Does your Historic stay in tune ??

BOBBO · 09-25-2007, 11:24 PM

Are you happy with the stock tuners that your Historic came with and does your guitar stay in tune to a reasonable degree ? I see alot of pro players upgrade from the stock Kluson's to Grover's .... If you changed tuners did you notice a difference in tuning stability and or tone ??

Sean French · 09-26-2007, 12:04 AM

Mine stay in tune and I'm fairly brutal and beat the crap of of the strings.
Personally I prefer Kluson or Kluson style tuners.
Back in the day the original Kluson's left a lot to be desired.
That's why you see a bunch of Burst's with Grovers.
However,today the Kluson style tuners are much better than their vintage counterparts.
The biggest difference in tone would be the Grover's with their added weight(appox.5.5 oz)can add a bit more sustain and more focus to the tone.
I prefer the more airy characteristics of Kluson style tuners.
If one is having issues staying in tune then the culprit is usually the nut.
The D and G strings are the most prone to going out of tune while playing due to their steep angle from the nut to the tuner.
A properly cut nut and even some lube will correct most tuning issues.
Also intsalling the strings properly and streaching them very well should be a given.

johnreardon · 09-26-2007, 05:59 AM

All of my guitars, including two historics, stay in tune, at least close enough for government work.

Just do plenty of string stretching when I change strings

waynesmith · 09-26-2007, 07:58 AM

I use a little nut sauce on the nut and stretch the hell out of the strings and she's good to go..

LoKi · 09-26-2007, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynesmith

I use a little nut sauce on the nut and stretch the hell out of the strings and she's good to go..

Yep! The actual tuning machines themselves don't mean squat after the guitar is in tune. People switch to Grovers usually because of the smooth feel, and gear ratio which can make for easier tuning... but you still need to put lube in the nut, no matter what type of tuners you use... even a high end set of Schallers or Spertzel will pop when a string goes over a dirty spot in the nut, and jump a pitch.

Blue Fin · 09-26-2007, 05:03 PM

I didn't know I was supposed to tune it...doesn't it come tuned?

BOBBO · 09-26-2007, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Fin

I didn't know I was supposed to tune it...doesn't it come tuned?

No , You dont have to tune it !!!

You didn't VOTE !

rockinlespaul · 09-26-2007, 06:30 PM

Well my R7 and R8 did. Both had stock Klusons.

We'll see how my next R8 does...

My replica has Grovers and stays in tune great also.

BOBBO · 09-26-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockinlespaul

Well my R7 and R8 did. Both had stock Klusons.

We'll see how my next R8 does...

My replica has Grovers and stays in tune great also.

My R8 was rock solid with the stock Historic tuners ! I have since upgraded them to the vintage correct DMC aged Klusons and they are rock solid as well !

09-27-2007, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoKi

Yep! The actual tuning machines themselves don't mean squat after the guitar is in tune.

Yup!

I've heard a lot of people over the years who blame tuning instability on vintage style Kluson tuners. I've even entertained this thought myself at one time, but after a little research, I can tell you that it's simply not true.

A worm gear will turn a spur gear, but NOT the other way around. More times than not, the culprit is tight nut slots, failure to pre-stretch strings, not tuning UP to pitch, or any combination thereof.

Do Grovers feel better? They sure do!

Would I retrofit them to my Kluson equipped Lester? Absolutely NOT!

JLH · 09-27-2007, 08:50 AM

I had a run on tuning problems as well with all three of my Historics, I focused on the nut, making sure it was slotted staright and correct depth and width, graphite (pencil lead works great) or nut sauce.
Correct string wrap on the tuner stems (critical) and then strings, I found the Boomers work great, I use the custom lights.
I have no tuning issues now, (I posted a similar thread a few months ago)
In the words of KennyF Absolutely NOT

BOBBO · 09-27-2007, 02:36 PM

If you stop in to read the thread VOTE !!!!!!

Blue Fin · 09-28-2007, 09:03 AM

So far, I'm quite happy with the stock tuners on my R0. It stays in tune very nicely.

Redfish · 09-28-2007, 12:38 PM

I also find nut lube to be the key. Whenever I buy any new guitar I put on new strings and nut lube the minute I get it home. I prefer to make my own lube with Vaseline and Graphite powder mixed 50/50. The commercial nut sauce is too dry for me. If I hear a ping sound when tuning a string I run a strip of emory cloth lightly through the slot to take off any burrs without actually sanding the slot lower. I've always had great luck with my Les Pauls staying in tune and I play with a heavy hand. I'm always puzzled when I read about Les Pauls being notorious for tuning problems. I usually chalk it up to people not knowing the basics of nut prep or PRS lovers doing their thing.

Bryan · 09-29-2007, 10:54 AM

i play alot, and also do alot of bends..and the only time i have to touch the tuners on my R 8 is when i change tunings..like from standard to drop D..they are really the best tuners i've used..

