Graphtech tune-a-lele durability

[Joe Strummer]

I have a couple instruments with these tuning machines. I was not bothered by their aesthetics, and I liked their functionality. However, one of the tuning machines has started slipping after 1 year and 3 months. You can see the knob turn by itself after you try to tune the string. This really makes my question the durability of the whole set.

I’m not sure why they keep trying to reinvent tuning machines. The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

 

[man0a]

I have read that the earliest versions (from 4 or 5 years ago) of the Graphtech tuners were not sturdy enough. They've gotten a lot better since then.

 

[KohanMike]

...and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side...

I say the same thing. My adage is, "form follows function" meaning the look is less important than how it works.

 

[pondweed]

just email them. I can't see they aren't going to replace it for you as they comparatively cheap things...
I love mine.

 

[WebParrot (s2)]

++1 to @pondweed....
Contact the Graphtech folks. They know about the first-run failures and have shown willingness to replace. I have two 'starter' sopranos on which I used these to replace the (cheap) ears. Very pleased with form AND function.

 

[Joe Strummer]

I tried emailing them but no response yet. I tried contacting Martin and was referred to a repair shop an hour away, and they said it probably wasn’t covered under warranty. I’ve already ordered a set, and I’ll replace it myself. It’s just less hassle and delay this way.

One of the tuners on my Koaloha also seized up recently, and I’ve been waiting 2 weeks for them to send me the part. I’m getting pretty frustrated with not being able to play my favorite tenor or my backup. It’s a good thing I have UAS, so my backup has a backup, but I feel like I need a better backup now.

 

[WebParrot (s2)]

I tried emailing them but no response yet. I tried contacting Martin and was referred to a repair shop an hour away, and they said it probably wasn’t covered under warranty. I’ve already ordered a set, and I’ll replace it myself. It’s just less hassle and delay this way.

One of the tuners on my Koaloha also seized up recently, and I’ve been waiting 2 weeks for them to send me the part. I’m getting pretty frustrated with not being able to play my favorite tenor or my backup. It’s a good thing I have UAS, so my backup has a backup, but I feel like I need a better backup now.

If it's any consolation, my dealings with KoAloha' on replacement parts (one tuner, extra nuts, saddle, and strings) has been satisfying. Very accommodating and was reasonably timed. And if you don't hear from Graphtech in 3-4 business days, give a second try. When looking for a specific nut replacement/size, I followed up with an email that included confirmation of my call, along with my phone number and address. Think of anything that would make it easier for them to help out their customer

 

[gustophersmob]

I have a couple instruments with these tuning machines. I was not bothered by their aesthetics, and I liked their functionality. However, one of the tuning machines has started slipping after 1 year and 3 months. You can see the knob turn by itself after you try to tune the string. This really makes my question the durability of the whole set.

I’m not sure why they keep trying to reinvent tuning machines. The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

I don't know that they are necessarily reinventing anything. Planetary tuners have been around for a long time now. It seems like more of a refinement process to make them more suitable for certain applications.

For me aesthetics play a role, and I do not like the tuners sticking out on the side for soprano and concert sized instruments. Functionally, geared tuners are exceedingly heavy, especially the enclosed ones, and I find they throw off the balance of sopranos.

While I personally do not find friction pegs all that fiddly, I understand the desire for something better and easier to use. I think the Gotoh UPTs have become the gold standard for uke in this area. They are heavier than friction pegs, but not as heavy as geared. Plus they don't look too out of place, IMO.

I think the Graphtech ones are less attractive, but they certainly solve the functional issues of friction and geared tuners (stability and weight, respectively) at a low cost. As others have said, I believe they made some changes to them to help with durability issues, so hopefully your problems would be addressed with a new set.

 

[rhiggie]

I have a couple instruments with these tuning machines. I was not bothered by their aesthetics, and I liked their functionality. However, one of the tuning machines has started slipping after 1 year and 3 months. You can see the knob turn by itself after you try to tune the string. This really makes my question the durability of the whole set.

I’m not sure why they keep trying to reinvent tuning machines. The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

As for different tuners, it's a style. Small headstocks can look overloaded with "ears". Some large headstocks look sleeker with rear mounts. Similar to various bridge styles are part of the look (and some more functional or easier to use than others)

 

[BigJackBrass]

The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side

Well, I agree that they're cheap at least…

 

[Tom51251]

I have them on two of my ukuleles, an Opio concert, and a LoPrinzi Soprano. I find that they are very durable with precise tuning. I like them much better than the peg head tuners on my Collings UT1. My personal opinion is that they are comparable to UPTs for half the price.

 

[EDW]

I’m not sure why they keep trying to reinvent tuning machines. The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

FWIW- I have no problem with friction tuners and hate the look of "ears" sticking out of the headstock. At the same time, I understand that many people like those gears and have not issue with the aesthetics. Whatever works!

That said, I have not used the Graphtechs, but have heard of enough issues that it would probably make me wary.

 

[Tom51251]

FWIW- I have no problem with friction tuners and hate the look of "ears" sticking out of the headstock. At the same time, I understand that many people like those gears and have not issue with the aesthetics. Whatever works!

That said, I have not used the Graphtechs, but have heard of enough issues that it would probably make me wary.

I find that they are very dependable. No need to be weary of them. I have had them on my ukuleles for several years and have had no problem. One may dislike the look, but functionally they are as good as any of the others on the market.

 

[Neil_O]

wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

Weight could be a reason on lightly built sops.

 

[EDW]

I find that they are very dependable. No need to be weary of them. I have had them on my ukuleles for several years and have had no problem. One may dislike the look, but functionally they are as good as any of the others on the market.

good to know!

 

[Tiger Camo]

I've only had my Graphtech-equipped uke for a couple weeks, so I can't speak to durability, but functionally I like them every bit as much as the Gotohs. The latter has a bit of an edge in terms of aesthetics, but I find it best not to be overly fussy about these things. The uke they came with is the best damn thing I've ever laid hands on.

 

[Blank Williams]

I have a couple instruments with these tuning machines. I was not bothered by their aesthetics, and I liked their functionality. However, one of the tuning machines has started slipping after 1 year and 3 months. You can see the knob turn by itself after you try to tune the string. This really makes my question the durability of the whole set.

I’m not sure why they keep trying to reinvent tuning machines. The Grover geared tuners work great, they are easier to use than friction tuners, they’re cheap, and there’s nothing wrong with the knobs sticking out to the side. Why use anything else?

The exact same thing happened to me. Although I had it tuned up a half step. After about a year after install one of the tuners visibly started slipping. I know have it tuned down a half step and it’s holding just fine. They’re pretty inexpensive and made of plastic so I’m not too upset about it, but I would be hesitant about recommending them.

 

[spongeuke]

I used them on no-name very old (100?) sopranos. The ukuleles are much lighter than the post 1950s sopranos. The peg lightness is almost equal to a wooden peg, which I don't mind if it can be fitted correctly, but some require an upgrade then a Graphtech is my choice.

 

[Ukecaster]

They did have some problems with tuner failure early on (one of my tuner posts snapped off), but I have 2 ukes with them, (one for 3 years) and they work very well.

 

[Joe Strummer]

Good news, Martin is sending me some replacement parts. I took apart the defective tuning machine. It is subtle, but it looks like a couple of the cogs are worn down slightly smaller than the others. Once you get the string up to tune, any adjustments are small, and the gear mostly makes contact with 2-3 cogs for an extended time. I think this causes the cogs to wear out unevenly. Maybe there was an issue with the plastic being weaker in the first runs, too.