tuning key replacement

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn

Post Reply
User avatar
Joel Hill
Posts: 126
Joined: 20 Aug 2007 9:43 am
Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi, USA

tuning key replacement

Post by Joel Hill »

I would like to change the tuning keys on my Mullen Royal Precision. I would like to do this without any modification of the keyhead. Any and all suggestions welcome. Thanks
User avatar
Richard Sinkler
Posts: 17067
Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Post by Richard Sinkler »

Contact Mullen.

Out of curiosity, why?
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, NV400, NV112 . Playing for 53 years and still counting.
User avatar
Joel Hill
Posts: 126
Joined: 20 Aug 2007 9:43 am
Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi, USA

tuning key replacement

Post by Joel Hill »

thanks for the reply. The tuning key pegs are very loose even after tightening the nut. The body of the key is tight but the peg is loose. Thought it might be time to replace. But it probably is my best bet is to contact Mullen.
User avatar
Tony Prior
Posts: 14522
Joined: 17 Oct 2001 12:01 am
Location: Charlotte NC
Contact:

Post by Tony Prior »

what brand of tuners are on the Steel ? You can replace them with the exact same ones with zero issues. Changing brands may indeed be an issue. All tuners are not equal.
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 8 and Pro Tools 12
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 8 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
User avatar
Joel Hill
Posts: 126
Joined: 20 Aug 2007 9:43 am
Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi, USA

tuning keys

Post by Joel Hill »

I am not quite sure what type of tuning key is on there now. But it is a factory tuner and probably Kluson but there are not any identifying marks on them as far as I can tell but that doesn't mean there are't any. If I provide the serial number to Mullen maybe they can tell me. Thx
ajm
Posts: 1688
Joined: 13 Nov 1999 1:01 am
Location: Los Angeles

Post by ajm »

The way I understand it is:
- The knob that you turn with your fingers is loose.
- The post that the string wraps around is OK.

Aside from being somewhat annoying to you, the question that I have is whether or not this is really a problem?

How old is the guitar?
What model?

And I agree with the others: Contact Mullen.
Nobody should know better about their product than them.
User avatar
Joel Hill
Posts: 126
Joined: 20 Aug 2007 9:43 am
Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi, USA

tuning key

Post by Joel Hill »

Actually it is the opposite. The peg is loose that the string wraps around. How much that moves when stretching the strings is a value unknown to me. My thoughts were to just replace the tuning keys. I will contact Mullen. b0b Please close. Thx
Donny Hinson
Posts: 21192
Joined: 16 Feb 1999 1:01 am
Location: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

Post by Donny Hinson »

The string pegs being a little loose shouldn't affect operation as the pull of the strings pre-loads them. Have you tried tightening the screws on the buttons? I say that because on some brands of tuners, tightening these screws helps to center and anchor the pegs. If they're too loose, the peg is floppy. And if they're too tight, they'll bind the gears.
User avatar
Joel Hill
Posts: 126
Joined: 20 Aug 2007 9:43 am
Location: Ridgeland, Mississippi, USA

tuning keys

Post by Joel Hill »

No I have not. Thanks!
User avatar
Richard Sinkler
Posts: 17067
Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Re: tuning keys

Post by Richard Sinkler »

Joel Hill wrote:I am not quite sure what type of tuning key is on there now. But it is a factory tuner and probably Kluson but there are not any identifying marks on them as far as I can tell but that doesn't mean there are't any. If I provide the serial number to Mullen maybe they can tell me. Thx
The tuning keys on my Royal Precision are Grovers.
Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, NV400, NV112 . Playing for 53 years and still counting.
User avatar
Brian Hollands
Posts: 348
Joined: 15 Jan 2018 12:10 pm
Location: Franklin, North Carolina, USA

Post by Brian Hollands »

If they're Grovers;
A) they're warranted by Grover for life - free replacement.
B) the posts are loose out of the box - it's normal.
'81 Sho-bud LDG
User avatar
Tony Prior
Posts: 14522
Joined: 17 Oct 2001 12:01 am
Location: Charlotte NC
Contact:

Re: tuning keys

Post by Tony Prior »

Joel Hill wrote:I am not quite sure what type of tuning key is on there now. But it is a factory tuner and probably Kluson but there are not any identifying marks on them as far as I can tell but that doesn't mean there are't any. If I provide the serial number to Mullen maybe they can tell me. Thx



Take a photo and post it, the brand will be identified in milliseconds ! :D
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders
Pro Tools 8 and Pro Tools 12
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 8 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
Bobby D. Jones
Posts: 2235
Joined: 17 May 2010 9:27 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

tuning key repalcement

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

If the keys do not have a visible screw that keep the key from turning, It may have an index pin on the back of the key.
Check the nut that goes over the winding shaft and holds the tuning key to the head stock. The nut may be hidden in the counter sunk hole on the inside of the head stock. If the nut is loose the whole key may loose in the mounting hole.
Good Luck on the cause and cure and back Happy Steelin.
Post Reply