One of my G string tuners isn't working properly. When I try to tune down, the tuning post suddenly goes loose - no tension on it - then, after half a turn or more, some tension returns to the post and the tuning on the string drops by a large margin all at once.
When the tension disappears, the whole tuning post is shaky - and the screw holding the tuner button is loose. When I tighten that screw, things improve - only for the same problem to crop up after one or two tunings.
Since this is affecting only one string, at first I wondered if perhaps the nut slot was too tight on that string, gripping the string and preventing it from tuning down - then suddenly letting go when the string tension was more powerful than the grip of the nut slot. I'm not convinced that that isn't still at least part of the problem, but wonder if the working of the tuner post is also flawed or worn in some way.
The latest development is that the tuner will sometimes not deliver the tension necessary to tune up to pitch. It gets close to the correct pitch, but from that point spins its wheels, the tuner button rotating, but the string no longer gaining tension or rising in pitch. When I tighten up the screws again, I regain the ability to tune it to pitch.
What do the experts think? A faulty or damaged tuner - or an adjustment issue (nut slot? tuner screws?) If it IS an adjustment problem, I need to get this sorted out myself, because I live a couple of continents away from any luthier with knowledge of mandolin tuners.
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