"spinning" tuning button collings mt

**prairiegirl** · Mar-30-2008, 12:16pm

Hello There, I have been searching all over the net for information on how to fix my tuning button! #I bought my Collings MT new in December 2007 and just this weekend while away for some R&R and jamming, the inner G string tuning button just began to spin when I attempted to adjust the string's pitch. #ARGH! #

Judging by the resources available on-line, I believe the tuners on my Collings MT are Gotoh & have screws at the end of each of the pegs. #I removed the screw from the tuning button & removed the “spinning” button from the shaft. #When I took the button off I discovered that the “collar” of the button is part of an inner plastic piece that fits over the two flats round shaft. #

When the button has become disengaged from that inner plastic piece (as the one on my mandolin has) I can easily see the fit between the inner piece and button is not a smooth fit or one that has flats to create a firmer hold. #It looks to me that a fair bit of space is present between the inner plastic piece covering the metal shaft & the button itself. #I wonder if there is a reason it’s designed like that? #

The only place I was able to come up with information related to what I am experiencing with my Collings MT was here at Mandolin Cafe's forum. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin....d+spin%

Do I repair this problem just as the poster sboneill did? #Is there a particular type or brand of epoxy I should use? #Should I be concerned with “filling in” the gaps that appear between the inner plastic shaft cover & button in order to maximize the contact between the two pieces?

I'm quite upset this has happened as I've been so kind to the Collings & we are at such an early stage in our relationship! #Any advice on how to deal with getting the MT back up to a fully tuned 8 stringed instrument is SO very much appreciated!

**billhay4** · Mar-30-2008, 2:22pm

If you want to repair it yourself for a quick return to playing, I'd glue it back on with an appropriate glue for the plastic.
If you want it perfect, let Collins replace it. I'm sure they will honor any warranty on it; they are a fine company.
Bill

**prairiegirl** · Apr-03-2008, 11:02am

Thank you for your response. Since I last posted, I contacted the dealer who sold me the mandolin and asked for his advice. He is going to send me a replacement tuning button and let Collings know about the problem. Yeah, I can't wait to play my mandolin once again!

**mandopete** · Apr-03-2008, 12:12pm

I have the same problem with my MF-5 (purchased new in 2003), but I've been just too plain lazy to let either the dealer (Mass Street Music) or Collings know about it.

The mandolin came with cheap Gotoh tuners and I understand that Collings is now putting something better on the MF-5's.

I've been able to survive by actually pulling the button up (away from the headstock) and that stops it from spinning.

**Jim Hilburn** · Apr-03-2008, 12:38pm

I just had to deal with a replacement set of Gotoh's on one of my recent mandolins that had some kind of tuner button issue. The replacements were sent directly to the buyer though and I never saw them.
Something to do with the button screw being cross threaded and impossible to move.

**Jim Hilburn** · Apr-03-2008, 12:39pm

Pete, just get you a set of those Waverly's. That will solve the problem!

**mandopete** · Apr-03-2008, 8:42pm

Jim, you gonna lend the $500?

**prairiegirl** · Apr-10-2008, 11:47pm

Received my replacement button via the post, removed the screw and the "spinning" button, put the replacement on, and it's now as good as new. #I don't understand the design that Gotoh uses on these tuners. #Why the "inner sleeve" that must be glued to the button or the spinning will occur. #If they just made the button itself to fit the metal shaft this problem could be avoided. #Strange. #Sounds like from some of the posters experiences that Gotohs are not the best tuning pegs out there.

If it happens again I will investigate replacing the buttons or pegs altogether.