While changing strings on my CJ tonight I noticed my low E tuning machine was loose. Very loose. As in moving around on the back of the peghead loose. Got out my trusty mini screwdriver and tightened securely. Checked all the others and the high e was somewhat loose too (though not as loose as the low E).

This guitar is 2 years old. I bought it used and have had it for about 6 months now. Since day 1 I thought the low E was a little muddy for a Collings. I attributed it to needing to open up. Well, it must have been almost entirely due to the loose tuner. The bass is there now, baby! Crisp, clear and well defined just like you'd expect on a Collings.

Collings have had different tuners- my CW came stock with Gotoh Kluson copies. I have had in the shop, or heard reports of, several guitars recently with loose Waverly bushings. The shaft screw will back out when you loosen the strings. I've been backing them out and putting a small drop of Loctite on them before running them back in.

Your experience with the improved bass just goes to show you what effect the tuner has on the overall sound.

Bryan Kimsey
http://www.bryankimsey.com

I'd never heard that tuners make a difference in sound. Makes sense though. My waverlys have been a dream compared to everything else I've ever used. My guitar stays perfectly in tune for weeks through humidity and temp changes.

_________________________
"Get yo' praise on"

2002 Collings CJ Sunburst

Waverlies do make the guitar sound a bit better to my ear over, say, the Martin waverly type copies that come on their vintage series guitars. Don't know why...

Tres