Ukelectik

Tuners on back of ukulele headstock

Tuning up Tuners… Pegs… Machines?

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by

Magda
in , , ,

As promised, I am going to walk you through the simple process of changing ukulele tuners, also called tuning pegs, also called machine heads. Basically, the pegs on the head of the ukulele where you tie one end of each string and wind it until it’s in tune. You know what I mean…

Back of headstock showing rusted tuning pegs next to package of replacement Grover tuners.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the tuning pegs on one of my ukes rusted and looked awful against the beautiful ukulele. I purchased the exact same set of Grover tuners to replace them with. Sweetwater’s prices were the best I could find for this model and brand. (I am not sponsored.)

I learned how to install tuners at a workshop several years ago given by U-SPACE and led by Daniel Flores. We spent a day building a soprano ukulele from a kit. It was great fun and I learned a lot about how the instruments are built and how to maintain them in good working order. I wish they would host more of these sessions.

Here is the basic process for replacing the pegs.

Tools required:

  • Small Philips Head screwdriver
  • Rags
  • Small ramekins or small container(s) for each tuner
  • Towels for placing and protecting the ukulele
  • Painters tape or low tack paper tape
  • Replacement strings (and clippers, etc. to install them)

If you are changing to a different type of tuner, additional reamers, sand paper, files, and specialized tools might be needed to adjust them to the existing holes. I will not be covering that here. Perhaps in a more advanced post I will share that process.

Steps:


(See instructions for each step below)

  1. Make sure your workspace, tools and ukulele are in place. This includes containers to keep all the parts organized while you work.
  2. Remove the strings and tape down the saddle on the bridge so you don’t lose it.
  3. Remove the old tuning pegs.
  4. Clean the old holes and inspect the headstock for damage.
  5. Replace each set of pegs one at a time.
    Inspect the pegs to ensure everything is straight and clean.
  6. Replace strings and tune the instrument.
  7. Make adjustments to the tuning pegs if needed.

NOTE: I shot a few videos in addition to the photo documentation for this process. I usually listen to podcasts when doing this type of work. That’s what you hear in the background.

Step 1

I use small ramekins or little plastic sauce containers to hold each set of tuning pegs as I either remove or install them. The rest of my layout is pretty simple. My kitchen table serves as my DIY workbench.

Plastic containers after pegs have been removed and before new ones are installed. Each saucer contains all the parts for 1 tuner.

Step 2

Remove the strings. After doing this, tape down the saddle so you don’t lose it. Alternatively, use another container to keep it safe.

Step 3

Remove the old tuning pegs carefully. Collect all the parts and place them in the small dish as soon as they are removed.

The housing shafts on the front of the headstock also need to be removed.

As I finished removing these, I noticed that one of them had the shaft wrapped with blue painter’s tape. This was because the hole was probably slightly larger than the shaft. When I installed the new set of tuners, I also had to wrap each one with tape to hold it tightly in place. I actually learned how to do this during the workshop I attended, so this wasn’t a surprise when I saw it. It’s an easy way to make adjustments.

Step 4

Inspect and clean the headstock after removing the pegs. This would be a good time to get the replacement tuners organized in sets using 4 small containers, if you haven’t already done this.

Step 5

Replace each set of pegs one at a time. First you will need to insert the shaft of the peg into the front of the head (faceplate). Determine if you will need to wrap it in tape like I needed to.

Apologies for shaking video. One-handed installation isn’t so easy.

Once the shaft is secure, turn the ukulele over and carefully attach the new tuning mechanism using the 2 screws over the existing holes. Make sure everything is aligned and straight as you go.

Completed installation before final cleanup.

Step 6

Replace strings and tune the instrument. In my case I used Uke Logic Low Gs. As you are restring the ukulele make sure the tuning pegs are stable and not slipping.

Step 7

Make adjustments to the tuning pegs if needed. If the ukulele is not holding tune look at the tuner for the string to see if it starts to slip once you get it up to tune. In my case the tuning pegs were holding everything in place and no adjustment was needed.

If you find that isn’t the case for you, the tuner can be tightened by using a Philips Head screwdriver to gradually turn the adjustment screw (circled in red) clockwise. ONLY TURN IT A TINY FRACTION OF AT A TIME. Then, test before tightening some more if needed. Do not over-tighten it as this can strip the tuning mechanism.

Adjustment screws are circled. Only adjust if needed.

The entire process took about an hour including changing the strings. If you are changing to a completely different brand or style of tuner, it will take longer. In those cases you will probably need to modify the headstock with wood filler or additional filing. It might be better to have that handled by a professional, especially if it’s an expensive instrument.

That’s it for now. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or have another way of doing this.