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Problems with sperzel tuners

Orpheo

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I bought a set of sperzel tuners, and I keep on breaking strings like CRAZY with these tuners! Always on the peg, not on the saddle or in the middle, but on the peg.

a: am I doing something wrong with stringing it up? I try to keep it just 'tight' and not to over-tighten the unit.
b: is something wrong with the tunerpeg itself? I can't figure out if it's a tuner-problem or if it's got something to do with the clamping-system. is it possible that there's a sharp edge on the tuner or something?

It broke with 4 types of strings: ernie ball's, d'addario's, GHS boomers and peavey-strings. It's even getting so annoying that I'm thinking about getting rid of them, and installing non-locking tuners, preferably gotoh's.
 
:icon_scratch:

That's a real head scratcher. I have them on several guitars and don't have this problem.

Is this a new set you just bought or is this a set you've had for a while that just developed the problem?
Either you have a sharp edges on all six, which is...possible...or something with your method is weakening the strings.
I've been using them for a while and I just open up the post, pull the string through and without bending it or doing anything to it at all really, I just tighten the lock as you have mentioned.
In other words, the first time the string bends is when I am tuning it.

Are you "pre bending" the string to give it a kink? That's all I got :sad1:
If you aren't, then...I dunno...
 
That's really strange.  Aside from installation issues, I'd call Sperzel and try for a warranty replacement set first.
 
That's really odd.  I've never had this issue.  I don't think I've even broken a string on a guitar with Sperzels (I have probably 8).  They get old and funky before they break. 

-Mark
 
I'm currious about a few things,    are these locking tuners? if so how tight are you turning the lock on the string?  Too tight I would guess


                                                If non locking, how are you wrapping the string on the post?
 
When stringing up Sperzels, you don't need to crank down the locking mechanism.  I screw mine finger tight, then use a rag of something to give it maybe another 8th turn.  I used to do it just finger tight, but when playing at volume, the vibrations would make the low E screw come undone (not good).  Any tighter than that, and they'll snap like a teenage girl's spaghetti strap on prom night, at the most inopportune moment.  Mine always seemed to brake right in the middle of a really expressive bend or vibrato.

Of cou
 
I'm a non-native English speaker, so I'm not too familiar with the term 'finger tight'. as tight as you can get it with just fingers, or as tight before you encounter resistance?  :doh:
 
Orpheo said:
I'm a non-native English speaker, so I'm not too familiar with the term 'finger tight'. as tight as you can get it with just fingers, or as tight before you encounter resistance?  :doh:

As tight as you can get with your fingers.


I'm scratching my head too.  I have sperzels on 3 guitars and never break strings up there.
It's just never happened.
I use 10's, are you using a really light gauge or something?
I'm grasping at straws.
 
Orpheo said:
I'm a non-native English speaker, so I'm not too familiar with the term 'finger tight'. as tight as you can get it with just fingers, or as tight before you encounter resistance?  :doh:

off topic but I would have never know...with your use of the english language I thought you were an american living abroad

as for the tuners I have them and haven't broken any strings yet you made have gotten a bad run.
 
ocguy106 said:
Orpheo said:
I'm a non-native English speaker, so I'm not too familiar with the term 'finger tight'. as tight as you can get it with just fingers, or as tight before you encounter resistance?  :doh:

off topic but I would have never know...with your use of the english language I thought you were an american living abroad

as for the tuners I have them and haven't broken any strings yet you made have gotten a bad run.

Thanks! I consider that a huge compliment :P All those years of watching Star Trek have finally paid off :D

If I do it as tight as I can get it with fingers, I break the strings directly, with the first chord I play :P
 
Orpheo said:
If I do it as tight as I can get it with fingers, I break the strings directly, with the first chord I play :P

That definitely doesn't sound right.
I think you got a bad set, there must be a sharp spot or something.
You may be able to take them apart and identify/remedy the situation.

James
 
The only problem I've ever had with Sperzel locking tuners is when I accidently loosen the lock too far and it jams.

The only time I've had string break is when I set up a guitar and constantly adjust the string tension (especially on a neck with the side adjuster).
 
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