Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I posed this question previously (on the wrong forum)...my 325 tuners are a bit tight. Actually, they are real tight. I feel like I'm going to break something. Is it the Bigsby B5 giving me grief? What?

I think I'd check this one out by detuning a string or two way back and seeing how tough it is to bring them back up to pitch. If they're stiff when there's no load, that's a situation calling for a careful lube. I like to use good old fretboard conditioner (lemon oil) because if you use a bit too much, it won't hurt anything. Smells great, too...You don't have to take the strings off to do this, either. Just detune, oil, run the keys back ad forth a few times to distribute the oil, and tune to pitch. You can use a toothpick or a watch oiler to apply the oil to the clover gear.

If they're stiff only under load, I'd make sure your nut is OK and then simply tune carefully. If you're using the heavy strings, they can be quite a load. Can't see how this could be the Bigsby's fault. Anybody else had experience with this?

Thanks for the input, Paul. Will give the lube a shot. Also, I am using the heavier Pyramid string which might be the cause. Will see.

I have a 330 with the new tuners, and those I love....But our guitarist has a 325C58.....but it has HORRIBLE tuners. It seems like the thing is NEVER in tune

Alex - Most tuning problems aren't the fault of the tuners. I would suggest it's more likely that he has issues with the nut or saddles. Or (even more likely still) he isn't installing the strings properly.

The 325, because of its short scale, really needs heavy gauge strings, and the tension these put upon the pegs require extra-careful attention to the proper winding technique when stringing. Anyway, I think Adam may have hit on it.

Saturdays are Adam's good advice days.

Paul, because of the shorter scale the strings need less tension for same pitch. To compensate this, you choose a heavier gauge.

Wolf, sorry I wasn't clear. The total tension is more for a heavier gauge string at a given pitch.