Friction vs Geared vs Planetary Tuners for Ukulele

[@floydLmiller]

Yes, that helps. Thanks. I recently filed down the bridge saddle on the baritone ukulele at got in 1963 so it plays much nicer with the strings a bit closer to the fret board. (don't know what took me so long). But now I realize the other problem is the friction tuners that I can either make too tight to easily adjust or to loose to stay in tune. I'm getting a set of geared tuners and will then have to ream out the holes in the head stock quite a bit for their collars or bushings because the original tuners don't have a collar, just the metal post binding against the wood of the head stock.. Wish me 4 bits of luck.

[@audreygiamlayhoon]

Thanks - once again. Learnt a lot!

[@karenjones1687]

Thanks ! :-)

[@faytheweber8578]

a close up of the tuners would help a lot! Can't tell one from the other.

[@K750Ric]

I know this is about a year old video, but was wondering where you guys place Graphtech Tune-a-lele tuners.. the look like planetary tuners but are made of resin or plastic that makes them lighter.. what are your experience with them? I bought a set for my Ohana SK30L which has Grover open gear tuners (work well as is).. thanks for very informative videos.

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

I like them. They don't feel as sturdy as the Gotohs but at a fraction of the price that's to be expected... I think they work great on Sopranos and Concerts though. They are a bit too springy for me on Tenors and Baritones with the longer scale. How do you find them on the Ohana?

[@K750Ric]

Southern Ukulele Store , I just ordered them and waiting on delivery.. I’m still on the fence if I will install them or not, I hear that the tuner holes will need to be slightly larger to accommodate them. Thanks for reply. I will definitely update when I get them or if I do install them.

[@michaelrmcornejo]

@@K750Ric update? Did you install?

[@michaelrmcornejo]

Not very keen on enlarging the holes if I have to. Unless it’s gotoh.

[@K750Ric]

@@michaelrmcornejo , as of now I am not changing the Grover tuners as they work fine as is... except for the neck dive.. don't use straps

[@bhelleconcepcion5576]

I had ukulele with friction trying to tune but i broke it and when i spin the tuner the tuner spins back

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

If you hold the button in place and then tighten the screw it should hold. Or get a new screw.

[@CarlieBarr-n8g]

Can you easily switch from a friction tuner to a geared tuner?

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

It depends on the measurements

[@smbate]

Is there a good brand of enclosed geared tuners? The unbranded one's that came on my uke aren't very good but I've searched and can't find any brand name replacements. In the alternative, is there any way to convert to the unenclosed style like grover's? I realize they have two mounting screws instead of one. I can find those but not the enclosed. Thanks

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

If closed back is your preference then I recommend buying a set of guitar Grover Mini-Rotomatics They are the tuners many builders use on high end ukuleles as they have a small footprint and need no modification to fit your average ukulele headstock. Good luck

[@davidbaird1898]

Would planetary tuners fit all paddle head ukuleles? I am considering pimping my Martin S1

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

They would work but I recommend using the measurements for the tuners on our website as a reference against your particular uke to be certain if you need UPT or UPTL.

[@joecruz6237]

Would you have a video on how to tighten gear tuners? Thanks.

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

There isn't really much you can do. If there is a visible screw by the cog then tighten it up with a screwdriver... If the tuner has a closed encased back then you probably can't do anything about it. Send some photos to [e-mail] and il confirm.

[@joecruz6237]

@@SouthernUkuleleStore There is a visible screw. So if I turn it, it should either tighten or loosen the tension?

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

No, they will tighten the cog of the tuner. If a tuner isn't holding the tuning very well then it's either not very good or the string isn't settled.

[@joecruz6237]

@@SouthernUkuleleStore what is the cog of the tuner? Should I just buy some new tuners? This is for a soprano Cordoba. 20SM. Should I get the same tuners?

[@SouthernUkuleleStore]

The cog is the wheel bit that turns. My last explanation was really good so I'm not sure what else you want me to add to it buddy? It's a cheap but half decent uke. If it's slipping out of tune a lot i definitely wouldn't waste money getting the same tuners- buying the same ones is going to give you the same result that you currently have. If you think there is something wrong with the machine head then take it to your local guitar shop or wherever you got it from and ask them to look at it. If you were going to spend money replacing them; I would try a new set of strings first and give them a week to settle in. Other than that, I don't know how I can help you any more with this without seeing the instrument and having you show me why you think something needs tightening up. 👍 Good luck Joe.