The Steel Guitar Forum

I have a GFI keyless D10. The keyless system is driving me nuts. I have to pull the string tight with plyers and hold it there while I tighten the set screw with a screwdriver. Then the string still slips and I run out of range for the tuner and have to start over.

Any advice?

Thanks

JOe

Joe, replace the screws, problem solved.The threads on the top of the screw that contact the string can wear out. Also make sure to put the string on clockwise. You don't have to tighten them very much, either. JP<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Jim Peters on 06 March 2005 at 12:48 PM.]</p></FONT>

What Jim said. It's good to keep some screws around. Nothing special. You can get them down at the harware store. I love my keyless tuners.

Joe, I see you are selling the GFI. Really, the problem is that the screws are worn. That's the fastest string changing and most stable tuning system I've ever seen. I've really been giving mine a workout since I got it 3 weeks ago. I've been playing it about 4 hours a day, I've gigged 5 times with it. I put a new set of Jags on it when I bought it and just yesterday broke my first string.

Never seen anything so reliable, but Billy Cooper said that the screws in the tuner do wear out periodically. That's why Gene used easily obtainable screws.

These guitars are flat-out ingenious in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice. It appears the problem was I was wrapping the string the wrong direction. So much for my mechanical apptitude!.

Joe

Had the same problem, and the same solution.
When I inspected the under side of the screw cap it was worn smooth. New screw from the hardware solved the problem.
I too am very pleased with the GFI headless,
don't ever want to go back to tuners.

Don't feel bad. Had the fellow I bought mine from not shown me I would have probably done the same thing. Being a lefty in a righty's world can be perplexing at times.

Don't get too discouraged on these keyless tuners.
The first time I tried to do this is was a nightmare, too. For my high E string, I acutally pulled the finger so far back it fell off the tuning knob screw. Wrapping the string clockwise around the screw is crucial - as you've discovered.
Fortunately, I found this guide, which saved me from making a couple mistakes: http://www.gfimusicalproducts.com/Tables/Keyless%20Instructions.htm

The second time I changed strings was a lot better. Fortunately the strings don't really break too easily on the guitar so I'm not stuck doing this on the bandstand.

I also change strings 3 and 5 before any important gig - just to be safe. It's a lot easier to do it at home when you're not trying to hurry.

I'm still not 100% sold on the keyless system, but I'm liking it more and more as I get experienced with it. I get the string as tight as possible with the pliers, tighten down the screw, give the string some tugs to strech it out as much as I can. If it stretches out a lot, I loosen the screw, pull the string with the pliers and tighten it down again. The more tension you have before bringing the string to pitch, the better.

Hope this helps.

Guy's,
I never had the pleasure of dealing with a GFI keyless mechanism, but I have heard nothing but good about them.....I play a Sierra, and a little tip for you ....
Get a piece of wooden dowel, about 3/4 " in diameter, and about 4-5 inches long, and drill a hole in the center of it ....Put the end of your string thru the hole, and wrap the string around the dowel a few times..
You now end up with a little handle similar to what you would have on a rope to start a lawn mower....You don't have to screw around with pliers, and you will have a much better grip on the string to wrap it around the screw...More control, and a lot more pulling power ....Try it, you'll like it ......Sincerely, Jim

I want to thank everyone for the responses to my question. I sincerely appreciate all the advice.

Now all I have to do is learn how to play it....

Joe

Great tip Jim. I'm on my way down cellar right now! Thanks.

------------------
Webb--
Livin' out a dangerous faith
GFI Ultra D10 8+8,
ZB 11/10 8+3 #0008
old as dirt Dobro
Harmony Lap...

Sorry it's taken a few days to jump in on this. There is a specific procedure to putting new strings on our keyless tuners. Each finger needs to be returned to it's starting position as close to the nut bar as possible. This also ensures a straight shot at the anchoring screw with the screwdriver. Enough slack can be removed by pulling the string tight by hand, wrapping clockwise around the anchoring screw and tightening the screw. When done in this manner, there is almost twice as much movement available than would be necessary for the fingers to raise the strings to pitch. There's no need for any tool other than a Phillips screwdriver and a wire cutter.

We have a sheet describing this procedure that we include with every new keyless steel, which is also posted on our website as the link above refers to.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us with any problems or questions.

Gene,

Thank you very much for responding to my question. As long as you are reading these posts, can I get replacement screws from GFI or should I go to the local hardware store. If I do that, I presume I would take one off the guitar so that it can be matched?

Thanks

Joe


Joe

James Q! I love it. Great idea.

Thanks Gene, I read your directions (wow, what made me do that?) before I changed strings the first time and I've had no problem whatsoever. I marvel at your keyless design. Truly ingenious. I am forever spoiled. This guitar feels like an extension of my body. Incredibly natural; and the sustain is just about infinite. Great guitar.

The screw we use is a 6-32 x 5/16" Phillips pan head machine screw. We have them here and can send you some, just e-mail or call us. Or as mentioned, most any hardware store would probably also have them. A 3/8" long screw will also fit if you have trouble finding 5/16".

We appreciate the kind comments.