tuning issues with the kluson tulip tuners on the lp

[Sgt.]

Kluson tulip style tuners on the Les Paul Studio model

 

The stock tuners (Kluson tulip style) on my 2011 LP Studio don't stay in tune when the environment is hot, like eighty degrees. They seem to tune better at around room temperature. I use nutsauce, but maybe next time I change the strings (Fender pure nickel bullets) I won't use it to see if that helps the guitar stay in tune. Of course it does need tuning after multiple string bends. I notice as the temperature in the room changes with seasons, my guitars either go flat or sharp and need to be tuned up before playing anyway because the wood expands with heat and contracts with cold.

I believe that the wood needs time to settle on a new guitar and that the tuning issues will resolve with age on the guitar. It is not my opinion that the Klusons are inferior tuners, like why did Gibson use them! I like the look and feel, even though as per design I always find it awkward underhand to tune the G string, feel wise, I have to grab at edges of the tuner.

Has any company ever made ergonomic tuners, with say round knob style, knurled metal tuners? Neat idea or flawed?

I can perceive that a knob would be easier to turn and manipulate than the flat Kluson tulip style. Huh? Eh? Why not balls!

 

I've seen, heard, and talked to people with the studio lp who have upgraded to metal grover tuners, whether they feel it necessary to address tunability by changing tuners on a new lp with stock klusons is up to the owner.

 

Oh, and I want to ask anyone who would know, are the small holes in the metal case of the kluson tuner meant for lubricating the tuner? What do you use to lube a tuner, and is there a how often you do it, or overlubing?

I just wondered as a matter of regular maintanence to keep the guitar operating at optimum performance.

[goldtop1]

Kluson tulip style tuners on the Les Paul Studio model

 

The stock tuners (Kluson tulip style) on my 2011 LP Studio don't stay in tune when the environment is hot, like eighty degrees. They seem to tune better at around room temperature. I use nutsauce, but maybe next time I change the strings (Fender pure nickel bullets) I won't use it to see if that helps the guitar stay in tune. Of course it does need tuning after multiple string bends. I notice as the temperature in the room changes with seasons, my guitars either go flat or sharp and need to be tuned up before playing anyway because the wood expands with heat and contracts with cold.

I believe that the wood needs time to settle on a new guitar and that the tuning issues will resolve with age on the guitar. It is not my opinion that the Klusons are inferior tuners, like why did Gibson use them! I like the look and feel, even though as per design I always find it awkward underhand to tune the G string, feel wise, I have to grab at edges of the tuner.

Has any company ever made ergonomic tuners, with say round knob style, knurled metal tuners? Neat idea or flawed?

I can perceive that a knob would be easier to turn and manipulate than the flat Kluson tulip style. Huh? Eh? Why not balls!

 

I've seen, heard, and talked to people with the studio lp who have upgraded to metal grover tuners, whether they feel it necessary to address tunability by changing tuners on a new lp with stock klusons is up to the owner.

 

Oh, and I want to ask anyone who would know, are the small holes in the metal case of the kluson tuner meant for lubricating the tuner? What do you use to lube a tuner, and is there a how often you do it, or overlubing?

I just wondered as a matter of regular maintanence to keep the guitar operating at optimum performance.

Are you stretching your strings after putting them on the guitar? Usually I like to stretch the strings at the 12th just to tighten em up a little.

[CowboyBillyBob1]

Kluson tulip style tuners on the Les Paul Studio model

 

The stock tuners (Kluson tulip style) on my 2011 LP Studio don't stay in tune when the environment is hot, like eighty degrees.

 

 

I want to ask anyone who would know, are the small holes in the metal case of the kluson tuner meant for lubricating the tuner? What do you use to lube a tuner, and is there a how often you do it, or overlubing?

I just wondered as a matter of regular maintanence to keep the guitar operating at optimum performance.

 

The hole in the back is for lubrication but you will never need to do that. Unles of course you burried the guitar in the sand.

 

I have that style of tuner on a 25 year old Strat and no lube is needed.

As far as staying in tune I can say two things. Your nut must be cut correctly to prevent the strings from binding. Some lube here might help. Big Bends Nut Sauce works well.

 

With wild temperature and humidity changes there are bound to be issues with strings stretching or shrinking. Just a tiny bit will be noticable. The humidity can also make the guitar itself compromised.

 

The better you can control the environment your guitars are in the less problems you will encounter.

[RainboGuy]

Typically, and rarely, it's not the tuners that cause tuning problems, but more often, its the nut or the saddles.

 

And sometimes, its the way you wrap your strings and anchor them around the post.

 

You learn these things over time and eliminate them. And yes, temperature and humidity and climate changes WILL effect guitars.........its something you just have to tinker with.....