BOBBO · 09-29-2007, 07:39 PM

Wow .. everyone seems happy with the tuning stability on thier Historic !!!

BOBBO · 10-03-2007, 04:15 PM

vote !

lp59aholicDon · 10-03-2007, 08:12 PM

its allllllllll in the set up, I dont find anything wrong with the current version of the Kluson machines Graphite in the nut and bridge slot help I wind a whole lotta string on to the posts. I bend and vibrato alot when playing, compound bends with vibrato , both BB King style and or ala Clapton/ Betts , up and down. man that took a while to get right too

BOBBO · 10-03-2007, 08:59 PM

Over 260 views and less than 20 votes ....

lp59aholicDon · 10-04-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobbovisme

Over 260 views and less than 20 votes ....

Need some cheese to go with that whine there Bobbo? Jest had to tug yer chain on that one, sorry

BOBBO · 10-04-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lp59aholicDon

Need some cheese to go with that whine there Bobbo? Jest had to tug yer chain on that one, sorry

NICE !!! ... .. Hey I can take it ! But I can also dish it out !!!

jimmydeuce · 10-04-2007, 07:30 PM

I've never had a problem with the Klusons. The nuts have needed a little work and some graphite or nut sauce though.

konrad gibson · 10-05-2007, 09:03 AM

yes

konrad gibson · 10-05-2007, 09:06 AM

yes, it stays in tune.

MySpace.com - Conny Martin - DE - Rock / Blues / Other - www.myspace.com/connymartin

lexluthier · 10-06-2007, 06:09 AM

People are quick to blame the tuners, but I find that it isn't the problem. I find some guys just don't know how to wrap strings or stretch them properly. Also, Gibsons nut work just isn't the best. Have to make sure to have the nut slots properly cut, and always use something to lube the nut, since the material Gibson uses these days tends to be a bit soft and grabby. I would prefer they went to a harder plastic like the old days, or to bone.

Old Klusons would loosen up because the housings would bend a bit. Notice that thin strip of metal that surrounds the top side of the shaft on the sides? That is what holds the knob shaft gear to the string shaft gear. Over time, that little strip bends, and loosens up the tuner. I have found by carefully bending it back, the tuners work almost as good as new again.

Mikester · 10-08-2007, 02:12 PM

Yes. And I voted too.

BOBBO · 10-08-2007, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikester

Yes. And I voted too.

thank you ... come again ................

BOBBO · 10-12-2007, 02:05 PM

Gotta be more than 30 Historics in this place !!

BOBBO · 11-18-2007, 02:13 PM

J S Moore · 11-18-2007, 11:29 PM

I have not had any problems. A friend of mine changed his tuners out to Grovers and compared to mine they felt loose when you turned them. There was some play in the knobs as well. The historic tuners on mine are tight and work just right. No issues.

View Poll Results: Does your Historic stay in tune ?
Yes !	82	90.11%
No !	2	2.20%
Not for more than a song or two !!	8	8.79%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 91. You may not vote on this poll

09-25-2007, 11:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Are you happy with the stock tuners that your Historic came with and does your guitar stay in tune to a reasonable degree ? I see alot of pro players upgrade from the stock Kluson's to Grover's .... If you changed tuners did you notice a difference in tuning stability and or tone ??

09-26-2007, 12:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sean French Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 338 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Mine stay in tune and I'm fairly brutal and beat the crap of of the strings. Personally I prefer Kluson or Kluson style tuners. Back in the day the original Kluson's left a lot to be desired. That's why you see a bunch of Burst's with Grovers. However,today the Kluson style tuners are much better than their vintage counterparts. The biggest difference in tone would be the Grover's with their added weight(appox.5.5 oz)can add a bit more sustain and more focus to the tone. I prefer the more airy characteristics of Kluson style tuners. If one is having issues staying in tune then the culprit is usually the nut. The D and G strings are the most prone to going out of tune while playing due to their steep angle from the nut to the tuner. A properly cut nut and even some lube will correct most tuning issues. Also intsalling the strings properly and streaching them very well should be a given. Last edited by Sean French; 09-26-2007 at 01:02 PM. Reason: spelling

09-26-2007, 05:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnreardon Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Brackley, UK Posts: 491 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? All of my guitars, including two historics, stay in tune, at least close enough for government work. Just do plenty of string stretching when I change strings

09-26-2007, 07:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
waynesmith Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: New York Posts: 328 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I use a little nut sauce on the nut and stretch the hell out of the strings and she's good to go..

Today
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09-26-2007, 05:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
Blue Fin Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I didn't know I was supposed to tune it...doesn't it come tuned? __________________ 2004 Les Paul R0 (Washed Cherry) 2006 PRS Custom 22 (Vintage Yellow) Mesa Lonestar Special

09-26-2007, 06:30 PM	#8 (permalink)
rockinlespaul Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 724 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Well my R7 and R8 did. Both had stock Klusons. We'll see how my next R8 does... My replica has Grovers and stays in tune great also.

