got overlooked in the discussion on staking.

[jingle_jangle]

OK. I use Lubriplate if the tuner is disassembled. Ordinary Vaseline works fine, too. Apply it with a toothpick before putting the tuner back together.

These are packed with lube when they're assembled. This will turn waxy over time. If you wish to remove the old stuff and put in some new, soak them in some petroleum distillate or naphtha for a day or two. Blow them out with compressed air. Heat up some Vaseline in a cup in the microwave, and immerse each tuner in the hot grease for a few minutes, then remove them with a piece of wire or tongs and set them on several sheets of newspaper to cool. When they're cool and the Vaseline has gelled, wipe all the exterior grease off with clean rags or paper towels. Then reinstall them on the bass.

[Seans]

Paul, I'm having trouble with mine and had thought the only option was to tap threaded holes and put in screws (I'm calling them screws but they're bolts really), ,what size are you using and do you use countersunk head screws, this would end up nice and flush fitting. Over in the UK we do still have BA threads which were used in watch making and machine tools etc, so there's a good choice.

[jingle_jangle]

The tap and screw is the best, most permanent way. I use #2-56 X 1/4" long flat head screws. You'll need a #50 drill bit, the tap with handle, some lube like WD-40 or oil, LocTite, and the screws themselves. Don't try this with a hand drill motor--you should use a drill press (pillar drill). Too much chance of that #50 bit breaking and getting stuck in the case of the tuner. Then you're really screwed.

[egosheep]

Thanks for the info, Paul. However I can safely say that I would rather pay you to do it, should the need arise.

[Seans]

Thanks Paul, drill is not a problem, I have a CNC mill.

[ken_j]

Just remember you speeds and feeds. The smaller the drill the faster the speed. Don't feed it too quickly use low presure.

[Buck]

Hello Richard,
I have exactly the same problem here with wavy grovers on my '74 4001 and I may be interested in your replacement set if you don't use it.

[chefothefuture]

I have a replacement set of wavy grovers that for some reason have wavy "ends".

Well, that does make sense, doesn't it?

Only one of those sets can be called "wavy", but both can be called Grover Slimline tuners. The flat keys are the older variety of Slimline tuners.

The official name for the wavy's is "Grover Slimline Contour" tuners.
Says it right on the box...