09-27-2007, 08:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
JLH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 388 Thanks: 5 Thanked 10 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I had a run on tuning problems as well with all three of my Historics, I focused on the nut, making sure it was slotted staright and correct depth and width, graphite (pencil lead works great) or nut sauce. Correct string wrap on the tuner stems (critical) and then strings, I found the Boomers work great, I use the custom lights. I have no tuning issues now, (I posted a similar thread a few months ago) In the words of KennyF Absolutely NOT

09-27-2007, 02:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? If you stop in to read the thread VOTE !!!!!!

09-28-2007, 09:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
Blue Fin Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? So far, I'm quite happy with the stock tuners on my R0. It stays in tune very nicely. __________________ 2004 Les Paul R0 (Washed Cherry) 2006 PRS Custom 22 (Vintage Yellow) Mesa Lonestar Special

09-28-2007, 12:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
Redfish Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 236 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I also find nut lube to be the key. Whenever I buy any new guitar I put on new strings and nut lube the minute I get it home. I prefer to make my own lube with Vaseline and Graphite powder mixed 50/50. The commercial nut sauce is too dry for me. If I hear a ping sound when tuning a string I run a strip of emory cloth lightly through the slot to take off any burrs without actually sanding the slot lower. I've always had great luck with my Les Pauls staying in tune and I play with a heavy hand. I'm always puzzled when I read about Les Pauls being notorious for tuning problems. I usually chalk it up to people not knowing the basics of nut prep or PRS lovers doing their thing.

09-29-2007, 10:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
Bryan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 118 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? i play alot, and also do alot of bends..and the only time i have to touch the tuners on my R 8 is when i change tunings..like from standard to drop D..they are really the best tuners i've used..

09-29-2007, 07:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Wow .. everyone seems happy with the tuning stability on thier Historic !!!

10-03-2007, 04:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? vote !

10-03-2007, 08:12 PM	#18 (permalink)
lp59aholicDon V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Carolina in the Mountains Posts: 5,224 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? its allllllllll in the set up, I dont find anything wrong with the current version of the Kluson machines Graphite in the nut and bridge slot help I wind a whole lotta string on to the posts. I bend and vibrato alot when playing, compound bends with vibrato , both BB King style and or ala Clapton/ Betts , up and down. man that took a while to get right too __________________ I am a sheepdog, Its not just a vocation, its my nature Live with it, Lead, Follow, or get the hell outta my way . Tis better to have the sword and live by it, than to reach in need and find the scabboard empty .Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on whats for dinner- Ben Franklin Don't be talkin' the talk if you can't walk the walk

10-03-2007, 08:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Over 260 views and less than 20 votes ....

10-04-2007, 07:30 PM	#22 (permalink)
jimmydeuce Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: TN Posts: 298 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I've never had a problem with the Klusons. The nuts have needed a little work and some graphite or nut sauce though.

10-05-2007, 09:03 AM	#23 (permalink)
konrad gibson Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? yes

10-05-2007, 09:06 AM	#24 (permalink)
konrad gibson Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? yes, it stays in tune. MySpace.com - Conny Martin - DE - Rock / Blues / Other - www.myspace.com/connymartin

10-06-2007, 06:09 AM	#25 (permalink)
lexluthier V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: guitar dungeon Posts: 714 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? People are quick to blame the tuners, but I find that it isn't the problem. I find some guys just don't know how to wrap strings or stretch them properly. Also, Gibsons nut work just isn't the best. Have to make sure to have the nut slots properly cut, and always use something to lube the nut, since the material Gibson uses these days tends to be a bit soft and grabby. I would prefer they went to a harder plastic like the old days, or to bone. Old Klusons would loosen up because the housings would bend a bit. Notice that thin strip of metal that surrounds the top side of the shaft on the sides? That is what holds the knob shaft gear to the string shaft gear. Over time, that little strip bends, and loosens up the tuner. I have found by carefully bending it back, the tuners work almost as good as new again. __________________

10-08-2007, 02:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
Mikester Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Yes. And I voted too.

10-12-2007, 02:05 PM	#28 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? Gotta be more than 30 Historics in this place !!

11-18-2007, 02:13 PM	#29 (permalink)
BOBBO MVP Clown Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 19,477 Thanks: 237 Thanked 463 Times in 90 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? __________________ " Over the Pond Guy " PAF Pickups & M69 Rings ... @ OverthePondGuy@aol.com

11-18-2007, 11:29 PM	#30 (permalink)
J S Moore Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 52 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Does your Historic stay in tune ?? I have not had any problems. A friend of mine changed his tuners out to Grovers and compared to mine they felt loose when you turned them. There was some play in the knobs as well. The historic tuners on mine are tight and work just right. No issues. __________________ www.tonefordays.com

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